Virtual High School
Upper Merion Virtual High School Classes
About VHS
What is VHS? See this video What is VHS?
Congratulations on your interest in VHS! The following explanation will take you through the steps of deciding if VHS is right for you and how to apply.
Upper Merion area high school is part of Montgomery County's Virtual High School consortium. This affords Upper Merion students the opportunity to enroll in online classes through the Virtual High School. Complete course offerings supported by UMAHS and course details can be found at VHS Courses By Department
Who can enroll in a VHS class?
VHS classes are offered to students who wish to pursue elective courses that are not available in UMAHS course offerings. VHS courses may also be offered to accommodate student scheduling. A student who wishes to take a VHS class must be able to dedicate one period a day to complete the work. VHS classes also require excellent time management and the discipline for independent learning. VHS classes are typically comprised of 24 students and a teacher in a virtual classroom. Class activities are asynchronous. Most VHS classes are 15 weeks long and run in both the Fall and the Spring, although some VHS classes are for the full year.
Most students understand how to operate and succeed in a traditional classroom--they have years of experience doing so. Online courses, such as VHS, offer many opportunities for students to explore areas of interest that are not part of the UM curriculum, provide flexibility to a student's schedule, or offer a different mode of learning. With the opportunities offered by VHS also come challenges.
What if I have questions?
Contact Ms. Oren: koren@umasd.org
VHS Registration
Self assessment and course selection
Firstly, check out the VHS Courses By Department to identify if there are VHS courses that you are interested in taking. Generally, VHS courses may be taken as electives. Notice that most of the course descriptions provide some details about scope and content. Some describe assignments and grading.
Secondly, look at the Frequently Asked Questions to learn about what is involved in these courses and who can be successful.
If you find a course that sounds interesting as an elective and think you are the type of student that will succeed in an online setting, read through the rest of the application process and schedule an initial meeting with your guidance counselor.
Application Process
If you would like to enroll in a VHS course, speak with your guidance counselor or a VHS Site Coordinator. In order to register, you will need to complete the VHS Application (below). This application must be signed by the student, parent or guardian, counselor, teacher in the subject area, and then given to the VHS Site Coordinator by the due date.
VHS Application 2024-2025 (Download)