ATLAS is the name of our district’s innovative learning program designed for high school students in grades 9–12. ATLAS stands for Any Time Learning in an Asynchronous School and is an accredited program for grades 9-12.

ATLAS courses meet the same graduation requirements as those in a traditional high school. The way students learn as part of this program is flexible, virtual, and self-directed.

Students taking an ATLAS course log in at the beginning of the week to access their coursework and plan their own schedules to complete all assignments within the designated time frame. This model gives students greater control over their time while still receiving a high-quality education led by certified teachers.

ATLAS serves two primary functions. First, it enables students to take asynchronous courses through our CMS platform. These courses can be accessed by students while remaining enrolled at their home high schools.

Second, Atlas provides a pathway for students to apply to and enroll in Charlotte Virtual Academy, where they can complete four years of asynchronous coursework and graduate through the virtual school.

Asynchronous learning allows students to complete coursework without being online at the same time as their teacher or classmates. Instead of attending live sessions (such as Zoom or Teams meetings), students can access lessons, assignments, and course materials whenever it fits their schedule. They work independently, meeting established deadlines while using online tools and resources to guide their learning. This model provides students with greater flexibility in managing their time while still fulfilling all course expectations.

Middle school students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Virtual School have daily live meetings with their teachers to provide more structure, guidance, and support—something that’s especially important for younger learners.

In contrast, ATLAS high school students follow an asynchronous model, where they log in at the beginning of the week, plan their schedule, and complete their coursework by the designated time. This gives high school students more independence while still ensuring they receive a high-quality, accredited education from certified CMS teachers.

Both programs lead to a CMS diploma and prepare students for future academic and career opportunities.

ATLAS is designed for high school students in grades 9–12 who are looking for a more flexible way to learn while still receiving a high-quality education. It’s ideal for students who are self-motivated, enjoy working independently, and want to manage their own schedules. Whether a student is pursuing extracurricular passions, managing personal responsibilities, or simply thrives in a non-traditional learning environment, ATLAS offers the structure and support needed to succeed.

ATLAS students follow an asynchronous model, planning their week and completing assignments by Thursday, with guidance from certified CMS teachers.

Ultimately, ATLAS is for students who want the freedom to learn on their own time—without sacrificing the quality, rigor, or outcomes of a traditional high school experience.

ATLAS is designed for high school students in grades 9–12 who are ready to take ownership of their learning. To be successful in this flexible, asynchronous environment, students should meet the following criteria:

• Able to work independently
• Demonstrate strong time management skills
• Have consistent access to reliable internet
• Have a guardian who supports the virtual learning format
• Able to attend all required in-person testing (including Benchmarks and State/Federal assessments) at CMS Virtual School on their assigned dates

ATLAS is not intended for students who are behind on credits, struggling to complete assignments in a traditional setting, or looking to accelerate through courses quickly. It is a high-quality, semester-paced learning environment that mirrors the structure and expectations of a traditional high school.

Students must be able to plan and structure their week, watch instructional lessons, complete assignments on time, and proactively reach out for help when needed. 

If a student needs more daily guidance or is working to catch up academically, ATLAS may not be the best fit.

ATLAS is designed for high school students in grades 9–12 who are ready to take ownership of their learning. To be successful in this flexible, asynchronous environment, students should meet the following criteria:

• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrate strong time management skills
• Have consistent access to reliable internet
• Have a guardian who supports the virtual learning format
• Be able to attend all required in-person testing (including Benchmarks and State/Federal assessments) at CMS Virtual School on their assigned dates

ATLAS is not intended for students who are behind on credits, struggling to complete assignments in a traditional setting, or looking to accelerate through courses quickly. It is a high-quality, semester-paced learning environment that mirrors the structure and expectations of a traditional high school.

Students must be able to plan and structure their week, watch instructional lessons, complete assignments on time, and proactively reach out for help when needed.

If a student needs more daily guidance or is working to catch up academically, ATLAS may not be the best fit.

No. ATLAS is not available for individual course enrollment. To participate in ATLAS, students must fully transfer to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Virtual School (CMVS), which is a CMS Magnet school. This means that if the virtual format isn’t a good fit, students will need to request a transfer back to their previous school.

Once enrolled, students are assigned a full high school schedule—just like they would be in any traditional CMS high school—and are expected to complete all coursework on time to stay on track for graduation. 

ATLAS is a semester-paced program, not designed for credit recovery or accelerated course completion. It’s a structured, high-quality learning environment that requires students to manage their own time, complete assignments independently, and reach out for support when needed.

If you're unsure whether virtual learning is right for you, it’s important to carefully consider these expectations before applying.

No, it will not. Colleges and universities value accredited diplomas and the skills students develop through independent learning. ATLAS is part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Virtual School, an accredited public school, and our graduates have been accepted to top institutions across the country, including:

• Appalachian State University
• Cornell University
• Elon University
• Emory University
• New York University
• North Carolina State University
• Queens University
• University of Alabama
• University of Georgia
• UNC Chapel Hill
• UNC Wilmington
• University of Vermont
• Yale University

(Based on student requests for final transcript delivery.)

In fact, ATLAS prepares students for college success by teaching essential skills such as time management, organization, and self-direction—the same skills required to thrive in higher education. Plus, all courses are designed and led by certified teachers, not computer software, ensuring a rigorous and personalized learning experience.

The majority of tests or quizzes are completed online within the ATLAS platform. However, major assessments—such as benchmarks—require additional steps and could be scheduled for in-person testing.

All state and federal tests (including ACT and End-of-Course exams) must be taken in person in a secure testing environment. These dates will be communicated well in advance so families can plan accordingly.

Please note: Failure to report for required in-person testing could result in removal from the program. The assessments are not optional and are mandated by state and federal educational requirements, not by CMS.

ATLAS ensures students meet all testing requirements while maintaining flexibility for everyday learning.

Students and parents have multiple ways to connect with teachers:

• Email Anytime: Reach out whenever you have questions or need clarification.
• Attend Virtual Office Hours: Teachers hold scheduled times online where students can drop in for help.
• Schedule a One-on-One Meeting: Set up a virtual meeting for personalized support.

The best part of ATLAS - it is supported by highly qualified, certified teachers—not computer software. Our educators ensure students’ needs are met and provide high-quality assistance and feedback in a virtual environment.

No. ATLAS is only available to students who reside within Mecklenburg County. Enrollment is limited to county residents as part of N.C. public school guidelines.

Absolutely! We welcome all students who live in Mecklenburg County and meet our enrollment criteria to apply.

Here’s how it works:

• You would first enroll in your CMS home school, then request a transfer into CMVS.
• Our counselors will guide you every step of the way and can work with you ahead of time to ensure you meet all enrollment requirements before starting the process.

ATLAS is designed to make the transition smooth and supportive for families seeking flexibility with the assurance of an accredited public school experience.

There is no cost to attend ATLAS. Enrollment is completely free because ATLAS is part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Virtual School, an accredited North Carolina public school.

There are no tuition fees—you get the flexibility of virtual learning with the quality and support of a public school at no cost.

A full high school catalog of N.C. State Courses is available to students. 

Locate information here.

No. CMS provides each student with a Chromebook annually, which must be used for testing. While students may use their own devices for schoolwork, purchasing additional technology is not required. Fees only apply if the issued Chromebook is damaged or lost.

Students must have reliable internet access to complete assignments, as this is a requirement for enrollment.

Weekly attendance and assignment expectations are clearly outlined for students.

Missing an assignment may result in a grade of zero and could also lead to being marked absent, depending on the nature of the task.

While grades can be updated if work is made up according to the grading policy, attendance records cannot be changed once a student is marked absent.

Attendance in ATLAS asynchronous courses is taken for each instructional day, similar to a traditional school setting. In a virtual environment, attendance is based on assignment and activity completion, and students are expected to engage in coursework every school day.

While participation occurs daily, attendance is officially submitted at the end of each week for the entire week, rather than being entered daily by the teacher. This allows students the opportunity to be counted present for the full week if all required work is completed by the end-of-week due date.

Each teacher will clearly outline on their Canvas homepage how attendance will be determined for the week, including daily expectations. Attendance reflects the completion of required instructional work and is submitted according to the teacher-provided guidelines.

Teachers hold regular office hours where they are available online for any student to drop in with questions or concerns. Additionally, students may contact their teacher directly to schedule targeted support sessions or tutoring as needed.

Yes, we offer a full range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for all of our virtual students.

All assignments are both accessed and submitted through Canvas, our Student Learning System.

Yes, while CMVS does not offer athletics, students can still participate in all sports with their assigned CMS home school.

Additionally, many CMVS students are traveling athletes, and the flexible, virtual environment is a good fit for their non-traditional schedules. 

If a student is not meeting deadlines, their teacher will communicate with them and their parent/guardian to address the situation. 

Teachers will require students to attend office hours for check-ins and support. If a student continues to struggle with the time management needed for virtual learning, the student may be placed on probation or exited from the program if it is determined the virtual environment is not a good fit. 

Yes. The majority of ATLAS courses are designed and taught by full-time, highly qualified CMVS teachers. In some cases, students may take courses through Edgenuity or NCVPS to expand their options, but most instruction is delivered by CMVS faculty.

Yes. ATLAS follows the CMS academic calendar, including holidays and breaks. For example, if there are only four school days in a week, students will only have assignments and attendance requirements for those four days.

No. Once a student has completed all required coursework for the week, there is no expectation for them to log back into Canvas unless they choose to check grades or review feedback from  teachers.