Students in the Opp City School system will now have the opportunity to get their high school diploma fully online.

The Opp Board of Education approved a virtual education policy at Tuesday afternoon’s meeting.

Superintendent Michael Smithart said that in 2015, legislators passed an act that requires boards of education to provide a virtual school option for grades nine through 12.

Sen. Dick Brewbaker sponsored the bill.

Smithart said a student enrolled in the virtual classroom will have every privilege of an Opp High School student.

Additionally, those students are counted toward the school system’s average daily members, participate in state testing and accountability requirements.

When they complete the system’s graduation requirements, they will receive an Opp City Schools’ diploma.

These students will also be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities and also subject to the same requirements, including the Alabama High School Athletic Association rules, that traditional students are imposed.

“The only difference is they don’t step foot on campus,” Smithart said.

The system plans to use ACCESS to provide this option to students.

“They can take their entire high school curriculum online,” he said.

The state of Alabama also allows students to take up to 10 credits per year.

Smithart said he has some concerns about motives for taking this option; however, he said he knew of some students who suffer from social phobias and other issues who could definitely benefit from the options.

Assistant Superintendent Emily Edgar said this option also allows students who need to work to get extra hours of work time during the day.