How It Works

High School

Tuition-Free

Because VAVA is part of the public school system, it’s tuition-free. Enrolled families receive the K12 curriculum and support from a Virginia-licensed teacher.


Who can attend?

The Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA) high school program serves full-time students in grades 9–12 who reside in the state of Virginia.


How to Apply

Students who live in the following districts must apply to VAVA via their local school: Bland, Bristol, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Galax, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Norton, Pulaski, Radford, Russell, Salem, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe.

Working with Your Teacher

Teachers provide individual and small group assistance via online synchronous sessions called “Class Connects.” Students are expected to attend all required Class Connects and meet with their teacher to receive course assistance, tutoring, and instruction. Students in grades 9–12 work more directly with teachers, but parent/Learning Coach involvement is essential for approximately 10 hours a week.

Expectations for Completing Schoolwork

At VAVA, student learning and academic growth are paramount. While we offer a level of flexibility, we recognize the importance of classroom pacing and the need for students to complete their work based on set due dates.

VAVA high school uses a semester-based approach where students are required to earn a passing grade on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.

Attending teacher-led, direct-instruction, online synchronous Class Connect sessions, along with completing coursework, will help students be successful.

Student attending an online class

Attendance

Attendance is logged Monday through Friday according to a traditional calendar; however, academic progress can be achieved during the weekends as well. High school students are expected to spend approximately 6–7 hours on schoolwork per school day.


Email

Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails on a daily basis.


State Testing

VAVA students must comply with all Virginia-mandated testing requirements.