Virtual School

The Harlan County Public Schools (HCPS) are excited to offer a Virtual option for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Our Virtual program offers full-time online learning opportunities for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade! The virtual program was developed to accommodate students who may not be ready to return to face-to-face instruction due to coronavirus concerns and to continue to serve students of all ages who have found online learning to be a good fit during the pandemic.

Unlike other online education options, the HCPS virtual option allows students to receive instruction from a certified teacher employed in our schools, facilitates a smooth transition back to traditional schooling in HCPS, and allows graduates to still earn a diploma from Harlan County High School. Students will be supported with teachers, devices, and software provided by HCPS.

Students will receive the majority of their content delivered through an online program called Odysseyware. Odysseyware offers English, Math, Science, and Social Studies instruction for grades K-12, along with some elective opportunities for grades 9-12. A school counselor will work with students and parents to assist students with enrolling in appropriate courses. HCPS will provide a Google Chromebook (if needed) for students to use for the coursework, but families are responsible for providing reliable Internet access and a supportive environment for online learning.

Although Odysseyware is aligned to the Kentucky Academic Standards and is user-friendly, there is no replacement for a caring, classroom teacher who builds a relationship with your child. We cannot emphasize enough how important a partnership between teachers and parents is for this choice of learning. This partnership is key to success.

Teachers will provide recommendations and strategies to support students learning virtually and for parents/guardians who partner with us in this endeavor. Every effort will be made to continue providing support services to students. These will include Individual Education Plans, Gifted and Talented, Response to Intervention, 504 plans, and others. Services such as Family Resource and Youth Service Centers, GEAR Up and Save the Children will be available.

Students attending the virtual school program will receive prepackaged meals. These can be obtained through parent pick up or delivered to school bus stops. Specific details on the routes will be announced when school begins. The pick up or delivery will be once per week on Mondays. (If school is closed for a holiday or another event on Monday, the pick up or delivery will follow on Tuesday or the next day school is in session.) These will include breakfast and lunch.

School Contact Information