Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School

This is our second year with PAVCS and it seems as though the quality of their program has really dropped. The teachers never call any more to follow up with progress, we can't see any online sessions anymore. This school is a sinking ship and management better wake up fast and make some changes.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the first year my daughter is attending PAVCS. Prior to this, she attended a "brick and mortar" school (she is in the 8th grade). Because of a demanding sports schedule, she had to work at a self pace. When we signed up, we were told sessions would be available to be viewed after the class was already over. They call them recorded elluminate sessions. One of the very important classes (Algebra) was not recorded and the teacher was not cooperative at all. I would not recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been with PA Virtual for 2 years. The teachers are very supportive and try to make sure your not having problems with your school work. The curriculum is a lot easier than a regular brick and mortar school. Teachers have office hours every Friday where you go and talk to them if you need help with anything. Their Technology Team could definitely use some work!!! The teachers even contact parents to let them know how their students are doing. Parents know what is going on, unlike brick and mortar schools where you have to wait for report cards, or go into the school to find out any information. If you feel that cyber school is the best choice for you and your family I would definitely recommend it!!!

This school is the best, has really helped my kid grow into a young lady
--Submitted by a parent

We have been with this school for ten years. With students in 4th, 7th and 9th grades, our days are very full. I have one student in Title 1 Reading because of dyslexia. Another has different needs, both Occupational and Cognitive. In a brick and mortar setting these two would just be passed from grade to grade not expected to amount to much. The teachers and staff at PAVCS have encouraged my special needs students to excel in all that they do. Requiring their best performance in all that they do. This model includes many family support options to help keep the educational experience a good and productive one for both the parent and student. One note about enrollment. Go to the website, and enroll through it. There are videos that answer most all of the questions a new family might have. They even touch on what the expectations are when you enroll in our school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has already given me a bad first impression, it has taken me days to reach someone for enrollment,when i finally got a call he told me to go on the website and enroll, he didnt ask if i had questions and he was very rude. If it is going to take me a month to reach someone or get info on a school its rediculous
--Submitted by a parent

On the middle school level PAVCS is a great school. My daughter went from being a "D-" average in her brick and mortar school to "A's and B's" in PAVCS. However, if you have a child with learning differences entering PAVCS high school will be a MAJOR challenge. I would NOT recommend PAVCS for high school students.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has given my boys the opportunity to excell in areas where they were falling behind in the brick and mortar schools. My younger son was a full year behind in math when he started at PAVCS and absolutely hated math; now, four and a half years later, he is a full grade level ahead in math and actually plans on teaching math as a career. What a difference caring and individual attention can make. The teachers are excellent and the curriculum is challenging; the resources are plentiful and the opportunity for personal growth for each child is outstanding. I have recently pulled my step-daughter out of a well-known boarding school to enroll her in PAVCS as well because I know she will get a better, more thorough education here at PAVCS without all the negetive aspects of a traditional school, and all of my children will be much more prepared to be independent learners for college.
--Submitted by a parent

PAVCS has been an excellent school for my children. We have consistently had great teachers who respond within the hour. Blackboard is a universal tool used by colleges and universities throughout the country, and successfully utilized at PAVCS. There is one password and username to enter into Blackboard for each student. Blackboard is one place where all announcements, in-school e-mail, course listings, outings, teacher and Family Support Coordinator contacts are located, as well as, direct links which are individualized for the student. The school's main mission is to see each student succeed. They have been there for my children to individualize based on his/her academic needs (either slow down or advance). New offerings are based on parental feedback. PAVCS utilizes K12, same as Agora, and the the student would have to log onto their couse listing, in the same manner as a child at Agora.
--Submitted by a parent

I think its a horrible school. I am always emailing my teachers reciving a 'out of my office' responce. Let me say this, if you are looking for a good teachers who respnde to emails and encourage your student/children it is not the school for you. When you student/ children are failing they will make it feel like him/her has no hope. I'm telling you. I will never ever use this schooling again. The website (blackboard) is not user friendly. It's is confusing you have to sign onto 10 different things just to do your work, remember 20 different unsernames and passwords. Now agora, great school! If your are interested in you son/daughter doing a online school I suggest Agora, you get admediate respnce to emails, the teachers set up an IM where the student, if they need help, can IM te teacher, reciving a responce right away outstanding school.
--Submitted by a parent