Is Online Learning Right for You?

Virtual I-SS Logo

Considering Online? Check-out What Students Are Saying from our Spring, 2026 Survey! 

  • 93% of students report VISS online courses in Canvas are easy to navigate
  • 92% of students report they feel VISS courses set clear learning expectations
  • 85% of students report VISS courses offer a variety of online learning tasks
  • 77% of students would recommend VISS courses to other students
  • 80% of students feel they receive timely feedback and instructor support            
 
 
Guidelines for Enrollment

Online learning is not the best option for every student. Careful consideration by parents, current teachers,  counselors, DLA’s, and administrators should occur to determine if online coursework is truly in the best interest of the student before enrolling them in an online course.  Middle and high school students should complete the Virtual I-SS Student Questionnaire  and responses should be considered before placing a student in an online course.   Students should have a reasonable opportunity for success in an online environment before placement in a course with Virtual Iredell-Statesville Schools.

There should also be a demonstrated need for flexibility in schedules before placement in a Virtual Iredell-Statesville Schools. The need for flexibility could include, but is not limited to, any of the following:

  • students are taking college courses that make it difficult to participate in the face-to-face classes that they need to graduate;
  • students are behind on credits and are taking online courses in order to catch up;
  • students are planning to graduate early;
  • students would like to participate in other educational opportunities (band, chorus, etc.) that conflict with course needs;
  • students have family needs that require that they have flexibility in scheduling in order to complete courses needed for graduation;
  • students have medical issues that prevent them from attending classes on high school campuses;
  • students have been long-term suspended and enrollment in online courses will allow us to continue to serve them;
  • students have not been successful with previous interventions intended to help them be successful in face-to-face classes.

Iredell-Statesville Schools believes face to face scheduling should always be considered first, before scheduling an online course.  Students in the traditional school setting should be enrolled in a face to face class if it is offered at the same time in their schedule as an online class would be taken. (Exceptions must be approved by the Director of Virtual I-SS.) 

At the high school level, after the 10 day drop-add period of each semester, counselors should always contact Kelly Hinson, Director of Virtual I-SS, before placing students in a Virtual Iredell-Statesville Schools online course. Decisions will then be made on a case-by-case basis based on student demonstrated need.

How to Know if Online is Right for You?
Middle and High Schoolers Can Answer The Questions and Find Out! 
This questionnaire takes fewer than 5 minutes. The student should print the document, answer the questions and share responses with their counselor.   The student should provide responses that are as honest as possible.

 

Helpful Handbook

Want to Know More About What is Expected of You Choose to Take Virtual I-SS Courses? 

Review the Handbook! 

 Handbook