Synchronous video instruction is a course taught in real-time by a HCPSS teacher from a “home” school to students at both “home” and “remote” schools. Teachers and students use web-based and video technologies to communicate and collaborate with each other in real-time during the school day.

HCPSS students in grades 8-12 at every middle and high school may elect to take and earn credit for courses that are included in the JumpStart program in collaboration with HCC. Current grade 8-10 students must show they are “gifted and talented” by HCC standards in a meeting with HCC admissions and advising staff prior to enrollment. For courses that are HCC-based courses, students may enroll in the face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online version of the course.

Parents/guardians who are interested in enrolling in a Home Instruction program, including a MSDE-approved private school or MSDE-approved online program used for home instruction oversight should contact the HCPSS Home Instruction Office.

Yes. However, the courses are subject to transcript review.

Enrolled students will be added to their course(s) a few days before the scheduled course start date. Students should receive an email with their username and password to access the course platform.

Digital education courses are rigorous and academically challenging. They require a substantial commitment on the part of the student. In order to be successful, students must keep a schedule that commits 6-8 hours a week of quality work time throughout the 18 week semester. Students attempting to complete their course in a compressed time frame (less than 18 weeks per semester) should expect to commit more time each week.

Students must have reliable access to a computer and the internet. Fully online courses are asynchronous so there is no live instruction. Most programs offer synchronous (live) office hours or homework help for students to ask questions or receive extra help.

Yes. Because fully online courses are asynchronous, there is no live instruction. Students will need to be more self directed than a typical in-person class. Most programs offer synchronous (live) office hours or homework help for students to ask questions or receive extra help.

MD COMAR requires that any credit-bearing online courses be approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Any high school course listed in the Middle School Course Catalog which is offered at the middle school is eligible for high school credit and will be treated as an equivalent.