Overview
Richmond Virtual School, or RVS, provides flexible, high-quality online learning opportunities for school-age and recently graduated students who are looking for an alternative to a traditional classroom schedule.
RVS courses follow the B.C. curriculum and are taught by certified Richmond School District teachers. Students receive teacher support, clear communication and meaningful feedback as they work through their courses.
Students may study full time online, take one or more courses while attending their home school, or use RVS courses to support specific academic goals.
Beginning September 2026, RVS will offer a more flexible online learning model. Students will be able to begin most year-long courses at any time during the school year. Courses will be fully online, with no mandatory in-person class attendance.
Program Features
Flexible Online Learning
Most year-long RVS courses use a continuous enrolment model. This means students may begin courses at different points during the school year, rather than only at the start of a semester.
Students have up to 12 months to complete a course. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to complete courses by June 30 of each school year.
Fully Online Courses
RVS courses are fully online, with no requirement for scheduled in-person class attendance. Students are expected to log in regularly, participate in coursework, communicate with teachers and demonstrate ongoing progress.
Some courses may require supervised assessments, such as midterms or final exams, at a designated Testing Centre.
Self-Paced Course Design
RVS courses are asynchronous and self-paced. Students can work on assignments at times that fit their schedules and access coursework from anywhere with internet access.
Courses are delivered through Moodle and include learning materials, lessons, assignments, assessments, teacher feedback and opportunities for virtual meetings and support.
Teacher Support
RVS teachers are certified Richmond School District teachers. Teachers provide feedback, answer questions and offer weekly office hours. Students may also schedule virtual or in-person meetings when additional support is needed.
Who Can Take RVS Courses
RVS currently serves students who are ordinarily resident in Richmond. Students in Grades 10 to 12 may take one or more RVS courses while remaining enrolled at their home school.
Students attending schools outside Richmond may also cross-enrol with RVS if they have a Richmond address.
Students who are 19 years of age or older as of July 1 of the current school year should contact Richmond Continuing Education for online and in-person course options.
International students should speak with their Richmond International Education coordinator or school counsellor before registering.
Courses and Transcripts
RVS courses are fully accredited by the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care and follow the same curriculum and learning standards as courses offered in traditional schools.
Successfully completed RVS courses appear on a student’s official B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care transcript alongside courses completed at other B.C. schools.
Grade 12 students may request interim marks to be sent to post-secondary institutions through the BC Transcript Service. Interim marks are submitted to the Ministry at certain points during the school year, typically in mid-November, at the end of January, in mid-February and at the beginning of April.
Students may also retake a course to upgrade their mark, either in person or online. The higher mark will appear on the student’s transcript.
Taking a course through RVS does not affect a Richmond School District student’s opportunity to be considered for school-based scholarships at their school.
Successful Online Learning
Online learning offers flexibility, but it also requires steady participation and personal organization. Successful online learners are typically:
- Self-motivated and independent
- Organized and able to manage their time
- Comfortable using technology
- Willing to communicate regularly with teachers
- Able to work consistently toward deadlines
- Comfortable learning through Moodle, Microsoft Teams and email
Students do not need to be technology experts. Regular participation, communication and steady progress are the most important factors for success.
Learning Updates and Reporting
Learning updates are provided on a schedule similar to a semester school. Typically, this includes:
| Time of Year | Learning Update |
| Early November | Learning update |
| End of January | Learning update |
| End of April | Learning update |
| End of June | Summary of Learning |
A Summary of Learning will be provided for students who complete a course earlier than June.
Fees
RVS is a public school within the Richmond School District. There are no tuition fees for Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in the Lower Mainland.
Before You Register
Personal Education Number
A Personal Education Number, or PEN, is a unique nine-digit number assigned to all B.C. students. A PEN can usually be found on B.C. report cards or Learning Updates, in MyEducation BC, or by contacting the student’s school office.
Students do not need a PEN to register for an RVS course, as the RVS office can help locate it. If a student attends an SD38 school, providing the student number is helpful.
Summer Course Completion
Students interested in completing courses in July or August 2026 are encouraged to consider the Fast-Track Semester 3 Summer Program.
Contact RVS
Email: rvs@sd38.bc.ca
Phone: 604-668-6371
Main Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Main Office Location
Richmond Adult Education Centre, 12091 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC V6V 1G5