AN LVUSD PROGRAM LAS VIRGENES ACADEMY

WHAT IS LVA? A K-12 home-based independent study program An alternative educational model Individualized, rigorous curriculum UC approved labs in science NCAA approved Enrichment classes and field trips Students from all LVUSD schools Out-of-district students We are a program, so students are enrolled in their local LVUSD schools and retain all rights and privileges as students of those schools

Actors, athletes, models, dancers, equestrians, gymnasts, musicians, artists These students require a more flexible schedule in order to pursue their passions Students who are pursuing a passion WHY ARE STUDENTS COMING TO LVA?

The classroom setting may not be not optimal for their learning style Classrooms may be too large or too structured They may prefer or need different pacing We offer flexible methods for assessing student learning Students who learn differently WHY ARE STUDENTS COMING TO LVA?

These students are looking for alternative challenges and individualized curriculum They may want to go beyond what is occurring in the traditional classroom and study in greater depth Gifted or advanced students WHY ARE STUDENTS COMING TO LVA?

Some students are starting their own businesses or working on inventions and need a flexible schedule Some student inventors have been noticed by colleges like UCLA and USC Entrepreneurial or Innovative students WHY ARE STUDENTS COMING TO LVA?

These students may benefit from one- on-one learning They may blossom with different educational pacing including more frequent breaks Students with attention or focusing challenges WHY ARE STUDENTS COMING TO LVA?

Some students need to detach from the school atmosphere due to social pressures Anxiety can also be due to academic pressures such as test anxiety Students who are bullied or experiencing anxiety WHY ARE STUDENTS COMING TO LVA?

We can individualize curriculum to highlight a student’s interests, talents, or passions Time gained can be used to create meaningful projects Students can have creative projects approved by instructors if equivalent content is covered Creative learners who desire a more project-based, hands-on curriculum WHY ARE STUDENTS COMING TO LVA?

HOW DOES ENROLLMENT AT LVA WORK? Families call to inquire about LVA LVA staff conducts a screening interview to determine if LVA is an appropriate fit If the student is a good fit, an enrollment meeting is scheduled LVA teachers consult with counselors for course guidance and graduation requirements

WHO IS TEACHING LVA STUDENTS? A condition of enrollment and program success is to have strong home support for all courses Parents, relatives and tutors can be used in this role If strong home support does not exist, students cannot enroll in LVA Course syllabi or assignments are given to students along with helpful resources Edmodo is used to generate class discussions or post helpful links to extend learning A Supervising Teacher is available for support and guidance Students must complete monthly work in order to remain in the program

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED THROUGH LVA? Our most popular option is our Hybrid Model where students attend some classes at school and take some courses home for independent study Some students take all of their courses at home because they cannot attend classes at school due to other endeavors Some students take all of their courses at home because they do not want to attend school for various reasons

HOW DOES THE HYBRID OPTION WORK? Students have to take a minimum of 3 LVA classes Students cannot take more than 3 classes at their local school Online (APEX) courses can be part of the students’ courses Students are held to the same assignments, homework and assessments as other school students when they attend school classes Home study courses can include online class discussions through the use of Edmodo Counselors assist in creating manageable schedules for Hybrid students Students require off campus passes when they leave school For elementary students, the hybrid option allows them to attend some pull-out programs at school

HOW ARE STUDENTS EVALUATED? Supervising Teachers support, guide and evaluate students They meet with students at least once a month to evaluate and collect work Highly Qualified Teachers assign and grade all student work Labs and assessments are scheduled for students Alternative forms of assessments are also used (projects, critical analysis, oral assessments, discussions, etc.)

WHAT ABOUT STUDENTS WITH AN IEP OR 504? The first screening interview question we ask is whether a student has an IEP or 504 If they do, the interview is stopped Student must return to their IEP team and case manager for discussion and/or approval of LVA

DO LVA STUDENTS RECEIVE A DISTRICT DIPLOMA? All LVA high school students receive a diploma from CHS or AHS The transcript clearly labels the courses that were taken through LVA, and the courses taken at school Course codes are the same for both LVA and school classes since course content is equivalent

DO LVA STUDENTS TAKE STATE AND DISTRICT MANDATED TESTS? LVA students participate in all district mandated tests These tests include both district level assessments and state level assessments

WHAT ABOUT THE LVA STAFF? LVA is staffed with Highly Qualified teachers for all core subjects LVA has an Office Manager who is responsible for administrative duties When LVA does not have a teacher on staff with a required credential, adjunct staff is brought in to both assign and grade work for those courses

HOW MANY STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN LVA? This varies year to year, but growth is strong We usually have between students at any given time We have all grade levels, but high school is the largest group, followed by middle school and elementary

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS