FAQs
General FAQs
What grades are offered by Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA)?
VAVA offers full-time enrollment for grades K–12.
What subjects will my child study?
English/language arts, math, science, history, music, and art are the required courses for grades K–8. Students may take a world language elective in addition to these courses if they wish. No formal physical education course is offered in these grades; however, 30 minutes of physical activity is recommended for all students. Students in grades K–2 are also required to participate in a world language experience—a short course intended to introduce students to a world language and culture. Visit our elementary school, middle school, and high school curriculum pages for more details.
What does it cost to attend the VAVA?
As a program of the following school districts: Bland, Bristol, Giles, King and Queen, Norton, Patrick, Radford, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise. VAVA is tuition-free. We provide Virginia-licensed teachers and instructional materials. Families are responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.
Does VAVA provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes. We provide textbooks and instructional materials. These books and materials are dependent on the student's grade level and the courses they're enrolled in. High school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle school students.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
We expect that students will spend no more than 15 to 30 percent of their school time on the computer in grades K–5, 50 to 70 percent in grades 6–8, and 80+ percent in grades 9–12. 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 teaching 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 traditional books, workbooks, and instructional materials.
Can my child work at his or her own pace?
The elementary program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law. Middle school and high school students complete lessons in synchronous and asynchronous sessions and are expected to complete quizzes, tests, and other assignments in a timely manner. Students are expected to achieve a year's academic growth in a year's time.
Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?
Depending on your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), we can tailor learning to meet your student’s needs. To discuss your child's needs with us, please contact our office at info@vava.org and we will put you in touch with our special education team.
For more information about rights and responsibilities regarding the education of a child on an IEP, please visit the Special Education or Service Agreements section on our Special Programs page.
If you suspect your child may have an unidentified disability, please view this document [PDF] .
How do students interact socially?
Throughout the year, students will be invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. Local groups of students and parents can get together on their own. And Stride K12 online national clubs help connect students with like interests and passions.
