Full Time 6-12 Catalog

Virtual Academy Course Catalog

6th - 8th grade students are required to take 7 total courses: 4 core courses + 3 electives

9th - 12th grade students are required to take 8 total courses: graduation requirements + electives.  Students work closely with a counselor to determine schedules.

For all courses, theses courses require the same level of commitment from you as a traditional classroom course. Throughout the course, you are expected to spend approximately 5–7 hours per week online on:

• Interactive lessons that include a mixture of instructional videos and tasks
• Assignments in which you apply and extend learning in each lesson
• Assessments, including quizzes, tests, and cumulative exams

Communication: Your teacher will communicate with you regularly through discussions, email, chat, and system announcements. You will also communicate with classmates during online discussion boards, hands-on science labs, writer's workshop, and presentations.

Math

• Math 6
• Math 7
• Math 8
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra I*
• Geometry*
• Algebra II*
• Pre-Calculus
• Trigonometry
• Math Models & Applications
• Financial Math

Social Studies

• MS Government and World Cultures
• MS U.S. History
• MS World History
• HS World History*
• HS US History*
• Economics* (.5 cr)
• Civics* (.5 cr)

Language Arts

• Language Arts 6
• Language Arts 7
• Language Arts 8
• Language Arts 9*
• Language Arts 10*
• Language Arts 11*
• Language Arts 12* (.5 cr)
• Introduction to Speech (.5 cr)
• Literacy and Comprehension I
• Literacy and Comprehension II

Science

• MS Physical Science
• MS Integraded Science
• ​MS Life Science
• Earth Science*
• Physical Science
• Biology*
• Chemistry*
• Physics*

Electives

• Health* (.5 cr)
• Lifetime Fitness* (.5 cr)
• Psychology (.5 cr)
• Sociology (.5 cr)
• Career Explorations (.5 cr)
• Career Planning and Development (1 cr)
• Strategies for Academic Success (.5 cr)
• Introduction to Art (.5 cr)
• Art History (.5 cr)
• SAT Prep (.5 cr)
• Entrepreneurship (.5)
• Microsoft Office Specialist (.5)
• Medical Terminology (.5)
• Nursing Assistant A and B (.5 each)

World Languages*

• French
• German
• Spanish

*Required for Graduation

• MS Students are eligible for three (3) Parent Partnership Elective Community Classes.
• HS Students are eligible for two (2) Parent Partnership Elective Community Classes.
• Dual Enrollment may not count as a Parent Partnership course, it only counts as part of the Virtual Academy regular schedule in which 1 college course = 2 high school courses.

These courses are more independent in nature and interact strictly with online teachers.  They have daily or weekly assignment deadlines.  Michigan Virtual courses are similar in design to online college courses.

Students must have completed one semester of the Virtual Academy in order to access these courses.  Students must have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA and have demonstrated the ability to stay current in online courses in their time at the Virtual Academy.  Some courses may also have individual prerequisites.  

Math

• Geometry*
• Algebra II*
• Pre-Calculus
• Calculus
• Probability and Statistics
• Personal Finance

Social Studies

• Civics* (.5 cr)
• Economics* (.5 cr)
• Global Issues and Perspectives
• Native American History
• US History*
• World History

Language Arts

• English 11: British Literature
• Composition

World Languages*

• French
• German
• Japanese
• Latin
• Spanish
• Sign Language    

Science

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Astronomy
• Biology*
• Chemistry*
• Forensic Science
• Oceanography
• Physics

Electives

• Personal Fitness* (.5 cr)
• Psychology (.5 cr)
• Sociology (.5 cr)
• Art Appreciation (.5 cr)
• Music Appreciation
• Business Ethics (.5 cr)
• Entrepreneur Business Management (.5 cr)
• Entrepreneur Business Planning (.5 cr)
• Digital Imaging and Communication (.5 cr)
• Java Programming (.5 cr)
• Visual Basic.Net Programming (.5 cr)
• Web Design Basics HTML (.5 cr)
• Game Design (.5 cr)

*Required for Graduation

Parent Partnership Elective Community Classes

Face to face/project based STEM electives

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the nation’s leading provider of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs in K-12 schools. The world-class curriculum and high-quality teacher professional development model, combined with an engaged network of educators and corporate and community partners, help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in our global economy. PLTW’s success in preparing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed has been recognized by colleges and universities, Fortune 500 businesses, and numerous national organizations. The opportunities for students through PLTW are nothing short of amazing!

Project Lead The Way - More information available from the PLTW page

PLTW at Berrien Springs Public Schools- Engineering

PLTW Engineering is more than just another high school engineering program. Students apply engineering, science, math, and technology to solve complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context. Students focus on the process of defining and solving a problem, not getting the "right" answer. They learn how to apply STEM knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to make the world a better place through innovation, using industry-leading technology and software, similar to what is used in the world’s top companies. The challenging field of engineering comes alive with PLTW.

PLTW at Berrien Springs Public Schools – Biomedical Sciences

The PLTW Biomedical Sciences program is a sequence of courses following the hands-on, real-world, problem-solving approach to learning. Students explore the concepts of human medicine and are introduced to bioinformatics, including mapping and analyzing DNA. Through activities, like dissecting a heart, students examine the processes, structures and interactions of the human body, often playing the role of biomedical professionals to solve mysteries. Think CSI meets ER. They also explore the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease working collaboratively to investigate and design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century such as fighting cancer with nanotechnology.

Project Lead The Way has limited slots and there is an application process.  For more information, please see one of our team members

Students must have completed one year of the Virtual Academy and be an 11th or 12th grade student in good standing in order to access these courses.  Students must have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA and have demonstrated the ability to stay current in online courses in their time at the Virtual Academy.  Some courses may also have individual prerequisites.  Transportation is the responsibility of the student and parent. For up-to-date information visit Berrien CTE

Arts and Communication

• Dance Exploration
• Graphic Arts/Visual Imaging
• Media Communications
• Music Theory

Business Management and Marketing Technology

• Accounting/Finance
• Management Support
• Marketing
• Network Administration/CISCO
• Web Design

Engineering, Manufacturing, and Industrial Technology

• Automotive Technology
• Cabinet/Furniture Making
• Building/Construction Trades
• Drafting/Design
• Electronics
• Green Energy Fabrication
• Machine Trade and Tool Operations
• Welding and Cutting

Health Science

• Allied Health
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Pharmacy Tech
• Professional Health Careers Academy
• Sports Medicine

Human Services

• Early Childhood
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Firefighting
• Hospitality and Culinary Arts
• Teacher Cadet

Agriscience and Natural Resources

• Agriscience    

Berrien Springs Virtual Academy will pay up to $600 per course for college courses. Students may take up to ten total courses during High School. This gives students the advantage of earning college credit while attending high school. Students typically enroll in Lake Michigan College or Southwest Michigan College in order to complete some of their liberal arts core required courses.

Students must be 11th or 12th graders. They must have also successfully passed the ACCUPLACER or COMPASS test according to each college’s requirements. Students must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA and have demonstrated the ability to stay current in online courses in their time at the Virtual Academy. Some courses may also have individual prerequisites.  

Transportation is the responsibility of the student and parents. Please note that some universities do not accept credit from courses in which students earn both high school and college credit. Please see an advisor for information.

Students have the opportunity to work directly with employers during their 11th and 12th grade year in order to gain experience in their declared career pathway.

Students must have completed one year of the Virtual Academy in order to access these courses.  Students must have maintained a 2.5 GPA and have demonstrated the ability to stay current in online courses in their time at the Virtual Academy.  Transportation is the responsibility of the student and parent.