Finding Connection and Confidence at North Carolina Virtual Academy 

For fifth grader Alyssa, learning at North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA) has been part of her life early on. She enrolled in kindergarten and has been part of the school’s virtual community ever since. 

“I’ve been in NCVA since kindergarten,” Alyssa shared. “I really love connecting with other people – like friends and teachers.” 

While Alyssa and her family are not always able to attend in-person school outings, she has found plenty of ways to stay connected. One of her favorite tools is the K12 Zone, a virtual environment where students can play games and interact with classmates within their school and across the country. 

“That’s how I’ve made a lot of new friends,” she said. “We do games and stuff together, and it’s really fun.” 

Alyssa also has a clear favorite subject: English. As an avid reader, she especially enjoys assignments that combine writing with history and storytelling. Recently, her class explored the life of Anne Frank through reading and journaling. 

“We’re writing in a diary to imagine what it would be like if we were in her shoes,” Alyssa explained. “I really like learning about that.” 

Learning Coaches: The Support Behind the Scenes 

Behind every NCVA student is a dedicated Learning Coach, and for Alyssa, that role belongs to her mother, Amanda. Amanda not only supports Alyssa’s daily learning but also serves as a Learning Coach Ambassador for her daughter’s school, helping other families navigate virtual education. 

“In a nutshell, a Learning Coach Ambassador is someone who represents the school and helps support other Learning Coaches,” Amanda said. “We know what it’s like to feel lost when you first start, so being able to guide and encourage new families is really important.” 

Amanda helps host weekly Learning Coach Coffee Chats, virtual gatherings where parents can connect, ask questions, and share advice. 

“It’s really about building relationships,” she said. “Learning Coaches need connections too. Sometimes we’re so focused on helping our students that we forget to take a moment for ourselves.” 

The Decision that Changed Everything 

The family discovered NCVA after moving from Chicago to North Carolina. For Amanda, being involved in her children’s education has always been a priority, and virtual learning offered a level of communication she found to be very important. 

“Alyssa started first, and once I saw how well it was going, I wanted the same opportunity for my older daughter,” Amanda said. “The teachers and staff go above and beyond for our kids. You can tell they truly care.” 

That support has made a lasting impression on the family. 

“Don’t fix something that’s not broken,” Amanda added. “My children are growing and thriving in their education here, and that means everything to me.” 

For Alyssa, the experience is simple to sum up. 

“My favorite thing about NCVA is connecting with other people,” she said. “I’ve made friends and learned so much.” 

At NCVA, those connections – between students, families, and educators – are what helps learning truly come to life. 

Is virtual learning right for your family? 

Unlock possibilities you never imagined! Explore how North Carolina Virtual Academy can support your child’s journey. Click here to learn more about us today! 

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