Minnesota Virtual Academy

This school was not satisfied with a D+ for English like my local school was. They would not let my son advance to the next assignment until he got it! What a great school! Teachers connect with my 2 boys daily. Teachers have called many times on their days off with reminders... encouragements, etc! I am puzzled why a person would give this school a "barely one" star. We have been going online to MNVA for 3 years now. A WONDERFUL SCHOOL. Comment from my 12th grader who finished up school in January: " I never would have graduated it if weren't for MNVA !" SPECIAL THANKS to teacher, Tracy Lermon for her dedication to my son's education! ... as well as MANY others!
--Submitted by a parent

Is it possible to give ZERO stars? The "school" insists on calling the parent who does all the teaching of the material a "learning coach", while a person who interacts with the child directly perhaps once a month is called a "teacher" and is responsible for assessing student work when they have not even seen the child working day to day. The curriculum is sub-par: repetitive worksheets, a very few mediocre online "activities", such as hopping a frog down a number line, and a dumbed-down "script" for parents to follow when presenting the material. The "school" is not receptive to parent input (in fact, the "teacher" seemed quite resentful of it), and the whole model is front-loaded with as much, or more, bureaucracy as a regular public school. I enrolled because I thought that for a first-time homeschooler, the idea of free curriculum and computer and support was a good one. MNVA is not in place to support homeschoolers, it is in place to provide a "Public School AT Home" option. Don't do this if your reasons for homeschooling include any disklike or mistrust of public schools - because you ARE enrolling your child in PUBLIC SCHOOL, with all the bad that comes with it.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my first year with MNVA, but I have enjoyed the experience. We have a wonderful teacher - the same one for both our boys. She has been so helpful with everything. The work load is large for K and 1st grade, but I was prepared for that going into the school year. If you want to do well in MNVA you need to try and keep to the 4-5 hour-a-day work load. This is part of the agreement you sign when you start. If your family isn't able to work with that then maybe MNVA isn't for you. But do consider that the curriculum is high quality and their phonics program is wonderful! I think the hard work is worth it.
--Submitted by a parent

We love it! Thank you for an excellent curriculum, and a wonderful teacher to work with- we will be back again next year!
--Submitted by a parent

They have wonderful acedemic standards, that many times reach above 'traditional' public schools. The teachers are always there to help. We love this school
--Submitted by a parent

It is our !st year at MVA and so far we love it. I am so glad this option in schooling was available to us.
--Submitted by a parent

We were with a MVA last year. We are not this year. That in itself should say something. Our MVA teacher was not helpful and in at least some cases she was quite discouraging for my wife in her role as teacher. The K12 system is good perhaps but is very rigid and large, leaving our family to work through holidays when public schools were no in session. It appeared to me (being from the outside) that it was set up to discourage with the intent to send the child back into the public school setting.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent academic program. Kids advance at their own pace. Take more time on concepts that are more difficult. Program is rigorous and flexible. Enjoy spending more time with your family. We get our work done during the day and have more family time instead of homework time!
--Submitted by a parent