Virtual Academy
Wilkinsburg School District is reimagining how our students learn by offering a new educational opportunity to our students. Through our partnership with Waterfront Learning, students will be able to create a learning experience that is right for them. Whether you choose a complete virtual experience or blended schedule, our program is designed to meet the needs of your student.
How It Works…
Students in kindergarten through sixth grade will participate in both synchronous and asynchronous learning. They will complete engaging, virtual activities that align with our state standards. In addition, students will receive daily, live instruction from our highly qualified Wilkinsburg School District teachers.
Our online platform offers a variety of courses. Along with English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies; students will have access to several elective courses as part of our blended schedule. Students can attend school at a designated time for the following SPECIALS classes if they choose art, gym, health, music, STEAM, and Spanish. These courses align with Wilkinsburg School District’s standards-based curriculum therefore, students will receive the same credit for these courses.
Our Virtual Academy gives students and families the unique opportunity of a flexible school schedule. Live instruction will occur during school hours (8:40 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.). Each student will have a Google Chromebook to access classes and do their work, and if the family home needs a hotspot, the school district will supply it as well.
Our Virtual Academy also gives students the flexibility to complete their schoolwork from anywhere. Students may choose to complete their courses remotely. They will also have several opportunities to learn with their peers at Kelly Primary or Turner Intermediate. Virtual Academy students are encouraged to join us for assemblies, special events, field trips, or any SPECIALS class of their interest.
Being a Wilkinsburg School District student also opens the door to many exciting extracurricular opportunities. Students may join an after-school program, play a musical instrument in the band, sing in our choir, or participate in our Disney Musical Program.
Our Virtual Academy teachers are engaging and thoughtful with all online learning lessons.
General Information
- Testing: Students will be required to complete some testing in-person. They will need to be brought to the building to participate in school-wide and state-wide assessments. Please see grade level specific information below.
- Kindergarten: Acadience Reading and Math Testing (3 times a year)
- First Grade: Acadience Reading and Math Testing (3 times a year)
- Second Grade: Acadience Reading and Math Testing (3 times a year)
- Third Grade: Acadience Reading and Math Testing (3 times a year)
PSSA Reading and Math (Spring):
- Fourth Grade: Acadience Reading and Math Testing (3 times a year)
PSSA Reading, Math, and Science (Spring)
- Fifth Grade: Acadience Reading and Math Testing (3 times a year)
PSSA Reading and Math (Spring)
- Kindergarten: Acadience Reading and Math Testing (3 times a year)
PSSA Reading and Math (Spring)
The Wilkinsburg School District Virtual Learning Program adheres to the same high
standards set by our School Board and District Administration. Students must maintain
satisfactory attendance in order to successfully complete and receive credit for their
online learning.
In order to maintain satisfactory attendance through the virtual classroom, students
must actively participate in online learning for a minimum of 3 hours per day. These
hours cover the minimum time requirements for core classes.
- Online learning participation is tracked through our virtual learning platform. The
system will only record the hours the student is actively engaged. Any time the
programs left idle or unattended will not count toward their daily participation.
- Please keep in mind that students will most likely need to engage in learning more
than the required time to successfully complete their courses.
- Other academic activities such as independent reading, math flash card practice,
book discussions, etc. do not count toward the minimum 3 hours of daily
participation, but should still be occurring daily.
- Live instruction and in-school instruction will count toward the students daily
attendance.
- Attendance is not dependent on school hours. Students have the flexibility to work
online at any time during the day.
As per Board policy and Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines, students must
provide a written excuse in order for any absence to be considered lawful. Please see the
full district-wide attendance guidelines on the following pages.
Students unable to attend virtual classes due to technology related issues must contact
the program coordinator immediately and actively seeks to resolve the problem with the
district’s IT specialist.
All virtual program absence excuses must be submitted to Rachel Gardocky via email at