Applying for virtual learning doesn’t have to be difficult. At Aiken iNNOVATE, we make the process as easy and transparent as possible. In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire journey—from your very first questions to your student’s first day in our virtual classrooms—so there are no surprises along the way. If you’re considering virtual learning through the Aiken iNNOVATE program, the application process is straightforward, but it’s important to understand what participation really involves before you begin.
What is Aiken iNNOVATE? Information Session Recording
The best place to start is our website at www.acpsd.net/ai. There, families can explore the student handbook, a detailed Q&A section, and other helpful documents that explain how the program works. You’ll also find links to videos on our YouTube channel that walk you through the structure of Aiken iNNOVATE and outline what’s expected of both students and families. Taking time to review these resources will help you decide whether virtual learning with us is the right fit.
Aiken iNNOVATE is most successful when there is consistent support at home. Students typically need a parent or learning coach who can help with studying, basic technology troubleshooting, monitoring grades and progress, and setting healthy boundaries around device use. They should also be comfortable using a laptop for schoolwork—working in Microsoft 365, navigating the learning management system (LMS), using web applications, and demonstrating basic typing skills. Creating a dedicated workspace that is calm and conducive to learning is essential as well. Many students benefit from a learning coach who can assist with organization and time management so that assignments are completed on time. We share these expectations upfront so that families can make an informed decision about whether they can realistically support their student in a virtual environment.
Once you’ve learned about the program and feel confident that it’s a good match, you’re ready to apply. Our application is always open and can be found directly on the Aiken iNNOVATE homepage. There are no restricted application windows; however, students often have a smoother start when they join at the beginning of a quarter or semester. Starting at these natural transition points allows students to receive all of the important first-week information, which is usually shared during live sessions by their teachers.
See Applying For Aiken iNNOVATE: Get Started Today!
After you submit the online Aiken iNNOVATE application, our team will review it to determine eligibility. We look closely at grades, attendance, and behavior, along with other relevant factors. In general, if a student is not finding success in a traditional, in-person school setting—where there are daily structures such as bell schedules, face-to-face teachers, and administrators—removing those supports and moving to a more independent virtual environment does not typically improve performance. This is one of the key reasons we take eligibility seriously and evaluate each student carefully.
If your student is found eligible, we will send an email to the address you provided on the application. It is crucial to enter your email correctly; even a small typo can prevent you from receiving important updates about your application status. Our acceptance email will outline the next steps for onboarding, including required orientation modules and learning coach training.
As part of the onboarding process, families will need to exchange the student’s current school-issued device for one issued through the Aiken iNNOVATE program, which has a slightly different setup tailored to our virtual environment. Device pickup and learning coach training typically take place on Friday mornings, and most students are able to begin classes the following Monday. Please note that failure to complete the orientation module and attend learning coach training will delay your start date by at least a week. Repeated failure to meet these requirements can result in denial of participation and would mean that you need to reapply at a later time.
During learning coach training, we walk you through how to attend live sessions, access all required portals, and navigate the tools your student will use every day. We’ll also review our bell schedule and go over expectations for engagement and participation. These expectations are reinforced in both the orientation module and the student handbook, so families have multiple opportunities to understand what success in Aiken iNNOVATE looks like.
Tips for Parents: Doing Online Learning Right!
Once you’ve completed orientation, attended learning coach training, and picked up the appropriate device, your student is ready to begin. From there, the focus shifts to attending live sessions consistently, logging in daily to complete coursework, and maintaining the habits that support long-term success in our program.
We hope this overview helps you understand the full process—from initial research to active participation in Aiken iNNOVATE. If you know a family who might benefit from virtual learning, feel free to share this information with them. And if you have any questions at any point, you can reach us at Ai@acpsd.net; we are happy to help you decide whether Aiken iNNOVATE is the right fit for your student.