Alternative Education
Virginia Beach Central Academy
Grades 9-12

What is Virginia Beach Central Academy?
Virginia Beach Central Academy (VBCA) is a secondary alternative center (grades 9-12) designed to meet the academic, behavioral, and vocational needs of students who have not been successful in a comprehensive high school setting. With small student to teacher ratios, VBCA maximizes the educational development of all students and is committed to developing academic, vocational, and behavioral excellence in its students.

Who can attend Virginia Beach Central Academy?
VBCA serves the educational needs of several distinct groups of students. Principals of high schools in Virginia Beach may refer a student directly to the principal of VBCA. These students typically have been identified as “at-risk” and should be at least sixteen years old, have experienced academic failure, and have a history of non-attendance. The Department of School Administration’s Office of Student Leadership may place another group of students at VBCA. These placements are usually made due to behavioral concerns and violations of the Code of Student Conduct at the student’s home high school. A third group of students may be referred to attend vocational classes as half-day students at VBCA. These students remain enrolled in their home school but attend VBCA in either a morning or afternoon session to take a vocational class. Student’s identified as needing special education services will have the opportunity to complete an extensive evaluation at this time to further identify their vocational strengths. Officers of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court may request that students be placed in Virginia Beach Central Academy’s computer-based online learning lab through the Office of Student Leadership. The Office of Student Leadership may also refer students to the online learning lab.

What classes and services are offered at Virginia Beach Central Academy?
The student to teacher ratio is much smaller at VBCA permitting teachers to differentiate lessons and direct instruction to the specific needs of students. VBCA offers all the core classes needed to earn a standard diploma. In addition, VBCA provides support for special education students. Electives and vocational classes are offered as well. Please contact the school for a complete list of current course offerings. Students referred by the Office of Student Leadership participate in behavior modification plans. Faculty members use these plans to teach students to understand and effectively control inappropriate behaviors. This two-pronged instructional approach, which supports students and guides them to be successful both academically and behaviorally, is the hallmark of VBCA. Students should note that even though they may complete their graduation requirements at VBCA, they will still receive diplomas from their home school.

Is transportation provided to Virginia Beach Central Academy?
Transportation is provided to full and half-day students who participate in either the vocational education program or the alternative education program. Students enrolled in the online computer-based learning lab must provide their own transportation to and from school.

Are special education students accepted?
Special education students are accepted; however, self-contained services are not available. Referrals for special education students must first be screened through the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children to determine eligibility and appropriateness of the placement.

When do students exit Virginia Beach Central Academy?
Students are eligible to apply to return to their home schools when their suspension requirements have been fulfilled. The principal of VBCA reviews the requests. The principal will make recommendations to the Office of Student Leadership to permit students to return to their home school when these three conditions have been met: 1) good attendance; 2) positive behavior; and 3) academic performance. The Office of Student Leadership makes the final decision whether or not students are eligible to return to their home schools.

Whom can I contact for additional information about Virginia Beach Central Academy?
Principal: Michael Bolton
E-mail: michael.bolton@vbschools.com
273 N. Witchduck Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
Telephone: 757.473.5058
Fax: 757.473.5111
Office Hours: 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday
Student Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday