How It Works
Myths About Online Schools
MYTH: Students who attend online schools lack socialization and social skills.
FACT: Students at Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy (MGLVA) have opportunities to participate in a variety of academic and social outings. These outings may include trips to museums, skate parks, zoos, and other community destinations. We also encourage students to participate in clubs.
MYTH: Students spend all day staring at a computer.
FACT: While attendance, planning, and assessment are all recorded online, only about 30 percent of the K–8 lessons are taught online, with a higher percentage for high school as students work at more of a collective pace online in conjunction with the teacher. The rest of the K12 curriculum relies on printed or hands-on materials, including beautifully crafted textbooks, paint, rocks, and telescopes.
MYTH: Attending Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy is a part-time job.
FACT: Students will need to spend about six hours on schoolwork each day, depending on grade level. Dedicated Learning Coach time will vary by grade as well, with younger children needing more guidance, and high school students working more independently.
MYTH: Online schools don’t have to follow state requirements for public schools.
FACT: MGLVA is a public school that happens to operate outside a traditional classroom. As public school students, your child will be expected to spend a certain amount of time each day engaged in schoolwork. They will also be required to take standardized tests mandated by the state of Michigan.