FAQs
General FAQs
What grades are offered by North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA)?
NCVA offers full-time enrollment for grades K–12. Kindergarteners must be five years old on or before August 31 to be eligible for the program.
What subjects will my child study?
English/language arts, math, science, and history are core courses. There are also other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as art, health/PE, music, and world languages. High school students also have access to electives and career-focused courses.
Does NCVA 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.
Can my child work at their 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.
What happens if my middle school student completes a course mid-year?
Teachers work closely with students to help pace the curriculum to meet the student's goals for advancement.
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.
Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?
Depending on a child's Individualized Education Program, we can tailor learning to meet your student’s needs. To discuss your child's needs with us, please contact our office and we will put you in touch with our special education team.
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. Grade placement assessments, completed as part of the enrollment process, allow us to place your student in the appropriate level of curriculum. 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 lesson plans to meet your student's abilities. Starting in 8th grade, students also have the option of dual enrollment to start earning college credit.
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 students and parents can get together on a regular basis in their areas. Students can also take advantage of a wide variety of online clubs.
Will my child have the same graduation opportunities as students in traditional public schools?
Yes. As a public charter school in North Carolina students can earn a diploma through NCVA based on successful completion and mastery of course content as well as exams and state assessments.
Will this program intrude into my home?
There are no home visits as part of the program and no other intrusions into your home.
