Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools plans to expand its virtual school offerings to include younger students considered "medically fragile."

The school district already offers a virtual option for students starting at third grade. The new plan will include some students in kindergarten, first grade and second grade.

“We have heard from parents of younger students who are medically fragile,” CMS Board Chair Elyse Dashew said. “We are glad that CMS can offer students this expanded educational choice.”

The school board will have to submit the plan for K-2 virtual school to the state Department of Public Instruction by Oct. 1.

Parents can enroll students in the new virtual elementary magnet program between Oct. 4 and Oct. 10. The students will have to stay in the virtual program through the end of the school year.

Students would start the virtual academy Nov. 1. Another application window would open after Nov. 1.

CMS originally did not include K-2 students in their virtual school options for the 2021-2022 school year.

"The district is not offering a K-2 virtual option because best teaching practices for this age group require in-person learning," CMS said.  

Many school systems around the state decided to offer virtual options for students this year as the coronavirus pandemic continues to pose challenges for districts.

Most school systems in the state have issued mask mandates for students and staff to try to prevent big COVID-19 outbreaks in classrooms, but there have still been clusters of coronavirus cases in schools around the state. 

Children generally do not experience the worst symptoms of COVID-19. Some kids can get very sick, especially if they are at higher risk because of a suppressed immune system from something like cancer treatment or an organ transplant.