Dearborn Public Schools Virtual K-12 students participate in their high school graduation June 6. The district is expanding school-of-choice to allow other Wayne County students in grades kindergarten to 12 to enroll in Virtual K-12.
DEARBORN — Wayne County parents interested in virtual school for their children are now allowed to enroll students from kindergarten through high school into Dearborn Public Schools Virtual K-12.
Students will be accepted for the 2023-24 school year as staffing allows.
For the just completed school year, the district allowed elementary students who lived outside of the district but still in Wayne County to enroll in the virtual school. On June 19, the school board approved opening up the school for grades kindergarten through 12th grade for students who live outside of the district.
Except for the Henry Ford Early College, other schools in Dearborn Public Schools are not open to students outside of the district because of limited building space.
Dearborn Public Schools Virtual K-12 just completed its second year. The school launched in the fall of 2021 to serve students and parents who discovered during the pandemic that they preferred remote learning. VK-12 provides online-only education for students in grades kindergarten through high school.
Students still must reside with a parent or legal guardian within Wayne County to enroll in the school. Parents considering enrolling their child in the virtual school may explore the VK-12 website, including the frequently asked questions, expectations, and self-assessment tabs to see if the child and parent are ready for virtual learning.
Students enrolled in Virtual K-12 learn in live, online lessons with a Dearborn Public Schools teacher following the district’s curriculum. Students can also participate in special classes including gym, music and art. High school students have access to dual enrollment options at Henry Ford College, Henry Ford Collegiate Academy and Advanced Placement classes. Some specialized high school classes are asynchronous courses taught by out-of-district staff.
Parents will be asked periodically to go to Dearborn to pick up supplies, and students will be required to come in for district and state-required assessments. Online, after school clubs are also available to students at all grade levels.
Out-of-district parents interested in enrolling their child may visit the DPS Virtual School website and complete the interest form. The school secretary will contact the parents regarding the next steps. Parents also can contact the DPS Virtual K-12 office at 313-827-8405.
“After two successful years, we are glad to be able to open our program to other Wayne County students who could thrive in a virtual learning environment,” Virtual K-12 Principal Shannon Peterson said. “If staffing permits, we would be delighted to welcome new students to Virtual K-12, where we truly make school your home.”