By Fiona Finchem, Staff Writer

The North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) is an online school that provides any online course you can think of including core curriculum courses plus Astronomy, Marine Science, American Sign Language, Forensics, African American Studies and Theatre Cinema and Film Production. They also have courses such as test preparation, credit recovery and Occupational Course of Study.

Students can enroll in any class provided by NCVPS, no matter where they are in North Carolina. All teachers are highly qualified, North Carolina-licensed teachers.

Once students are enrolled, grades are reported to their current high school and students receive a credit for that class. Ann Forbes is the liaison between NCVPS and First Flight High School. 

“A few of my ‘behind the scenes’ duties include registering students with NCVPS, taking attendance and entering student grades in PowerSchool. My more visible day-to-day role is to monitor COA and NCVPS student progress, communicate with NCVPS and COA parents and NCVPS teachers, and to help students with daily questions and concerns relating to their courses,” Forbes explained. “The most important thing I am here for is to support our students and make sure they have everything they need to be successful in their online courses.”

While many students at First Flight take College of the Albemarle (COA) courses, NCVPS is another option that offers interesting classes including Forensic Science, American Sign Language, Entrepreneurship, Theatre Cinema and Film Production, Astronomy and African-American Studies.

“We currently have approximately 66 students enrolled in NCVPS fall, spring and yearlong courses,” Forbes said. “Some of these students are enrolled in more than one class.”

The most popular courses taken by FFHS students are World Language classes due to NCVPS’ vast amount of options for students that want or need a World Language course.

Junior Brylie King and senior Illiana Jauregui are two of the many students who take World Language courses through NCVPS and would recommend it to their peers.

“I really like my class. My teachers have always offered me help when I need it and they have been very understanding when something comes up and needs to be turned in late,” Jauregui said. “I would definitely recommend it to other students. NCVPS allows for students to be able to learn and get the help they need without a hassle.”

Jauregui has taken two NCVPS classes – Latin I and Latin II – both World Language classes that are not offered in the regular classroom.

King also takes World Language classes through NCVPS. She took French I freshman year, French II in the summer and French III and IV her sophomore year.

“I liked my classes. I think taking NCVPS classes is nice, because I would get all my work on Monday and could pace myself for the week. I could also look back at notes if I needed to. I would definitely take another NCVPS class,” King said. “My classes were challenging but not necessarily hard, so I got through them fine. I learned a lot while taking them and my teachers were all very nice and helpful.”

Visit https://ncvps.org for more information.

Junior Fiona Finchem can be reached at 22finchemfi99@daretolearn.org