WESTOVER — For the third year in a row Somerset County Public Schools offers a blended virtual program (BVP) for students entering grades 9-12 this fall.

Applications are now being accepted until June 15.

Online instruction is through Apex Learning, a national digital curriculum. It is not synchronous with SCPS but there are daily online lessons led by Maryland-certified teachers in core, honors and AP classes.

The BVP was first offered to students in nine counties that makeup the Eastern Shore of Maryland Education Consortium during the 2021-22 school year. It was a post-pandemic opportunity for students unable or unwilling to return to in-person learning.

The first school year fewer than a dozen Somerset County students opted in and this year there were six enrolled — two being seniors.

The application is at www.easternshorevirtual.org where a description of the programs and frequently asked questions are posted. While there is a middle school option for grades 6-8, SCPS does not use it. Enrollment is also not automatic as staff will consider whether applicants would benefit from learning in a virtual classroom.

Students must be enrolled in the public school system in the county where they reside. This is not a program for homeschool students.

The first year this was introduced BVD had a 75% passage rate statewide, with 77% of parents giving positive feedback and wanting their children to continue the program.

Somerset County’s contact for the BVP is Jill Holland, 410-651-1616 ext. 10276 or email jholland@somerset.k12.md.us.

The program is funded through a grant to the ESMEC and the seven counties are participating this year from Queen Anne’s County south to the Virginia line.