What grades are offered by the Nevada Virtual Academy?

NVVA offers grades K-12 for the 2011-2012 school year.

What subjects will my child study?

Language arts, math, science, history, music, and art are the core courses. A full academic program for grades 9-12 is also offered by NVVA.

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 courses do not require textbooks, so 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 Nevada, so students can earn a diploma through Nevada Virtual Academy based upon successful completion and mastery of course content.

Can my child work at his or her own pace?

The program for grades K-8 is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law. Students are expected to achieve a year's academic growth in a year's time.

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 Nevada Virtual Academy?

Because NVVA is a public charter school program, there is no tuition. NVVA loans students a computer system and provides all instructional materials for the program. However, students and families will be responsible for providing some consumable materials (such as printer ink and paper).

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 with us, please contact our office.

Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my gifted/talented child?

The beauty of our 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 at a sixth-grade level and reading on a fourth-grade level, we can tailor your curriculum and lesson plans to meet his abilities. Learn more!

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 (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. These outings and activities may include trips to museums, skate parks, zoos, clubs, student government, dances, and even graduation ceremonies. 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.

Can students do extracurricular activities at area schools?

This decision is made on a school-by-school basis. The staff of the Nevada Virtual Academy will be proactive in identifying extracurricular activities for students.