How It Works

Elementary School

Tuition-Free

Because MGLVA is part of the public school system, it’s tuition-free. Enrolled families receive the K12 curriculum, as well as a loaner computer, printer, and internet stipend.


Who can attend?

The Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy (MGLVA) elementary program serves students in grades K Prep–5 who reside in Michigan. To be eligible for kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by September 1 of the current year. K Prep students must turn 5 by December 1.

What’s my role as a parent?

  • Communicate progress with your child’s teacher
  • Monitor mastery of lessons and assessments
  • Review your child’s work
  • Record attendance
Average time image

What will my child study?

Coursework is a mix of online and hands-on work, catering to a wide variety of learning styles. Unit and course assessments are built into each subject, and easy-to-use online planning and progress tools keep you and your student on track.

Elementary students take courses in the core subjects listed below. Beginning in grade 3, they also take a self-guided elective course in music or a world language.

English icon

ENGLISH / LANGUAGE ARTS

Math icon

MATH

Science icon

SCIENCE

History icon

HISTORY

Art icon

ART

Mastering Lessons

In the elementary grades students are required to show mastery of each lesson by achieving 80% or better on all lesson assessments. If your child is having difficulty mastering a lesson, let their homeroom teacher know as soon as possible. Teachers offer many support sessions to help students gain mastery.

Working with Your Teacher

Students work with their teachers and other classmates during “Class Connect” sessions. In “Class Connect” sessions, students

  • Receive live instruction from teachers
  • Interact with classmates
  • Ask questions and receive real-time support

Students can interact with their teachers and classmates by

  • Typing in the chat
  • Speaking over their microphone
  • Typing and drawing with online whiteboard features
  • Joining small group breakouts to work on projects or receive targeted instruction
Student taking an online class image

Time Commitment

Students in grades K Prep–5 are expected to spend between 4 to 7 hours on schoolwork per school day, including both online and offline work.

K Prep Through Grade 2

Grades 3–5

  • 5 to 7 hours daily
  • 15–30% online

A Day in the Life of Online Students

Want to learn more about the daily life of an online elementary student? Meet Micah and Sarai!

Video Thumbnail