Searchlight Virtual School: Policies and Procedures

Please read all directions provided on the pages of this web site. They have been included to guide you through the Searchlight^® Virtual School site.
Three internet browser plug-ins are needed. These are free downloads from Adobe.com.
1. Adobe^® Acrobat^® Reader: To open and use the electronic forms and course materials -- Upgrade to the most current version.
2. Adobe Shockwave^® Player: To access and interact with the online course tutorials.
3. Adobe Flash^® Player: To support visual and audio elements used on this web site.
In order to earn Certificates of Completion or Catechist Certification, all students must complete the enrollment process. The enrollment process includes submitting an Enrollment Application and downloading the Shockwave Player which is necessary for accessing and interacting with the online tutorials. When the enrollment process is complete, an enrolled student may purchase a Searchlight Subscription Plan.
A Searchlight Subscription Plan is necessary for receiving the online class materials needed for each course. Purchase the appropriate subscription plan and wait for the course materials to be sent to you before beginning the classes.
Materials for all required courses in a level will be sent immediately following the Subscription purchase. If those files are lost or misplaced, an electronic registration form can be submitted prior to beginning each class thereafter. When the registration form is received, the appropriate class materials will be sent to the e-mail address on file. These materials will be sent as PDF attachment(s).

Catechists who are part of a group underwriting by a parish do not need to purchase an individual Searchlight^® Subscription Plan. However, they still need to complete the individual enrollment process.
It has been estimated that each program – Basic or Intermediate – can be completed comfortably within a one-year timeframe. Students desiring to complete the course requirements within a shorter timeframe may elect to do so. Many students have completed the courses in a few months.
Prior to purchasing a Searchlight^® Subscription, carefully review the information provided, as refunds are not permitted.
It is at the discretion of the parish pastor to reimburse the Catechist for the annual subscription. Please discuss this issue with your Parish Catechical Leader (i.e. Director of Religious Education or Coordinator of Youth Ministry) prior to enrolling.
For those who have secured approval for parish reimbursement, please print your subscription receipt and submit it to your parish as proof of payment.
Enrolled Searchlight^® Virtual School students will receive Certificates of Completion for each course after the course materials have been submitted and accepted by the Searchlight^® Virtual School. Course completion certificates are issued by the Office of Catechetical Leadership and Youth Ministry Formation, Diocese of Palm Beach.
Note: If you are participating in the Searchlight Virtual School by the recommendation of a diocese other than the Diocese of Palm Beach and your diocese is an official diocesan affiliate, your certificates of completion and certification may be issued through your own diocese.
Certificates of Completion will be forwarded to the Parish Catechetical Leader or School Principal. It is the responsibility of the PCL or Principal to pass these certificates on to catechists and teachers.
Catechist Certification Certificates, as well as Foundation and Level 1 Certificates, are sent to the appropriate PCL or Principal who are responsible for passing them on to the catechists and teachers.