6-12 VIRTUAL COURSE OFFERINGS **Click here for 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

*REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

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

*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.

VIRTUAL PLUS OFFERINGS

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 Appeciation (.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

Homeschool Partnership Electives  **Click here**

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY: 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!

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

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CAREER AND TECHNICAL COURSES

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 www.berriencte.org

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    

DUAL ENROLLMENT

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.

CO-OP AND INTERNSHIPS

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.