GFPS Virtual Academy – Summer 2026

This summer, GFPS Virtual Academy will offer online courses for students entering grades 9–12 from June 8–July 31, 2026.

Virtual Academy is designed for students who want to get ahead in their coursework. It is not a credit recovery program. Students needing credit recovery should contact their school counselor.

While completing a Virtual Academy course may open space in your school-year schedule, placement in specific elective courses is not guaranteed. If electives are full, students may be scheduled into study hall.

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Time Commitment

Summer courses condense a traditional 90-day semester into 8 weeks.

• Expect 8–15 hours per week per semester course

• Students should log in daily

• No set daily time requirement, but consistent progress is expected

• Work pace varies based on reading fluency and assignment completion

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Teacher Support

Our instructors are experienced in online learning and committed to supporting students throughout the course. The required orientation session will review course expectations, navigation, and communication tools.

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Cost & Registration

• $139 per ½ credit

• $278 per full credit

Registration opens April 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM (online only).

Payment options:

• Credit/debit card via MySchoolBucks

• Credit/debit, cash, or check (GFHS or CMR Finance Office)

• Mailed checks payable to GFPS Virtual Academy

Courses must meet minimum enrollment by May 23 to run. Students may choose another course or receive a full refund if a class is canceled.

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Mandatory Orientation (Attend One)

All students must attend one session at the CMR Auditorium:

• Tuesday, June 2 | 5:30–7:30 PM

• Wednesday, June 3 | 4:00–6:00 PM

Students will:

• Learn the online course format

• Meet instructors

• Practice navigating their virtual classroom

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Summer 2026 Course Offerings

English

• English 5–6 (Junior – 1 credit)

• English 7 (Senior – ½ credit)

• English 8 (Senior – ½ credit)

English 5–6 includes the junior research paper and readings such as The Crucible by Arthur Miller and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
English 7 includes the senior research paper and Night by Elie Wiesel.
English 8 focuses on world literature, argumentative writing, poetry, short stories, and memoir.

All English courses are graduation requirements.

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Social Studies

• Essentials of World History (1 credit – typically 9th)

• Montana Studies (½ credit – typically 10th)

• U.S. History 1–2 (1 credit – typically 11th)

• Government (½ credit – typically 12th)

These courses meet graduation requirements.
 

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Business

• Finance & Career Prep (½ credit)

A graduation requirement open to all students. Topics include budgeting, banking, taxes, credit, loans, investing, payroll, and financial decision-making skills.

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Health Enhancement (HPE)

These courses fill quickly. Payment must be made within 48 hours to secure placement.

• Health & PE 1–2 (1 credit – Freshman)

• Health & PE 3–4 (1 credit – Sophomore)

• PE 1–2 Only (½ credit)

• PE 3–4 Only (½ credit)

Health & PE credits are graduation requirements.
Courses emphasize wellness, fitness, mental health, decision-making, and lifelong physical activity.

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Health Science

• Dual Credit Medical Terminology (½ credit)

Offered in partnership with Great Falls College–MSU for eligible students (age 16+). Students may earn both high school and college credit. Dual credit fees apply (approximately $165 for 3 college credits).

This course is required prior to senior-level health science classes.

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For additional course-specific questions, students may contact their school counselor.

We look forward to supporting your summer learning!