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ACCESS Virtual Learning (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide) is an initiative of the Alabama State Department of Education that expands educational opportunities for students in grades 6–12 across Alabama. ACCESS provides tuition-free online courses taught by Alabama-certified teachers, including core courses, Advanced Placement (AP), Career Technical Education (CTE), electives, world languages, and credit recovery options.

All ACCESS Virtual Learning courses are delivered through the ACCESS Schoology platform. Through Schoology, students access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with teachers, and monitor their academic progress.

ACCESS courses are generally completed during the regular school day at the student's school or another school-approved location in accordance with Alabama State Department of Education guidelines. While some coursework may be completed outside of school, all tests and exams must be administered under the supervision of the student's school-assigned facilitator.

Student grades are available in the student's local PowerSchool account under "Grades from Another District."

No. ACCESS does not provide separate parent login credentials. Parents may review course content and grades using their student's ACCESS Schoology account and may monitor grades through their school’s PowerSchool in “Grades from Another District.”

Students communicate with ACCESS teachers through Schoology Messages. Students are expected to check messages regularly and respond promptly to teacher communications.

Students who fall behind should contact their ACCESS teacher, facilitator, and school counselor as soon as possible. Additional support may be available through ACCESS Success Coaches and the student's ACCESS Support Center.

Yes. Some coursework may be completed outside of school; however, all tests and exams must be completed under the supervision of the student's school-assigned facilitator.

Participating schools play an important role in supporting student success. Schools are responsible for providing students with access to technology, required course materials, and on-site facilitators. Schools also monitor student progress and follow all ACCESS and local procedures related to enrollment, withdrawals, student support, technology use, Special Populations, and other program requirements.

For additional information, refer to the ACCESS Policy Manual for Schools.

At a minimum, all ACCESS Virtual Learning teachers must meet the following requirements:

• Hold Alabama certification in the content areas they teach
• Meet state background check requirements (including fingerprinting)
• Demonstrate expertise in their subject areas
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and ACCESS Virtual Learning

ACCESS teachers are committed to providing engaging, high-quality instruction and support to students across Alabama.

No. The on-site facilitator is not required to be a certified teacher. Facilitators must be adult supervisors who have completed the required ACCESS Facilitator Training and meet any local school or district requirements for working with students in a school setting. Many schools successfully use paraprofessionals and other qualified staff members in this role.

Students follow both their local school calendar and the ACCESS Academic Calendar. Schools typically enroll students in ACCESS courses that align as closely as possible with their local academic schedule. Course start dates, enrollment deadlines, drop dates, and end dates are established by the Alabama State Department of Education and are published on the ACCESS Academic Calendar.

Participating schools may choose to end a student's ACCESS course earlier to align with local scheduling needs; however, schools may not extend ACCESS course deadlines or end dates beyond those established on the ACCESS Academic Calendar.

Students do not register directly for ACCESS Virtual Learning courses. All course enrollments must be submitted through the student's local school, typically by a school counselor or designated school representative. Students interested in taking an ACCESS course should contact their school counselor or administrator for enrollment information.

Successful online learners are typically self-motivated, organized, and willing to take responsibility for their learning. They manage their time effectively, communicate regularly, and seek help when needed.

Students who are most successful in ACCESS courses do the following:

• Stay on pace with assignments and deadlines
• Communicate with teachers and facilitators
• Demonstrate academic integrity
• Participate actively in coursework
• Adapt to new technologies and learning experiences
• Ask questions when they need assistance

A positive attitude, strong work habits, and consistent engagement are key factors in online learning success.

ACCESS students are expected to participate actively in their courses, communicate regularly with teachers and facilitators, and stay on pace with assignments and deadlines.

Student responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Participating in daily coursework and learning activities
• Reviewing lessons, updates, and teacher feedback
• Communicating through Schoology Messages
• Following course pacing guides and deadlines
• Demonstrating academic honesty and integrity
• Completing their own work
• Following all ACCESS, local school, and classroom expectations

Students who stay engaged and seek assistance when needed are more likely to be successful in their ACCESS courses.

Yes. ACCESS Virtual Learning courses can help Alabama public schools meet the needs of students transitioning between different scheduling formats, such as moving from a block schedule to a traditional seven-period day. However, it is the responsibility of the school and the student to select courses that best support the student's individual academic needs and graduation requirements.

Science courses may include both virtual labs and hands-on laboratory experiences. Hands-on labs must be supervised by a trained educator who is knowledgeable in the safe handling and use of laboratory equipment. The local school is responsible for identifying and providing a qualified lab facilitator and ensuring appropriate supervision during all hands-on lab activities.

Lab facilitation may be arranged in a variety of ways based on local school resources. In many cases, a science teacher at the school serves as the lab facilitator for students enrolled in ACCESS science courses. The lab facilitator supports the completion of required laboratory activities but is not responsible for the day-to-day instruction or management of the ACCESS course.

No. ACCESS Virtual Learning courses are provided at no cost to students enrolled in Alabama public schools in grades 6–12. Eligible non-public school students may also participate at no cost.

For information regarding non-public school participation, contact the Troy ACCESS Support Center at 334-808-6323.