How Online High School Works
Who can attend?
The Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA) high school program serves students in grades 9–12 who reside in the state of Washington.
What are the costs?
WAVA is a public school, so there is no tuition. We provide state-certified teachers and instructional materials. Students and families will be responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). In addition, families are required to provide their own computers and internet access to participate in the program.
Choice of Standard or FLEX Program
Families can choose the standard WAVA program or the new FLEX Program. The standard program is best for students who value time with their peers and require live instructional time with teachers. The FLEX Program is well-suited for independent learners with engaged Learning Coaches.
Schoolwork Expectations in the Standard WAVA Program
Attendance is logged Monday through Friday; however, academic progress can be achieved during the weekends as well.
In high school, students are required to earn a passing grade on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.
While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students are required to attend teacher-led, direct-instruction, online synchronous Class Connect sessions. During Class Connects, students receive online instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact virtually with classmates.
Attending Class Connects and completing coursework according to the assigned pacing schedule, will help set your student up for success.
Working with Teachers in the Standard WAVA Program
Teachers provide individual and small group assistance via online synchronous sessions called “Class Connects.” Students are expected to attend all required Class Connects and meet with their teacher to receive course assistance, tutoring, and instruction. Class Connects vary by subject and are scheduled by your teacher.
Schoolwork Expectation in the FLEX Program
The FLEX Program allows families to set a learning schedule that works best for them. Daily login for attendance is not required but FLEX students must attend a weekly homeroom session and a weekly student-led conference.
FLEX students are expected to complete 10% of each year-long course every month (20% for semester-long classes). All FLEX students have a monthly progress conference with their FLEX teacher where they share what they have learned, reflect on how the previous month went, and look ahead to the next month. To remain in the FLEX program students must maintain passing grades in all courses.
Working with Teachers in the FLEX Program
Families in the FLEX Program set their own structures and schedules for learning. FLEX students have just one mandatory Class Connect each week: a homeroom session. This weekly requirement provides an opportunity to connect with other students, and makes sure students are aware of important information and opportunities. Rather than attending other Class Connects that are required by the teachers, FLEX students and their Learning Coaches determine their own monthly learning plan.
Dedicated FLEX teachers are available via email and phone on school days and have regularly scheduled and posted office hours each week. These are set times when teachers are in a Class Connect session, ready to answer questions from students and Learning Coaches. Think of it as coming into the teacher’s classroom; they will be there in the Class Connect whether anyone joins at the beginning or not. Pop in, get what you need, and pop out. Students with IEPs receive all the services called for in their plans, including specifically designed instruction time with special education teachers.
Time Commitment
High school students are expected to spend 6 hours per course per week. A student who takes 5 courses and spends 6 hours per week on each one is devoting approximately 30 hours per week to their course work.
Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails on a daily basis.
State Testing
Families enrolling at WAVA must be willing to participate in all required areas of the program.