Frequently Asked Questions
What grades are offered by the Wisconsin Virtual Academy?
WIVA will offer grades K-8 in the 2008-2009 school year. Honors High Online of Wisconsin, also based out of the Northern Ozaukee School District, will offer grades 9 through 11.
What subjects will my child study?
Language Arts, Math, Science, History, Music, and Art are the core courses. There will also be other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as Physical Education. See our curriculum by subject.
Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes, we provide all the textbooks and instructional materials that are needed to complete the program. These books and materials are sent to students directly.
Can my child work at his or her own pace?
The program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by the Board of Education. Read our family spotlights.
How many of my children can I enroll in the Wisconsin Virtual Academy?
Because Wisconsin Virtual Academy provides all the lesson plans and materials needed for kindergarten through grade eight, many parents find it easy to enroll multiple children in the program. We currently have families with multiple children in the program being guided by a parent in conjunction with WIVA teachers.
Do I need to own a computer to attend?
No. Each family will be loaned a computer system (including computer, printer, software, and Internet connection) to support the learning process. These computer systems are instructional property and must be returned when the student leaves WIVA. WIVA will arrange for technical support and troubleshooting for these systems. Many families choose to use their own personal computers to access the school and OLS. Please consult the technical requirements.
What computer skills are required?
The parent 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.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
We expect that students will spend no more than 20-25 percent of their time on the computer in the early grades. 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 learning 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. We use a unique multimedia approach that includes a great deal of traditional books, workbooks, and instructional materials. See a day in the life of our students.
What does it cost to attend the Wisconsin Virtual Academy?
As a public charter school program, there is no tuition. WIVA loans students a computer system and provides all instructional materials for the program. However, students and families will be responsible for providing some consumable materials (such as printer ink and paper), and a District Student fee ($30 per child in the 2005-2006 school year).
WIVA's student assessment includes:
- K12 lesson, unit, and semester assessments
- Wisconsin Department of Education Achievement Tests
- Criterion-referenced tests
- WIVA teacher assessments
Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?
Depending on a child's IEP, we can tailor our curriculum to meet his or her needs. To discuss your child's needs with us, call the district's Pupil Services Department at 262-692-2464.
Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my gifted/talented child?
The beauty of our program is that it is flexible enough to meet children where they are in any given subject and take them where they want to go. So, for example, if your fourth grader is doing math on a sixth grade level and reading on a fourth grade level, we can tailor your curriculum and lesson plans to meet their abilities.
Since students do not go to a physical school building every day, how do they interact socially?
Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. We expect local clusters of students and parents to get together on a regular basis in their areas. We also are exploring new ways to interact socially using the powerful reach of the Internet. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities can be formed that are based not on geography and place but on shared interests. Learn about our school outings.
Who is eligible to attend?
Students living anywhere in Wisconsin may be eligible to attend the Wisconsin Virtual Academy. The State of Wisconsin defines enrollment requirements and eligibility in the charter school law and other applicable legislation. For more information please see the "How to Enroll" section.
What are the parents' responsibilities?
Parents (or other responsible adults) guide students through the lessons and ensure that children are learning. They also contact teachers when students are experiencing academic problems, help students manage their time and set goals, monitor student work, and fill out daily attendance logs. Parents are also expected to participate in regularly scheduled conference call with their teacher(s).
It should be noted that participation in our program requires a large investment of time by parents. The academic program is demanding, and requires approximately five hours per day of student work. Parents who are unable to make this commitment themselves may designate another "responsible adult" who can make the time commitment to guide the student through the daily lessons, monitor their assessments, keep them on track, communicate with their teachers, etc. However, K12's curriculum is a rigorous program and demands commitment so each child learns well and learns consistently.
Is the program's network secure?
Any records kept or transmitted electronically are subject to high standards of electronic security. Our network security system is state-of-the-art. We employ electronic firewalls and encryption systems, and we monitor and test the system regularly to ensure its stability and integrity.
Does WIVA offer extracurricular activities?
Because we are not a physical school, we do not offer a full array of extracurricular offerings. We will, however, use communications tools (such as newsletters, message boards, and the WIVA website) to post recommended, age-appropriate activities, identify interesting places for field trips, facilitate events and gatherings, and list suggestions from other parents about what is enriching their children's lives.
What is a charter school?
A charter school is an independent public school of choice, freed from some bureaucracy but accountable for results. Charter schools are incredibly varied-there is no single charter school model. Generally, there are four "pillars" that make up the charter school idea: freedom, innovation, choice, and accountability. Some believe that charter schools also serve a research and development function for public education-trying new models, testing their effectiveness, and replicating successful approaches.
Can a student attend WIVA and another school simultaneously?
No. Students cannot attend WIVA and another school at the same time.
Are the teachers certified?
Yes. They also are qualified, energetic, and committed to the WIVA mission.
What is the cut-off date for kindergarten?
Kindergarten students must turn 5 years of age before September 1 of the year they enroll.
