Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about PA Virtual. However, these FAQs are no substitute for personal answers to your individual questions. Please contact us to learn more about PA Virtual at 866.728.2751.

HOW DO CHILDREN WHO ATTEND PA VIRTUAL SOCIALIZE WITH OTHER STUDENTS?

Our students take part in many academic and social outings statewide each year. These outings include trips to museums, zoos, parks, and other community destinations. We also encourage students to participate in community athletics and membership organizations. As a result, many of them feel that having friends separate from school results in richer and more successful social lives for them. In addition, our students are eligible to participate in extra-curricular clubs and organized athletics at nearby “brick and mortar” public schools.

HOW MUCH TIME DO PA VIRTUAL CHILDREN SPEND AT THE COMPUTER?

From Kindergarten through sixth grade, PA Virtual students do only about 20 to 30 percent of their work online. They also read books, solve math problems on paper, draw, and conduct science experiments. As children get older and their reading skills improve, instruction and activities will involve increased computer use, according to educational standards. However, offline work will always be essential.

DOES PA VIRTUAL OFFER THE STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT OF “BRICK AND MORTAR” SCHOOLS?

Our parents access a structured, comprehensive lesson plan everyday. The K12 Inc. curriculum is a researched-based curriculum that relies on the mastery of lesson objectives. The lessons and activities that children complete each day have been developed so that an adult has all the tools needed to use the program successfully with the help of a highly qualified, PA-certified teacher. The program is also flexible— it can be modified to your child’s needs or interests.

IS THE CURRICULUM AND MATERIALS THE SAME THROUGHOUT THE STATE FOR EVERY STUDENT?

All students follow the same curriculum for their grade level, without regard to where they live or their economic circumstances.

IS HOME-BASED EDUCATION A FULL-TIME JOB?

Schooling at home does take time. Your children will need to spend approximately five hours on schoolwork each day, depending on the grade level. However, the time you spend working with your children does not have to be continuous. Direct parental participation during the school day can range from 80 percent for early grades to about 50 percent for higher grades.

DOES NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND APPLY TO PA VIRTUAL?

In accordance with ACT 22, the Pennsylvania Charter School Law, all of our students are required to take the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in the areas of Math, Reading, Writing and Science at the grade levels prescribed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We must reach the No Child Left Behind accountability standards as set by the state. PA Virtual must meet all state standards for Adequate Yearly Progress in relation to teacher certification and student achievement. In addition, as a charter school we provide annual reports to the state, and must have our charter renewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education every five years.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES THE TEACHER SPEND WITH EACH STUDENT?

The percentage of time spent with students varies depending on the student’s individual needs. Most of their time is on a one-on-one basis via e-mail, phone or Blackboard Collaborate sessions. All of our teachers are highly qualified, PA-certified educators.

IS PHYSICAL EXERCISE A PART OF YOUR CURRICULUM?

Physical exercise is part of PA VIRTUAL’s school programming. Students are required to log one hour each week of structured, organized and supervised activities. Many students, of course, go beyond our requirements to take part in community soccer, volleyball, softball, basketball, and other sports leagues.

DOES THE PROGRAM PROVIDE A COMPUTER, TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS?

Yes. Each family is loaned a computer system (including computer, printer, software, and a set reimbursement for Internet connection) to support the learning process. These computer systems are instructional property and must be returned when the student leaves PA Virtual. PA Virtual will arrange for technical support and troubleshooting for these systems. We also provide all the textbooks and instructional materials that are needed to complete the program. These books and materials are sent to students directly. Our students are responsible for consumable materials (color printer cartridges, paper, notebooks, writing instruments, etc.).

WHAT COMPUTER SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?

Parents need to have at least basic computer skills. The program is very user-friendly, however.

CAN MY CHILD WORK AT HIS OR HER OWN PACE?

The program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law and is geared towards students of varying learning abilities. Teachers will partner with you to determine what the appropriate pace is for your child while achieving mastery of standards mandated by the state.

CAN I ENROLL ALL OF MY CHILDREN IN PA VIRTUAL?

Regardless of the size of your family, all children between the grades of Kindergarten and 12th grade are eligible to enroll at PA Virtual. Parents will be assigned a grade appropriate teacher for each child.

CAN A STUDENT ATTEND PA VIRTUAL AND ANOTHER SCHOOL SIMULTANEOUSLY?

Since PA Virtual is a state-chartered public school, they cannot attend another school simultaneously.

HOW IS ATTENDANCE TAKEN AND RECORDED AT PA VIRTUAL?

Attendance is recorded every day when a student begins his or her day by signing into Blackboard, PA Vitual’s online learning management system. All students are required to meet state-required daily instructional mandates and complete 900 hours (elementary) or 990 hours (secondary) annually in accordance with our state charter.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO ATTEND THE PENNSYLVANIA VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL?

As a public charter school program, there is no tuition.

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PARENT OR ACADEMIC COACH?

Your role is to guide students through the daily lessons and ensure that children are learning. You will also work in partnership with the assigned PA Virtual teacher to ensure that the academic benchmarks for your student are being met.

HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL HANDLE SPECIAL EDUCATION?

The Special Education Department ensures that children with special needs, including those with disabilities, receive appropriate accommodations and services. We adhere to applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding special education. Each student with an IEP is assigned to a highly qualified, PA-certified special education teacher. The highly qualified, PA-certified regular education teacher, special education teacher, parent or guardian, and other team members work together to create an appropriate IEP and implement each student’s specially designed instruction.

HOW DO YOU ACCOMMODATE THE LEARNING NEEDS OF MY CHILD WHO IS PROGRESSING AT AN ACCELERATED PACE?

The K12 Inc. curriculum has been developed so that a student can progress at his or her own pace and work at an accelerated pace if appropriate. In addition, the Supporting Our Advanced learners to Reach their potential (SOAR) program provides academic and social support and identifies resources to help advanced learners in Grades 3-10 reach their full intellectual and social potential.

WHO GRADES STUDENT WORK?

On a day-to-day basis, parents and teachers each review student work. Specific Portfolio Assignments are sent to teachers for their expert review. Teachers also assign semester and year-end grades.

DOES PA VIRTUAL HOLD FINAL EXAMINATIONS, AND WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR PROMOTIONS?

Periodic assessments take place throughout the year to serve as benchmarks that students are progressing and that learning is on pace with state standards. Grade level promotion is contingent upon successful completion and mastery of the various benchmarks and standards set forth by the school.