How It Works
Curious how online learning 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 Stride K12-provided books and materials.* California-credentialed teachers provide instruction in virtual sessions called "Class Connects."
What to Expect
Time Commitment
Curriculum
CAVA Programs
CAVA Programs
Elementary
School
Middle
School
High
School
Stride Career
Prep
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
Which counties do the nine California Virtual Academies serve?
Our nine CAVA schools serve the counties listed below. Our enrollment consultants can help you identify the right school for your student.
Alameda
Amador
Butte
Calaveras
Colusa
Contra Costa
Fresno
Imperial
Inyo
Kern
Kings
Lake
Los Angeles
Madera
Marin
Mendocino
Merced
Mono
Monterey
Napa
Orange
Placer
Riverside
Sacramento
San Benito
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Luis Obispo
San Mateo
Santa Barbara
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Sutter
Tulare
Ventura
Yolo
Yuba
How many of my children can I enroll in California Virtual Academies?
Because California Virtual Academy schools provide the lesson plans and educational materials needed for grades TK–12, many parents find it easy to enroll multiple children in the program.
What does it cost to attend one of the nine California Virtual Academies?
Because CAVA is an independent public charter school program, it's tuition-free. Enrolled families receive the Stride K12 curriculum, and eligible families receive a loaner computer, printer, and internet stipend.
What is the attendance policy?
Students are expected to complete the California requirements of 180 days of instruction. Attendance in a California Virtual Academy is recorded in the Online School by marking lessons complete, submitting assignments as required, and entering in the number of minutes spent on each school lesson in the attendance screen. It is expected that lessons will be completed and attendance will be logged before the end of each day. When a student completes work offline, the parent/Learning Coach must maintain a school supplied learning log as specifically directed by his/her assigned teacher, for each day of schooling without accompanying online work. All learning logs must be signed and submitted to the assigned teacher at the conclusion of each school day or as requested by the assigned teacher. If a learning log is not submitted, the teacher will not credit the student with attendance for that school day.
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. If students skip a day during the week, they will be marked absent. Vacation is not an approved reason for absence in the state of California.
How much time will my child spend online?
In the younger grades, many of the online lessons include offline work. Students in grades 3–5 spend no more than 15 to 30 percent of their school time on the computer. Screen time increases in middle school to 50 to 70 percent, and by high school students spend 80+ percent of their time online.
How do students interact socially?
In addition to interacting with their classmates in their Class Connect sessions, students have access to other social opportunities. Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. Local students and parents can get together on a regular basis in their areas. The online family directory in the Learning Coach app provides a way for California Virtual Academies families to network with families in their region of the state. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities can be formed based shared interests rather than geography.
*Course materials vary by course and school.
Socialization