Most applications are web-based and can be accessed from any computer.  You may choose to check out a device at any point should it be easier for your family.

Grades K-5

We believe in a balanced approach to learning and recognize that younger students learning needs are not effectively met through online materials only.  While online resources help us assess, plan and manage learning, they are just one tool for learning. Depending on student need, other methods of learning are blended with the online curriculum. We expect that K-5 students will spend about 25% of their learning time on the iPad. 

6-12

Middle and high school students will spend a majority of their time on their Chrombooks engaging with Odysseyware curriculum. Usually about 25 hours per week.  The remainder of the time should be spent on reading, reviewing notes and working on projects. 

Depending on the student’s IEP, we can tailor our program and courses to meet the student’s needs. We review all IEPs to determine if we can meet the student’s individual goals in our online setting.

A limited number of Advanced Placement classes are available. Students need to be very self-reliant to be successful in these classes.

All students will be assessed to identify their learning levels in reading and mathematics. Advising teachers will develop written student learning plans that meet the learning needs of the student. If the student is ready for higher-level work, they will be assigned to the appropriate digital coursework. Support for weaker skills will be supported through iReady lessons and IXL, depending on grade level.

• K-8: No, we do not offer dual enrollment.
  9-12: Limited and dependent on the student’s academic goals and what is available online.

No, attending VVLA at Heights Campus does not restrict students from accessing programs of choice the following school year.

No, there is no deadline.

Yes, VVLA maintains open enrollment. You can complete the interest request form at any time. However, availability will depend on “space” (teacher availability). However, for high school students, we suggest students not move between school if it will jeopardize finishing classes and credit accrual.

We recommend contracting the administrator at the magnet school to determine if your student’s slot will remain reserved.

No, you can re-enroll at your neighborhood school at any point in the year. However, for high school students, we suggest students not move between schools if it will jeopardize finishing classes and credit accrual.

Yes, VVLA maintains open enrollment. You can complete the interest request form at any time. However, availability will depend on “space” (teacher availability). However, for high school students, we suggest students not move between school if it will jeopardize finishing classes and credit accrual.

Parent commitment depends on the age of the student and their ability to work independently. K-5 students will need greater parent involvement than a middle or high school student. Advising teachers monitor student progress and participation through Odysseyware. Parents can also request a parent portal account that allows them to monitor student activity and progress.

Expectations of parents

1. Help your child develop a schedule.
2. Provide the student with a learning area that has minimal distractions.
3. Support your child in identifying how frequently they may need movement breaks and methods on how to get back to work.
4. Communicate regularly with the advising teacher.
5. Ask to see their work or notes.
6. Ask them what they are learning.

Normally, VVLA for 6th-12th grades has a once per week 2.5-hour lab attendance requirement. During this time, students meet individually with advising teachers to talk about progress and set and measure weekly goals, and they meet as a small group for social emotional learning. This allows us to build a sense of community for students. In the more than 10 years that VVLA has provided online education, we have found that students who attend once per week do much better than those who don’t.

During this difficult time, we are trying to meet the needs of families by providing a non-attendance option for grades 6th-12th if there is a health reason that would require it.

We are also offering an online-only option for grades K-5.

These online options still require two-way contact (Zoom, email, phone) with the advising teacher weekly. This contact must be in regard to the student’s progress towards academic goals.

The structure of the day depends on the family schedule, the student grade level and the student’s ability to focus. Online learning is not time bound. The younger the student, the more frequently they should take a movement break. In this model, learning is not bound by time or space. Students understand concepts at different paces, and some require more practice then others.

Alternative Learning Rules require students to engage in 1,665 minutes of learning activities per week.

For older students, most of these activities will occur while in Odysseyware. However, they will also spend time reading, writing, studying, taking notes and researching. In addition, they will engage in an onsite lab or Zoom meeting.

For younger students, activities will include at-home projects for art, social studies and science. Time will also be spent with parents reading to students and students reading to parents. In addition, there will be Zoom meetings.

Each student will have a written learning plan that outlines academic goals and learning activities. Advising teachers will work with students and parents to develop a schedule that works best for them.

The online curriculum platform used for grades 3-12 is Odysseyware.  Other district-supported digital resources such as iReady lessons and IXL, depending on grade level, are also utilized to support student learning. Online courses will also be supplemented with non-digital learning experiences dependent upon the student’s written learning plan (i.e., art and PE).

Odysseyware Course List

A Parent’s Introduction to Odysseyware

Sample 4th Grade Math Lesson

Odysseyware Instructional Supports