Do I need to own a computer to attend?

Yes. Each family will be required to have a computer system that meets the minimum specifications necessary to access the K¹² Online School (OLS). Families must also have Internet access in order to participate in the school. In certain cases based on financial need, VAVA may loan a computer to an enrolling family. This determination will take place during the enrollment process.

What computer skills are required?

The learning coach or mentor 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.

What are the minimum specifications needed for computer systems to access the K¹² Online School (OLS)?

Computers provided by the Virginia Virtual Academy follow these technical specs:

• Speed: 1.8 GHz or better 
• RAM: 512 MB (minimum) 
• Disk space: 20 GB or more 
• CDROM or DVD drive 
• Monitor: 15-inch flat panel 
• Audio: 16-bit sound card 
• Modem: 56 kbps (minimum) 
• Microphone and speakers 
• Operating system: Windows XP SP2 
• Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 6.0 
• Adobe® Reader® 
• Macromedia Flash™ 
• Shockwave™ 
• QuickTime® 
• McAfee® Virus Protection

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Adobe and Acrobat Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

RealPlayer is a trademark or a registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc.

Macromedia Flash is a trademark or registered trademark of Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. QuickTime is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.