What grades are offered by Ohio Virtual Academy?

OHVA is offering 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. There will also be other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as physical education. High school students also take a foreign language course, and have access to AP® courses as well. Kindergarten students are provided Language Arts (including Phonics), Math, history and a social studies course.

Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?

Yes. As a public school, our students earn a high school diploma that is identical to any other diploma awarded by public schools in the state of Ohio. The Ohio Virtual Academy is an accredited public school, and graduates have the same rights and privileges extended to them as any other Ohio graduates when applying for opportunities at state and national colleges and universities.

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

Yes. As a public school, our students earn a high school diploma that is identical to any other diploma awarded by public schools in the state of Ohio. The Ohio Virtual Academy is an accredited public school and graduates have the same rights and privileges extended to them as any other Ohio graduates when applying for opportunities at our state and nation's colleges and universities.

Can my child work at his or her own pace?

The K¹² curriculum is individualized. In cooperation with the guidance of trained educators, our K-8 program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law. Our high school program is a combination of self-paced work and scheduled lessons and activities.

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.

Do you provide curriculum for children with special needs?

Depending on your child's IEP, we should be able to tailor our curriculum to meet your child's needs. See below for additional information about rights and responsibilities regarding the education of a child on an IEP:

• Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Procedural Safeguards

If you suspect that your child may have an unidentified disability, please view this document.

To discuss this with us in more detail, call 866.339.9072 (toll-free).

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. Placement assessments taken online during the enrollment process allow us to place your student in the appropriate level of curriculum. 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 AP® courses for college credit. 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. The online Family Directory provides a way for OHVA families to network with families in their region of the state. 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, unless you ask your teacher to come to your home (completely optional), and there are no cameras or any other intrusions into your home. The state of Ohio does require that students meet with their teacher in person four times a year. 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 withdraw at any time.