FAQs

General FAQs

Who is eligible to attend Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy (MGLVA)?

MGLVA offers full-time enrollment for K-12 students. Kindergarteners must be five years old before September 1 of the current year to be eligible for the program.

What subjects will my child study?

Language arts, math, science, and history are the core courses. There are also other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as music, world languages, and art. High school students also have access to honors and AP® courses, as well as more than 40 elective courses including career-focused electives.

Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?

We provide the textbooks and instructional materials that are needed to complete the program. These books and materials are sent to students directly. High school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle school students. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided. Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.

Will my child have the same graduation opportunities as students in traditional public schools?

Can my child work at their own pace?

The MGLVA elementary program is a mastery-based program. Students are required to work through the curriculum to complete lessons and attend live virtual sessions with their teacher throughout the school year. Middle school and high school students work through their lessons using a combination of asynchronous and synchronous (live) learning with their content area teachers and their class cohort and have quizzes, tests, and other assigned schoolwork due on certain dates.

What happens if my elementary student completes a course mid-year?

When an elementary student completes a course by March 31 of any school year, MGLVA will send them to the next level. After April 1, courses cannot be ordered again until the next fall. Teachers work closely with students to help pace the curriculum to meet the student’s goals for advancement.

How much time will my child spend online?

In the younger grades, many of the online lessons include offline work. Students in Young 5s through grade 2 spend about 30–40% of their time on the computer, while students in grades 3–5 spend about 50–60% online. Screen time increases in middle school, and by high school, most of the school day is online.

Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?

Depending on a child’s IEP, we can tailor your child’s learning experience to meet their 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 advanced learner?

The beauty of our elementary program is that it’s flexible enough to meet children where they are in any given subject and take them where they want to go. Placement assessments taken online during 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 your curriculum and lesson plans to meet his or her abilities. High school students have the opportunity to take more advanced courses, including honors and AP® courses.

How do students interact socially?

Students spend time with classmates online and through school outings, field trips, and other activities. Local clusters of students and parents often get together in their area to study together, socialize, and have fun. In addition to school-based clubs, K12 online national clubs help connect students with like interests and passions.

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.

How do I enroll my student?

Does MGLVA offer full or part-time developmental kindergarten?