Public Virtual Schools

Comments Sought on Proposed Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual School, Public Hearing Scheduled

The Department invites public comment on an application for a new Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual School (CMVS).

On November 3, 2023, the Department received a final CMVS application for a proposed, statewide school. Felix Commonwealth Virtual School, which would serve up to 4,000 students in grades 7–12, plans to open in fall 2025. Application steps include a review of the written final application, a review of the applicant group's learning management system, a public hearing, a review of public comments submitted to the Department, and an interview of the applicant group. Commissioner Riley will then review all of the materials and decide whether to recommend the proposal to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) for certificate award. If recommended, the Board will vote whether to award a certificate.

A hybrid public hearing will be held 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the McCormack Building, 1 Ashburton Place, 21st Floor Conference Rooms 1 and 2, in Boston as well as via Zoom.

If members of the public would like to provide public comment at the hearing virtually over Zoom, please submit your request via email: VirtualSchools@mass.gov .

Contact the Department at VirtualSchools@mass.gov to obtain a copy of the final CMVS application. Written comments should be submitted by Friday, December 22, 2023 by email to VirtualSchools@mass.gov .