Chicago Virtual Charter School

Truth be told, I was skeptical at first of the idea of a hybrid model school for my child. We are all conditioned to think that attending the public school is the best way, until now. The school in our neighborhood was not very supportive, lacked in many areas, and had 32 children in kindergarten with only 1 teacher and no assistants. It was a difficult last year. I researched this school for about 10 months before we decided to enroll. The time commitment is definitely something the parents need to consider before making this decision. Once you are in, it's work but I can tell you that its worth the time and effort. Our son has been doing so well with this curriculum and is excited about learning more, attending the learning center, and looks forward to special projects. We got a routine now, and he looks forward to the one-on-one sessions, doing science together, math, phonics, language arts, social studies, even history and Art. The k12 material is phenomenal! I can't stress that enough. My child has more material, resources, tools and attention than he ever received at the local public school. The teachers at CVCS are excellent. You don't need a fancy building to LEARN.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children enrolled in this school and they both love it. The curriculum is excellent and the teachers are great.
—Submitted by a parent

We are thrilled with CVCS. Our son was enrolled at one of the top ranking magnet schools in Chicago's north side for 2 years. The administration was not interested nor equipped to address his academic needs. Our initial decision to place our son at CVCS was due to the curriculum the school uses (from k12.com). The curriculum is out-standing. Now that we have been there for over one month, I am impressed by how well organized the school & staff are, how quickly (w/in 24 hrs) the staff respond to my queries & concerns, & how warm and professional my son's teacher has been. My son is an advanced learner. At CVCS, one can advance in math and language arts after s/he has been assessed by Scantron and the teacher. I emailed his teacher about advancing him in math & he was assessed & promoted to the next grade level w/in24hrs.
—Submitted by a parent

I love my school because it allows a parent-teacher partnership that is second to none. K12 provides everything I need to provide my child with an exceptional core curriculum plus foreign language, an option to participate in an advanced learning program, and international clubs.
—Submitted by a parent

The curriculum is incredible and the staff is 100% committed to the kids. Now all we need is our own building!
—Submitted by a parent

The K12 curriculum used at CVCS is excellent and top-notch. However it has felt like CVCS is gradually shifting from its original focus. The curriculum is no longer individually tailored according to the children s strengths and weaknesses. Children are placed in the curriculum by their grade. CVCS is a hybrid school (combination of distance learning and regular classroom). However there has been discussion of adding more learning center days and requiring more work in addition to the K12 curriculum. CVCS is becoming more difficult for the children to work at their own pace.
—Submitted by a parent

CVCS offers curriculum from K12. What a gold mine! My two students enjoy their online classes and weekly virtual sessions with their teacher, as well as their weekly Learning Center day in a classroom setting with the same teacher. I can speak volumes for CVCS, the the proof is in the pudding ... my 6th grade student rated 95% in Reading and 92% in Math on the 2009 ISAT. We are now awaiting for 2010 ISAT test scores for 7th grade. My 5th grade student is no different. This student rated 91% in Reading and 93% in Math. Both scores from 2009 ISAT. This student too ... is awaiting the 2010 ISAT test scores of 6th grade. Just when you think there aren't any educational opportunities for your student to succeed ... there is CVCS. Three CHEERS for CVCS' curriculum !!!
—Submitted by a parent

CVCS is an excellent school. The staff is supportive and knowledgeable. Parents (learning coaches) are truly in charge of how successful there children can be in the school. Learning coaches help direct the path of their chid's education. The curriculum is interesting and challenging. No other school is Chicago (private or public) has as great a curriculum as CVCS. It is definitely a unique way of educating but for the betterment of your child. All children benefit from one on one teaching and your child will soar beyond your expectations. I have no regrets about enrolling at CVCS. My son had been in private school and now says he wants to attend CVCS all the way until high school. There is no better endorsement than a happy child.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's first year of school (kindergarten) and we chose to enroll her at CVCS because of all the wonderful things presented as a possibility to do. We have not been disappointed in the least. If you are concerned about what your child is learning both day to day and overall, this school is for you. Yes, there is a requirement for the parent to participate everyday but the effort is weel worth it. My child is learning things now that I know I didn't see until third grade and more importantly, she understands what is required. Her teacher has been just great too. Want to be active in your child's education? This school is for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely satisfied with how challenging and comprehensive K12 curriculum is. CVCS has improved in offering support services for struggling students, which was a concern last year and I am pleased with the progress. I really like the culture of the school. CVCS obviously has high parent involvement due to nature of the school, which makes a noticeable difference. The school creates many opportunities for parents to voice their concerns and makes decisions with those concerns in mind. My only concern is the extra demands that are placed upon learning coaches (parents) as a result of CPS's policies and guidelines that place a great deal of emphases on ISAT testing. CVCS is a growing school that has some challenges, what school doesn't? What matters is that CVCS continues to recognize challenges and strives to make effective solutions. Overall,the direct involvement I have in my child's education is most rewarding.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is growing in what they offer every year. CVCS not only listens to the needs but makes adjustments as well. This year there is now a special class for the advanced learners to challenge them. This school is a jewel for chicago public students if all of the parents, students, and faculty continue in working hard.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, excellent curriculum, friendly environment. This school needs to improve to meet the needs of the gifted students as much at-risk students. There are few if any accommodations made to ensure that gifted children receive the resources needed. That is disappointing because CVCS advertises as being able to meet the needs of all students.
—Submitted by a parent

I would have moved to the suburbs if we hadn't found CVCS. It has restored my faith in CPS. The curriculum is well developed and K12, Inc provides my kids with everything that we could ever need as far as materials and supplies go in addition to the online resources and support. It is perfect for the gifted learner as well as the student that might be at risk. As the learning coach, the parent guides the student and each child can go at their own pace. Accelerate with a gifted learner and decelerate with a struggling learner. The curriculum is mastery based so NO CHILD IS EVER LEFT BEHIND and those that want to progress ahead, can, as far and as fast as they would like. The Learning Coach-Parent trainer, Pam Cray is outstanding! She provides so much encouragement and support. You won't regret enrolling your child in CVCS!
—Submitted by a parent

Let me say that I really like the curriculum of K12 but I am not so thrilled with CVCS. It is okay but,It is too far away and I still like I am under the thumb of CPS. We are thinking of just purchasing the curriculum from K12 and doing on our own next year. It is a waste of time for the kids to come to school one day a week for two hours. I am not seeing how that helps them at all. I think i made a mistake taking him out the great school he was in. I thought I would have more freedom but we don't at all.
—Submitted by a parent

Chicago Virtual Charter School is great!!! It has changed our lives. My son doesn't have to feel rushed, or frustrated and confused about what is going on in the classroom b/c the teachers make sure to take their time w/the children, and give you 1 on 1 communication.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE THIS SCHOOL. The work is done online and it is similar to homeschooling so if you want to teach your kids at your own pace but don't know how to go about getting curriculm to get started, this program is for you. The teachers are wonderful and helpful. As long as you are in the program you get free and it is FREE use of a desktop computer, all the books and materials are free. You get everything you need to give your children the quality education they deserve. This is my first year at Chicago Virtual Charter School but I will definately be returning in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent