How It Works
How Online Education Works
With online learning, your child can learn at home, or wherever there’s an internet connection, while enjoying the benefits and support of a school program. They’ll complete a mix of online lessons and offline activities, using K12-provided books and materials.* Oregon-licensed teachers provide instruction in virtual sessions called “Class Connects.”
What to Expect
CVA Programs
Cascade Virtual Academy (CVA) uses quality curriculum from K12 that’s designed to let students find the learning style that works best for them, allowing them to find their own path to success. Each online classroom offers engaging and relevant lessons that build on your child’s interests and abilities.
What’s my role as a parent?
You’ll play an active and important role as your child’s Learning Coach. You’ll spend time each day to:
- Provide academic support, motivation, and guidance throughout the school year
- Ensure your child is on track with assignments and coursework
- Communicate with teachers
- Report daily attendance
If you or your child’s legal guardian are unable to fill this role, you can choose a family member, friend, or another trusted adult to be the Learning Coach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to attend Cascade Virtual Academy (CVA)?
Any student in grades K–12 who resides in Oregon is eligible for full-time enrollment.
How many of my children can I enroll in CVA?
Because CVA provides the lesson plans and materials needed for grades K–12, many parents find it easy to enroll multiple children in the program.
What does it cost to attend CVA?
CVA is a public school, so there is no tuition. We provide Oregon-licensed teachers and instructional materials. Students and families will be responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Based on financial need and eligibility, CVA may loan a computer system (including computer, printer, and software) to support the learning process. Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.
What is the attendance policy?
As Oregon public school students, all CVA students must comply with the state-required minimum number of 180 instructional days. Attendance is logged daily in the Online School by the parent/Learning Coach.
All families must attend an in-person Parent Orientation, and new students will complete the Online Learning course via the Online School.
Families must maintain regular communication with CVA teachers.
Students and parents/Learning Coaches must check their email and phone messages daily.
Students must attend all required Class Connect live sessions for direct instruction as directed by their teachers.
Can our family take a vacation during the school year?
The school calendar includes school holidays or vacation time. Whenever possible, family vacations should align with school vacation days. Parents are encouraged to contact their student’s teacher if they plan a vacation that does not coordinate with the school calendar.
Extended family travel, except during normal school vacation periods, requires written notification and vacation contract approval by the Head of School or designee. This should be completed at least one week prior to the extended absence.
How much time will my child spend online?
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.
How do students interact socially?
Students spend time with classmates online and through school outings, field trips, and other activities. In addition to school-based clubs, K12 online national clubs help connect students with like interests and passions.
*Course materials vary by course and school.