The Virtual Academy of Rochester offers programming for students enrolled in high schools throughout the Rochester City School District. In order to participate, a student must be enrolled in the Rochester City School District and enrolled in one of the high schools. During the school day, students take online courses in the VAR lab, where the teachers rotate throughout the district. Most students will see their course teacher in person at least once a week at their school. 

The Virtual Academy of Rochester (VAR) began in September 2014 with a mission of offering instruction to students in an innovative, non-traditional, virtual environment. The use of technology as the main form of instructional delivery allows students to receive instruction and feedback tailored to their own unique learning needs, promoting the simultaneous acquisition of content knowledge, and independent study skills.  

The Virtual Academy of Rochester offers several types of courses, including:

• Online Credit Recovery (for a previously failed class)
• Online Initial Credit
• Online AP Courses
• Online Dual Credit Courses (for college credit)
• Some other programs for unique circumstances in RCSD