Myths about Online Schools

MYTH: Students who attend online schools lack socialization and social skills.
FACT: Students at the Washington Virtual Academies will have the opportunity to participate in many academic and social outings. These outings may include trips to museums, skate parks, zoos, parks, and other community destinations. We also encourage students to participate in clubs.

MYTH: You'll spend all day staring at a computer.
FACT: While attendance, planning, and assessment are all recorded online, only about 30 percent of the K-8 lessons are taught online, with the percentage higher for high school as students work at more of a collective pace online in conjunction with the teacher. The rest of the K12 curriculum relies on printed and/or hands-on materials, including beautifully crafted textbooks, paint, rocks, and microscopes.

MYTH: Attending the Washington Virtual Academies is a part-time job.
FACT: Students will need to spend about four to six hours on schoolwork each day, depending on grade level and full-/part-time status. Students who enroll in WAVA have the option of enrolling full-time (six courses) or part-time (fewer than six courses).

MYTH: Online schools don't meet the curriculum requirements for public schools.
FACT:  The Washington Virtual Academies are a public school that happens to operate outside a traditional classroom. As public school students, your children will be expected to spend a certain amount of time each day engaged in schoolwork. Full-time students are required to take the WASL, which is facilitated across the state every spring. While not required, part-time students may elect to take the WASL. Parents of part-time students will need to contact the WAVA office in order to set-up a testing date and location. The K¹² curriculum was developed by experts to meet or exceed Washington Academic Standards, so your students will be fully prepared for testing.