Online Success.

Talk to your Parents

Online learning takes self-discipline and time-management skills on the part of the learner.

Do you have the aptitude for an online learning environment?

Self-Assessment Survey

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Learning at NVLA

Online courses are as rigorous as traditional brick-and-mortar, and should not be viewed as easier or faster. A student can quickly get behind and feel overwhelmed. In fact, the typical NVLA student spends approximately one hour per course each day. While work can be completed in a flexible format, NVLA is not a fully “work at your own pace” school. While there is some flexibility with due dates, assignments have hard due dates to which students must adhere. These are usually at the mid-point and end of the quarter.
Success requires self-discipline. Students must set and adhere to a personal schedule for completing weekly required coursework. Just like in a brick-and-mortar setting, students need to devote a minimum of 5 to 6 hours per week per course to be able to learn and master the material presented, participate in class discussions, chats, and other graded activities. The advantage of online classes is that students have the flexibility to work more at their own pace and schedule than a traditional school. While NVLA has flexible pacing, it is still extremely important to follow the provided course pacing guide. Successful students take notes while studying, contact their teacher when questions arise, and plan ahead to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments before or on the deadlines.
Since the student does not have a teacher verbally reminding them of due dates, it is easy to fall behind. Students are encouraged to set multiple alert notifications using the Learning Management System (LMS) platform to remind them of due dates. Students should attempt to work ahead as much as possible, so that they have time to contact the teacher with any questions. In most cases, students who are inadequately prepared fail assignments and score poorly on quizzes and tests. Also, students who struggle to get through reading assignments may struggle in an online classroom since most of the content is in written form.
Continuous access to a computer with reliable Internet access at home is essential to being successful with online learning. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to have a backup plan for unexpected loss of internet or computer use. School and public libraries often have open hours for computer use. Please consult the “Support” page at NVLA.me for the technical requirements and information for assistance.
Each course provides a syllabus outlining the course objectives, grading procedures, due dates, and attendance requirements.
There is no penalty for late work that is submitted prior the hard due date. This date is usually a week or a month after the pacing guide due date. However, all students are required to submit a minimum amount of weekly assignments to be considered present for attendance.
These sessions are an excellent opportunity for the instructor to introduce new concepts, review past lessons, answer any student questions, and help prepare the students for upcoming assignments. Links to the live sessions are provided by the course instructor.
If a student cannot attend a live session, a link will be provided to view the playback. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all assignments associated with the weekly live session.
Except for the weekly live session with their instructor and classmates, the courses are conducted asynchronously (not live), allowing students to participate at any time of the day (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). All students are reminded that while work can be completed in a flexible format, all required work must be completed on or before the end of the currently enrolled semester.
In a traditional setting a teacher can determine potential problems with nonverbal ques, such as, confusion, frustration, boredom, and absence. These are not possible to recognize in an online course. Therefore, students must be willing to communicate with the teacher when problems and questions arise. Content related issues need to be directed to the teacher immediately. While technical issues are submitted via our online support system, teachers should also be notified. Lastly, while online courses are completed in the comfort of home, students should be prepared to work with their peers, as well as the teacher, during the live sessions, through email, discussion postings, and chats.
All contact information is included in the course syllabus, course page and electronic mail sent from the teacher. Students can contact teachers by email or phone and expect a response within 24-48 hours of initial contact, Monday thru Friday. Students can also arrange a time for a live phone conference, online chat with the teacher, or face-to-face tutoring.

Test Drive a Course

One way to “test drive” online learning is to take one course with NVLA, as a part-time student. This can be done during the traditional school year or during summer school.

High School
Middle School

Pick an Option that Works for You

NVLA offers both middle and high school courses. Whether you chose Part-time or Full-time enrollment, there are multiple pathways to becoming an NVLA student.

  • Part-Time Enrollment for CCSD Students: See your home school counselor to request a class.
  • Part-Time Enrollment for non-CCSD Students:Complete on-line registration to take NVLA courses.
  • Credit-By-Exam for High School:Demonstrate mastery of course material through Credit-By-Exam (CBE) offerings.

Get Prepared Technically

NVLA high school courses are strictly online and our middle school courses are a hybrid of online and face-to-face classrooms. Being an online student means having internet connectivity and ensuring that your equipment meets the general requirements for accessing the online classroom and content.

Complete the Orientation

NVLA orientation provides a guided introduction to the skills needed to use the learning management system and reviews policies and procedures for the Academy, including attendance. The orientation provides a foundational understanding of the online classroom, rules, and responsibilities.

Go to Class Every Day

NVLA uses several learning management systems but we have single sign-on access. You can access all of your courses through Canvas. Keep your login and password readily available.Review the course syllabus and schedule posted in the online classroom.

  • Make sure you understand the expectations
  • Know how to contact your instructor
  • Schedule time in your calendar to “go to class” and work on assignments
  • Work in the course a little bit each day

Participate in the Class and Ask Questions

Our instructors are highly qualified in their subject areas, capable and dedicated to lead students through the online learning adventure. Communicate with your course instructor each week. Know what assignments are due and turn them in.

If you have questions… just ask!