Teaching & Learning

Raising the Bar: Our Commitment to Academic Excellence

Raising expectations and aiming higher is hard work — for both students and teachers. At Gulf Shores City Schools, academics are at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is for every student to reach their full academic potential by the time they graduate.

With higher standards come new methods of teaching, deeper learning, and more rigorous assessments. These changes are designed to better prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.

To support families in navigating these changes, Gulf Shores City Schools provides:

• Easy-to-understand fact sheets

• Frequently asked questions about academic standards and testing

• Direct links to Alabama’s College and Career Ready Standards

We believe that when families are informed and involved, students are more likely to succeed. Together, we can meet — and exceed — these higher expectations.

Gulf Shores Virtual Academy

Gulf Shores Virtual Academy Program is designed to provide motivated, independent learners an opportunity to earn their Alabama High School Diploma through a flexible, personalized learning experience.

Virtual education offers students numerous benefits in terms of time, flexibility, and program customization. Along with these advantages, students also assume increased responsibility in time management, organization, self-direction, and self-regulation.

• Instruction from Alabama-certified teachers
• Accredited diploma upon satisfying all requirements for graduation, and the opportunity to participate in Gulf Shores High School graduation ceremony
• Flexible and personalized learning experiences
• Individualized academic and career preparation plan
• Self-pacing and opportunity for acceleration
• Opportunity for early graduation
• Flexibility with daily schedule
• Opportunity to blend virtual learning with face-to-face core and elective courses and tuition free dual enrollment classes
• Opportunity to take classes for advancement during the summer
• Opportunity to participate in sports, clubs, field trips, assemblies, and pep rallies
• Access to support services provided by school nurses, counselors, and the school lunch program