FAQs - General

What grades are offered by the Texas Virtual Academy@Southwest?
The Texas Virtual Academy@Southwest currently offers grades 3-9 for Texas students in the Regions I-XIV, and Region XX. For a full listing of corresponding counties, visit us here.

What subjects will my child study?
Language arts, math, science, social studies, music, and art are the core courses. Your child will also take physical education and health based on his/her grade level and state requirements.

How much does it cost to attend the Texas Virtual Academy@Southwest?
As an online public charter school, there is no tuition. TXVA provides students with all instructional materials for the program. Students and families will be responsible for providing some consumable materials.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
The student-to-teacher ratio at TXVA@Southwest is 50:1. You can be sure of receiving a lot of attention on a weekly and monthly basis. In fact, you're certain to interact with your teacher on a regular basis during:

• Monthly progress meetings
• Parent/teacher workshops
• Teacher-guided outings
• Daily e-mail and other contacts from your teacher

Can you meet the needs of gifted and talented students?
Typically, we place students at grade level. However, there are circumstances under which students may be placed above or below grade level, based on a discussion with our enrollment consultants and previous performance by the student. Students are never placed more than two levels above or below grade level. Learn more!

Will my children have physical education classes?
Yes. At TXVA we offer PE classes in addition to the core subject areas and other courses based on grade level. 

How do you accommodate students with special needs?
Depending on a child's IEP, we can tailor our curriculum to meet your needs. To discuss your child's needs with us, call toll free 1.866.360.0161.

How do TXVA students interact socially?
Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school gatherings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), and other social events. We find that local clusters of TXVA families also organize on their own to gather together in their area on a regular basis. We are always 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?
Home visits are not a part of TXVA@Southwest as it is a distance-learning program. All interactions between parents/students and their teacher are conducted remotely via an online school, phone or other communication medium. 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.

How much time do students spend on the computer?
We expect that students will spend no more than 25 percent of their time on the computer. 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.

Didn't find the answer to your question? Try one of our other FAQ pages:

• Technical FAQs
• Enrollment & Attendance FAQs
• Testing & Assessment FAQs