What grades are offered by the Georgia Virtual Academy?
GVA will offer grades K-8 in the 2007-2008 school year.
What subjects will my child study?
Language Arts, Math, Science, and History are the core courses. There will also be a Physical Education/Health course.
Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes, we provide all the textbooks and instructional materials that are needed to complete the program in grades K-8. These books and materials are sent to students directly.
Can my child work at his or her own pace?
The K-8 program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law.
Do I need to own a computer to attend?
Yes. Each family will be required to have a computer that meets the minimum specifications necessary to access the K¹² Online School (OLS). See technical requirements for the minimum computer requirements. Families must also have Internet access in order to participate in the school. In certain cases based on financial need, GVA may loan a computer to an enrolling family. This determination will take place during the enrollment process.
What computer skills are required?
The parent or responsible adult needs to have at least basic computer skills. Use of the computer is an important part of the program, but in the early grades it is mostly the parent (or other responsible adult) who interacts with the computer. The program is user-friendly.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
We expect that students will spend no more than 20 to 25 percent of their time on the computer in the early grades. We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide you with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful teaching tools that can motivate, stimulate, and inform children about the world around them. They do not, however, replace a solid education. Rather, they help facilitate one. That's why we use a unique multimedia approach that also includes a great deal of old-fashioned books, workbooks, and instructional materials.
What does it cost to attend the Georgia Virtual Academy?
As a program of Odyssey School, the Georgia Virtual Academy is a public school and therefore there is no tuition. GVA loans students all instructional materials for the program. Students and families will be responsible for providing some consumable materials.
What tests are required as part of the program?
For the 2007–2008 school year, in addition to K¹² lesson, unit, and semester assessments, GVA students are required to take all standard Georgia public school tests. These tests are a required part of participation in GVA.
Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?
Depending on a child's IEP, we can tailor our curriculum to meet your needs. To discuss your child's needs, please contact us and we will put you in touch with our special education team.
Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my gifted/talented child?
The beauty of our K-8 program is that it is flexible enough to meet children where they are in any given subject and take them where they want to go. So, for example, if your fourth grader is doing math on a sixth grade level and reading on a fourth grade level, we can tailor your curriculum and lesson plans to meet his abilities.
Since students do not go to a physical school building every day, how do they interact socially?
Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school outings, field trips (to historical sites, museums, zoos, etc.), picnics, and other social events. We expect local clusters of students and parents to get together on a regular basis in their areas. We also are exploring new ways to interact socially using the powerful reach of the Internet. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities can be formed that are based not on geography and place but on shared interests.
Will this program intrude into my home?
There are no home visits as part of the program, unless you ask your teacher to come to your home (completely optional), and there are no cameras or any other intrusions into your home. This is accomplished by attending academic workshops, school outings, or state or other testing events. This school was created to help your child obtain a first-class education and serve your family's needs. If you ever feel that it is not right for your family or your child, you can dis-enroll your child at any time.
Who can enroll in GVA?
According to Georgia regulations, students must reside in Georgia and be age 5 by September 1, 2007. Admission to GVA is based on completion and submission of all enrollment forms and materials within state guidelines.
I would like to enroll my child in GVA and another public school. Does the GVA program allow for this kind of dual enrollment?
The GVA program is a full-time, comprehensive academic program, and as such, it does not lend itself to dual enrollment.
What is the difference between the Georgia Virtual Academy (GVA) and the Georgia Virtual School (GAVS)?
GVA is a full time K-8 program, and GAVS offers individual high school level courses. The two programs are not affiliated. If you are interested in learning more about GAVS and their high school course offerings, please call their office directly at 404.657.0574 or visit their website at www.gavirtualschool.org.
