Alternative Education
Open Campus
Grades 9-12

What is Open Campus?
Open Campus is a flexible, accelerated, alternative center (grades 9-12) where older high school students and adults can successfully complete courses toward a high school diploma or its equivalent. Students considering attending the Open Campus must have completed the eighth grade, be at least 17 years of age, and be at least two years behind academically. To meet the needs of this diverse student population, day, afternoon, and evening classes are scheduled.

What is the schedule of Open Campus?
Open Campus has a unique schedule to meet the alternative needs of its student body. Open Campus operates on a
4 x 4 block schedule that incorporates up to two academic years within one traditional school year. This intense, accelerated schedule affords students a fast-paced opportunity to earn credits for graduation. One academic year operates within a September to January session, and a second session operates from February to June. A student may enroll in a maximum four credits each semester. A student may also earn up to two additional credits through a coordinated work experience program. The daytime classes of 94-minute blocks are held Monday through Friday. Late afternoon classes beginning at 3:30 p.m., are two hours in length, and meet Monday through Thursday. Evening classes beginning at 5:30 p.m. are four hours in length, meeting either on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. In some instances, students may continue to attend their home high school and take an additional class at open campus.

Who can attend Open Campus?
Adults and students who are currently out of school may contact the Open Campus office directly. Currently enrolled students age 17 or older must be recommended through their home school principal. Occasionally students 16 years or younger may attend with special permission from their home school principal and the Open Campus principal.

What courses are available at Open Campus?
Open Campus strives to provide core content classes and electives for students in grades 9-12. Classes at Open Campus are contingent on sufficient enrollments. Courses may be cancelled if insufficient enrollment exists. Please contact Open Campus for the most current courses offered.

How much does it cost to attend Open Campus?
No tuition is charged to students 17 to 20, but students must be referred by the principal of their regular high school and approved for admission by the principal of Open Campus. Tuition and textbook rental fees are charged to adults whose twentieth birthday is prior to August 1 of the year they are attending Open Campus. Please contact the Open Campus main office for a current list of costs required of adult students.

What other services are offered at Open Campus?
Open Campus participates in mentorship, partners in education, and drug education programs. A career information evening is held once a year, and military information nights and college information nights are held twice a year. Teachers, students, and parents participate in the school’s planning council, and open houses for the community and parents are held twice a year. Arrangements may be made through a student's home school to obtain driver education. The Open Campus student body elects a student council, and each classroom elects a representative. A prom and/or a student dinner/dance are held in the spring. Graduation for seniors is held in June.

Is transportation provided to Open Campus?
Transportation is not provided to Open Campus.

Whom can I contact for additional information about Open Campus?
Interim Principal: Joshua Darden
E-mail: joshua.darden@vbschools.com
Open Campus
273 N. Witchduck Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
Telephone: 757.473.5091
Fax: 757.519.9960
Office Hours:	8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday
	8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday