FAQs
General FAQs
What grades are offered by Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA)?
Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy serves students in grades K–12 who are residents of the state of Louisiana. LAVCA accepts enrollments for new students in grades K–10. Students in grade 11 can be enrolled if they have siblings currently enrolled in the school.
What subjects will my child study?
Language arts, math, science, history are the core courses. There are also other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as music, art, world languages, and physical education. High school students also have access to a variety of AP® and elective courses. Visit our elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum pages for more details.
Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes. We provide the textbooks and instructional materials needed to complete the program. These books and materials are sent to students directly. The amount and type of materials varies by grade and course. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided.
Can my child work at their own pace?
Although our curriculum may allow for some flexibility in pacing, it is important to know the following information for your student to be successful at LAVCA:
Elementary grade level course work is mastery‐based. This consists of lessons that are followed by assessments, ensuring the student has mastered a particular area before moving on. The online assessments are integrated with the planning and progress tools, making it easy to find the right pace by subject and to stay on track. Learn more about how our elementary school program works.
Middle school grade level course work is grade‐based. The online assessments are integrated with the planning and progress tools, making it easy to find the right pace by subject and to stay on track. Learn more about how our middle school program works.
High School grade level course work is credit based and rigorous. Each course has a regular weekly schedule of assignments and activities which are graded by a teacher and expected by the schools set due date. Learn more about how our high school program works.
Can high school students satisfy the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) requirements?
LAVCA offers all the courses high school students need to satisfy the TOPS requirements.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
In the younger grades, many of the online lessons include offline work. Students in grades K–2 spend about 30–40 percent of their time on the computer, while students in grades 3–5 spend about 50–60 percent of their time online. Screen time increases in middle school, and by high school, most of the school day is online.
What does it cost to attend LAVCA?
LAVCA is a public school, so there is no tuition. We provide Louisiana-certified teachers and instructional materials. Students and families will be responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Each family will be required to have a computer that meets the minimum specifications necessary to access the Stride K12 Online School (OLS). Families must also have internet access in order to participate in the school. In certain cases based on financial need, LAVCA may loan a computer to an enrolling family. This determination will take place during the enrollment process.
Do you provide curriculum for children with special needs?
Depending on your child's IEP, we should be able to tailor instruction to meet your child's needs. See below for additional information about rights and responsibilities regarding the education of a child on an IEP:
- Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
- Louisiana's Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities [PDF]
If you suspect that your child may have an unidentified disability, please view this document [PDF]. To discuss your child's needs with us, please contact our office at info@lavca.org and we will put you in touch with our special education team.
How do students interact socially?
Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to participate in school outings, picnics, and other social events. These outings and activities may include trips to museums and parks, student clubs, and more. We expect local clusters of students and parents to get together on a regular basis in their areas. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities can be formed that are based not on geography but on shared interests.
Will this program intrude into my home?
There are no home visits as part of the program, and there are no other intrusions into your home. This school was created to help your child obtain a first-class education and serve your family's needs. If you ever feel that it is not right for your family or your child, you can withdraw your child at any time.
