Va. Picks 13 Vendors for Virtual-School Programs

Virginia education officials have approved 13 vendors that can provide online instruction to public school students.

The state Department of Education said Monday that school divisions can contract with the approved providers to expand course offerings through virtual-school programs. The list includes corporate vendors, school division-based programs and nonprofit groups.

Gov. Bob McDonnell advocated the expansion of virtual schools as part of his education agenda.

Legislation passed in 2010 required the state to set guidelines for virtual school programs in which students can learn outside a traditional classroom. It allows school divisions to use state-approved providers to offer online classes to students in multiple school divisions.

The virtual instruction would comply with Virginia's Standards of Learning and be delivered by state-licensed teachers.