Commonwealth Virtual Schools (CMVS)
A CMVS is a public school in which all instruction is delivered online. Massachusetts currently has two virtual schools that serve grades K–12: Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School (GCVS) and TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA).
Accountability
CMVS Accountability Review Protocol
CMVS Annual Report Template
CMVS Application for Renewal
CMVS Accountability Reports
Final Summary of Review — GCVS (February 2019)
Accountability Review Report — TECCA (January 2019)
Send an email to virtualschools@mass.gov to request copies of prior reports.
Applying to Open a CMVS
Schedule for 2021-2022 CMVS Application and Review Process
| Action | Applicant Deadline or Anticipated Timeline for Decisions |
|---|
| Letter of Intent Deadline | July 1, 2021 by 12 noon |
| Prospectus Deadline | July 29, 2021 by 12 noon |
| Commissioner Invites Selected Applicant Groups to Submit Final Application | September 2021 |
| Final Application Deadline | November 5, 2021 by 12 noon |
| Learning Management System Virtual Presentation and Review | December 2021 |
| Public Hearing | December 2021 |
| Interviews with Final Applicants | December–February 2022 |
| Commissioner Decision and Board Vote if Recommended | February 2022 |
Apply for a Certificate to Open a CMVS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual School Application
Three Year Budget Template to be Submitted With the Application
Finance
CMVS Audit Guide
FY2022 Virtual School Tuition Inflation Adjustment
This memorandum informs the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools (CMVS) and sending districts about the fiscal year 2022 (FY2022) base tuition rate, which has been adjusted from FY2021 to reflect inflation. The CMVS tuition rate does not change over the course of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Parents/Guardians
For Districts that Send Students to a CMVS
About Private Virtual Schools
Guidance
Amendment Guide for CMVS
Education of Children with Disabilities Attending Public Virtual Schools (U.S. Department of Education)
Operating Procedures Handbook for CMVS
Single District Virtual Schools (SDVS)
A SDVS only enrolls students who live in the single school district operating the virtual school. This type of virtual school, a SDVS, is separate and distinct from Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools (CMVS) that operate under G.L. c. 71, § 94, and 603 CMR 52.00. While virtual schools operated by and for a single district do not follow the same process as CMVS, there are certain requirements that do apply and must be followed. This guidance found below provides a process for a single school district intending to develop and operate a virtual school that only enrolls students from that school district under G.L. c. 71, § 94(s).
Guidance on Single District Virtual Schools — updated April 2021
Frequently Asked Questions about Single District Virtual Schools
Laws & Regulations
Chapter 379 of the Acts of 2012: A Act Establishing Commonwealth Virtual Schools
M.G.L. ch.71 §94: Commonwealth Virtual Schools
603 CMR 52.00: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools
603 CMR 28.00: Special Education [28.02(8), 28.02(6), and 28.10(6)(a)]