What is the difference between a charter school and a public school?
Charter schools are public schools of choice. Families can choose them for their children. They operate with freedom from some of the regulations imposed upon district schools. Our charter school is not part of the local school district but authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine. The Charter Institute at Erskine holds us accountable for academic results and delivering on the promises made in our charter. Each year, we must demonstrate academic achievement, financial management, and organizational stability.
What grades does Virtus offer?
Virtus opened in 2018 with Kindergarten through 5th grade. We’ve added a new grade every year and will continue until we are a whole school with grades K-12 in 2025.
How much does it cost to attend Virtus?
Virtus is a tuition-free public school. There is no application fee, and no tuition is required to attend. The only costs to families or guardians are uniforms and a $55 instructional fee for annual supplies.
Does Virtus provide transportation?
While we do not provide transportation or busing to and from school, we partner with several Florence County daycares that provide afternoon busing.
Does Virtus offer afterschool programs?
Yes. Vista Afterschool Care is a structured program to enhance our students’ academic, physical, and social development. Our schedule accommodates homework help, literacy, STEM, arts, and club activities. We provide a daily snack and beverage.
Vista Afterschool Care begins at dismissal and ends at 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. Tuition is $75 per week, and we charge a $2 per minute late fee per child to late-arriving parents or family members. LINK
How do I enroll my child at Virtus?
Virus Academy is open to all students. Anyone can attend if they are a South Carolina resident and there is space available in the appropriate grade level. The enrollment window remains open all year, but the deadline to apply for the 2022-23 academic year is February 28, 2022. We will hold a lottery on March 1. Any applications received following the lottery will be placed on a waiting list in the order received. LINK
Do I have to re-apply for my child’s admission every year?
No. Current students are invited to return and are not required to complete the initial enrollment process again; however, families will have to complete several forms to confirm their intent for their child to return, along with updated contact information. If a currently enrolled student has a sibling, the sibling will receive Sibling Priority in the next enrollment cycle.
Do you have a free lunch program?
Yes. We provide free and reduced breakfast and lunch options.
