Why choose Fayetteville Virtual Academy over other online schools?
Fayetteville Virtual Academy utilizes a blended approach to online learning by providing a web-based curriculum along with the availability of teachers on-site. FVA employs all local, highly-qualified teachers who are certified in the state of Arkansas.
Additionally, as part of the Fayetteville School District, FVA follows the FPS traditional school calendar ensuring that students complete their courses on time and stay on track for graduation. Because of these factors, we are able to provide a personalized learning plan that includes field trips, 1:1 instruction, in-person connections through the school learning labs, and special events. We also offer a large variety of courses from multiple sources, creating unique opportunities for students.
How do I enroll at Fayetteville Virtual Academy?
Students/parents should complete the FVA Enrollment Application which can be found under the EXPLORE link at FVA.FAYAR.NET. Registration is open year-round.
My family does not live in the Fayetteville School District. Can my child enroll at FVA?
If you reside in another school district and plan to enroll at FVA for the upcoming school year, complete a School Choice application by May 1st of the current school year.
After the May 1st deadline, you must complete a Petition for Transfer form and send it to your residential school district. Once approved, it will be forwarded to the Fayetteville District and you will be contacted by FVA to schedule an enrollment appointment.
What does a typical school day look like for my student?
We provide students the flexibility to schedule their school day based on their unique and individual needs. Students are not required to attend school on-site because all of their coursework is provided online. However, students may choose to attend guided study sessions at FVA. We recommend that students establish a personalized learning schedule and daily routines.
Attendance/online activity is monitored by the parent and advisor to ensure students are staying on pace.
Check out Student Schedule Information HERE.
What if my student needs help with his/her coursework?
If a student needs additional instruction, he/she may schedule a face-to-face or video conference appointment with his/her teacher. In addition, teachers have open appointments during guided study sessions.
Sample lessons can be found HERE.
What is Guided Study?
Guided study is a time that our Learning Labs are open for students in grades 4-12 to come to FVA to work in a classroom environment. Teachers are available during this time if needed. Sessions are open to students 3 days a week (Tuesday - Thursday) from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Does my child have to log in at a specific time?
Students in kindergarten - third grade must attend online synchronous class sessions via Zoom. In addition, elementary students also attend face-to-face sessions on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons on campus at FVA.
Students in grades 4-12 are not required to attend online classroom sessions because they follow an asynchronous schedule that allows the student and learning coach to set the student’s personalized learning schedule.
If students set their own learning schedule, how do I make sure they stay on track?
Every online course has a pacing calendar that outlines tentative assignment due dates. As long as your child stays on pace and completes work each week, there is not a specific amount of time or day that they must be online. Students should expect to spend approximately five hours per week on each course.
Can my child work on the weekends?
Yes. One of the benefits of taking online classes is that students can work during non-traditional school hours such as evenings and weekends.
Can my child finish the class early?
Yes. Another benefit of taking online classes is that students can work ahead of schedule and finish coursework early.
What kind of socialization opportunities are available?
Elementary students attend onsite class sessions at FVA on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. This provides our elementary students with opportunities to socialize with peers and participate in engaging, fun activities including PE, class parties and art club. In addition, elementary students have the opportunity to attend field trips throughout the year.
Middle schools students (grades 4-8) have a variety of socialization opportunities provided to them every week. There is a 30 minute break during Guided Study that gives the students the opportunity to socialize with peers and play games. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-1 p.m., students may participate in club activities onsite. In addition, FVA offers amazing field trips and monthly community service projects throughout the year. Visit our Field Experience page for more information.
High school students also participate in our monthly community service projects, field trips and club activities that include Student Council, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. FVA high school students also have the opportunity to participate in FHS athletics and elective classes at FHS.
FVA students have access to attend all FHS dances, games and events.
Can my child still participate in sports, school activities, etc.?
Fayetteville Virtual Academy K-6 students may participate in Gifted and Talented programs at their zoned schools.
FVA students in grades 7-8 may participate in all athletic programs*, cheer*, dance* and performing fine arts* electives through their zoned school.
FVA students in grades 9-12 may take up to 3 electives at Fayetteville High School (including all athletic teams* and fine arts*).
*Auditions and tryouts may be required.
Can my child earn concurrent credit for college and/or take advanced placement courses?
Yes, Fayetteville Virtual Academy has partnered with Northwest Arkansas Community College to provide high school students the opportunity to earn dual credit for high school and college. In addition, eligible students may pursue an Associates Degree during their high school career as part of NWACC’s Early College Experience program.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are also available through Fayetteville Virtual Academy.
Is there a graduation ceremony?
Yes, one graduation ceremony is held for all graduating seniors who attend school in the Fayetteville School District.
How often do I need to make contact with my child’s online teacher(s)?
What is my role in my child’s learning?
Parents and teachers have ongoing communication. You can contact the online teacher(s) at any time. In addition, every student is assigned an advisor (homeroom teacher) who will work closely with the student and family to provide additional support for your student.
Parents/guardians will serve as their child’s learning coach to support the student by regularly monitoring grades and coursework activity, communicating with teachers, setting and adhering to their personalized learning schedule and setting daily/weekly goals for learning.
Our family will be out of town for a period of time.
Can students work on their online classes out of state or while we are out of the country?
Yes, as long as a student has a computer and internet access they can continue to work in their online classes wherever they are.
What are some challenges I might expect with my child taking online classes?
With online classes, students (with the help of their parents/guardians) must make a greater effort to stay organized, create a schedule, manage their time, and work towards staying on pace. Parents/guardians are expected to monitor student grades and progress through the parent account.
What are some positive changes that I might see in my child as a result of taking online classes?
Students have the opportunity to develop skills related to organization and time management, develop a sense of responsibility, as well as take charge of their own learning.
What do we do if we have technical issues?
If technical issues arise, your child’s online teacher(s) will be there for initial support. You will also have access to a technical support team if the issue extends beyond the teacher’s ability.