MCPS Virtual Academy, created after transitioning from online school during the Covid-19 pandemic back to traditional school, has seen concerningly low stats in comparison to the rest of MCPS. A study done by MCPS’s Office of Shared Accountability (OSA) in March of 2023 showed that in grades 9-12, students enrolled in online schooling had a worse GPA than their in-school counterparts. The average in-school student had a 3.44 unweighted GPA, while the online students only had a 3.04 GPA. 

The original concept for online schooling was to create a safe space for students to learn for those who learn better online or require an alternative environment. However, with the seemingly low grade point averages, parents and members of the community have raised questions about the effectiveness of the program. Dr. Jennifer Reesman, a pediatric neuropsychologist, shared her concerns with the MCPS Virtual Academy at an MCPS board meeting held on Feb. 20. She said, “Parents often tell me with regret that they trusted that the school system would tell them if something was wrong. Something is wrong.” 

Many parents place the blame squarely on attendance. The OSA study showed that in grades 9, 10, and 12, in-person school had a higher attendance rate than online schooling, though in-person attendance rates have also diminished across the county over the past few years. Attendance in grade 11 was higher online than in person. Some parents remain positive that MVA is a better model for their children to learn. Parent Patricia Wagner said, “I feel MVA as a program will benefit many children, including mine, by providing a safe space to continue their education while managing a variety of personal and social challenges.”