What grades are offered by the Idaho Virtual Academy?

IDVA offers grades K–12 for the 2011–2012 school year.

Who is eligible to attend?

Students living anywhere in Idaho may be eligible to attend the Idaho Virtual Academy. The State of Idaho defines enrollment requirements and eligibility in the charter school law and other applicable legislation. For more information about whether your child qualifies or about openings at the Academy, please call 866.339.9066.

What subjects will my child study?

Language arts, math, science, history, music, and art are the core K-8 courses. There will also be other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as physical education. High school students also have elective choices where they may take a world language course, and have access to AP® courses as well as concurrent college credit.*

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. High school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle-school students.

Will my child have the same graduation opportunities as students in traditional public schools?

Yes, we are a public school in Idaho, so students can earn a diploma through our school based upon successful completion and mastery of course content.

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. The high school program is not as flexible. Students work on lessons with a scheduled due date and time frame for assignments and activities as outlined by the teacher of each course.

How much time do students spend on the computer?

We expect that students will spend no more than 20-25 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 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 well-written and designed textbooks, workbooks, and hands-on instructional materials.

How does IDVA handle special education?

Our director of special education and special education teachers work together to ensure that children with special needs receive appropriate accommodations and services. Students with disabilities are served according to federal, state, and local laws regarding special education. The Idaho Virtual Academy, as a public charter school, is open to all students. Children with and without disabilities will be admitted to IDVA on the same basis.

Does IDVA offer extracurricular activities?

Because we are not a physical school, we do not offer a full array of extracurricular offerings. We will, however, use newsletters, message boards, and the IDVA website to post recommended age-appropriate activities, identify interesting places for field trips, facilitate events and gatherings, and list suggestions from other parents about what is enriching their children's lives.

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 or her abilities. High school students have the opportunity to make more advanced courses, including Advanced Placement® courses for college credit, and concurrent credit courses. Learn more!

How do students interact socially?

Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), 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. Learn about our school outings.

Will this program intrude into my home?

There are no home visits as part of the program. In grades K-8, you may ask your teacher to come to your home (completely optional), and there are no cameras or any other intrusions into your home. 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 withdraw your child at any time.

*The K¹² high school catalog is a complete list of the high school courses that K¹² provides. While IDVA offers a comprehensive selection of courses, not every K¹² high school course is available to IDVA students. Information on specific courses of study and available electives are provided upon enrollment. For details, please speak to your Personal Admissions Liaison (PAL) during the enrollment process.