San Diego Virtual School is a tuition-free, accredited online public charter school for students in grades 9–12. As a virtual high school in California, SDVS gives students greater flexibility in when and where they complete coursework while still providing academic structure, teacher guidance, and clear progress expectations.

This model may work well for students balancing athletics, performing arts, work, family responsibilities, health-related needs, or other circumstances that make a traditional school schedule challenging.

Yes. SDVS is a 100% tuition-free public charter school funded by the state of California. Families do not pay tuition for their students to attend.

Students receive access to online coursework, credentialed teachers, counseling support, and academic resources as part of their public school education.

Families wondering how to sign up for online school can begin by submitting an application through the SDVS enrollment portal. Enrollment may require documentation such as proof of residency, prior school records, immunization information, and a current transcript.

Families ready to begin can start enrollment today.

Yes. SDVS is a WASC-accredited online high school, helping students work toward a recognized California high school diploma.

How individual credits are accepted can depend on the receiving school and how the coursework fits its graduation requirements. Students planning to transfer should work with counselors at both schools to understand how credits may apply.

SDVS offers a range of high school courses designed to support different academic needs and graduation paths. Depending on eligibility and availability, options may include:

• Core high school subjects
• Honors coursework
• Electives
• Credit recovery
• College and career preparation

Families can explore our course catalogs for more information.

Eligible students may be able to take college-level courses through dual or concurrent enrollment with local community colleges.

Because eligibility and course availability can vary, students should work with their academic counselor when considering this option.

For families asking how does online school work for high school, the experience combines flexibility with clear academic expectations.

Students access coursework online, participate in virtual instruction or teacher meetings when required, and complete assignments throughout the week. A flexible online high school schedule gives students more control over their day, but they are still expected to communicate with teachers and maintain steady progress.

Online attendance is tied to active participation and academic engagement rather than simply sitting in a classroom. At SDVS, students are expected to communicate regularly with their Teacher of Record, complete coursework, meet deadlines, and make consistent academic progress.

SDVS also expects daily teacher communication during the school week, helping students stay connected and accountable.

Yes. Students work with California-credentialed teachers, including a dedicated Teacher of Record who serves as a primary point of contact for academic guidance and progress.

Students also have access to academic counselors who help with course planning, graduation progress, and college and career preparation. You can learn more about how SDVS supports online learners, meet our counselors, or explore our personalized path to graduation.

Students need reliable internet access and access to the technology required for online coursework and communication. Specific device, software, and communication-tool requirements may vary, so families should review SDVS’s current technology requirements before purchasing equipment.

Access to Wi-Fi is currently listed as a basic enrollment requirement.