Press Release #39/June 1, 2021
The district is reminding parents they only have until June 8 if they want to transfer their students to the new Dearborn Public Schools Virtual K-12 School launching in the fall.
Virtual K-12 will provide students with an online-only education for next school year and for the years to come as long as there is enough interest to maintain the school.
Barring any unforeseen changes, the district plans to start the new school year in August with all of our students back to face-to-face learning for full days, every day. Only students enrolled in Virtual K-12 would continue to have regular online instruction.
The Virtual K-12 School will not have its own physical building, but will operate like a distinct school in the Dearborn Public family of schools. Children from kindergarten through high school will be taught by Dearborn Public School teachers following the district’s curriculum, calendar and schedule. The program is open to any students who live in the Dearborn Public Schools district.
The new Virtual K-12 School will have its own teachers, and students at all grade levels will attend classes dedicated to online students only. Students will have a full day of live lessons every day. Elective class options may be limited at the middle and high school level.
Students who transfer are committing to attending Virtual K-12 for the entire school year.
“For most students, face-to-face learning is the best option for the greatest student success,” said Superintendent Glenn Maleyko. “But Dearborn Public Schools has long prided itself on providing a variety of options so students and families can create a unique learning plan to suit their child’s needs. The new Virtual K-12 School is another way we can do that.”
The pandemic forced families to adapt to online learning, and some found learning from home to be a better fit for their families. Even as the pandemic fades, the district realizes families may have other reasons for wanting an online education for their child such as health, cultural or social concerns.
Parents interested in transferring their child into Virtual K-12 should visit the school’s website at www.vk12.dearbornschools.org to learn more. Parents can also view a video presentation about the new program. A final informational Zoom meeting has been added for 6:30 p.m. on June 3.
To start the transfer process, parents of students currently enrolled in one of the district’s 34 schools should call or visit the office of their child’s school. The secretary will take some information and then email the parent a digital form to sign confirming they want their child transferred to the new school. The confirmation form needs to be submitted by June 8 to complete the transfer process.
If students live in the Dearborn Public Schools District but currently attend an academy or private school, parents need to start by enrolling their child in the district. Visit the district’s enrollment page for more information.
The new Virtual K-12 School will require students to come in to pick up materials periodically and for state-required testing. High school students will also be required to take finals in a school building.
Virtual K-12 students agree to have their cameras on during class. Middle and high school students would still be allowed to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities at what would have been their home school in the district. Students who graduate from Virtual K-12 will still have their own special celebrations including prom, seniors honors night and graduation.
“Barring any unforeseen changes, we plan to reopen for the new school year on Aug. 30 with full time, face-to-face instruction for our students,” Dr. Maleyko said. “For parents who want their child to remain online, we encourage them to transfer to the new Dearborn Public Schools Virtual K-12 before the June 8 deadline. Because of staffing, we cannot promise to admit those who ask to transfer after the deadline.”