Wake County's virtual academy at capacity for this school year

The Wake County Public School System's virtual academy is at full capacity for the 2021-2022 school year, according to district officials.

Only students who meet "very specific criteria for extenuating circumstances" will be allowed to move into the virtual academy, officials said.

"There is simply no more room — or time to find and hire additional staff — to accommodate shifts among classes or schools," district officials said on Tuesday.

Local doctors say mask mandate is key to making classrooms safe for students

Education officials said they understand parent's concern with the increase in coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant, but believe students will be safe if they wear a face mask.

Students will not be able to transfer to the virtual academy if they are exposed to COVID-19, officials said.

Parents have to commit their student to the virtual academy for an entire year, or until vaccines for students become widely available.