Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Collierville Virtual Academy (CVA)?
The CVA is a public Collierville School. The CVA provides 100% asynchronous virtual instruction to students in grade 4-12.
Who can attend the CVA?
Any student that resides in Tennessee can apply for a transfer to CVA. There is a tuition cost for students inside of Shelby County for the 2023-24 school year (Non-Collierville Resident) of $450 per year and a Non-Shelby County (Must reside in Tennessee) resident tuition cost of $4200 per year. The parent must contact Collierville Virtual Academy at 901-472-8669 or emailing [email protected] to start the process. Student transfers are dependent on space availability, grades, attendance, and behavior criteria.
What grade levels does CVA serve?
The CVA is open to all students enrolled in Collierville Schools in grades 4th through 12th. CVA is also open to students who reside outside of Collierville. Those students must complete an application (found here) and meet the transfer criteria. Students residing outside of Collierville must pay a tuition per board policy #6.204.
How do students enroll in the CVA?
Parents must contact CVA to obtain a form to enroll their student in the CVA for the school year. If you have any questions, please call the main office at (901) 472-8669 or email at [email protected].
Can CVA students access their virtual classes from anywhere?
Yes. The CVA does not dictate a student’s physical location while attending classes. Students can log on and complete their coursework from anywhere they have internet access.
What are the school hours for CVA?
CVA office hours are 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Students do not have set daily hours, as they are able to create their own schedule and complete assignments at their own pace.
How long is the commitment for CVA?
Students make a yearlong commitment when they enroll in the CVA; therefore, they must remain in the CVA for the entire academic school year.
Will Collierville Schools provide devices to CVA students?
Yes. CVA students in grades 4th-12th are offered a district assigned device (Apple iPad or Apple MacBook laptop). However, students are also permitted to use a personal device if they choose to do so.
Where will CVA students pick up their iPads, MacBooks, and/or any materials they need?
Devices are distributed at CVA, located on the West Collierville Middle School campus at 1101 New Byhalia Road. Our main office is through the double doors off the bus parking lot at the corner of New Byhalia Road and Frank Road. Students will be notified when to pick up their devices.
What curriculum does CVA follow?
Our curriculum is provided through Village Virtual. The curriculum is aligned to Tennessee state standards.
What courses will be offered through the CVA?
The CVA course catalog can be accessed here. Please note, courses offerings may be updated between April and July. The CVA school counselor will reach out to high school students to make course selections.
Will CVA students be allowed to participate in middle school and high school athletics?
Collierville residents wanting to participate in TMSAA or TSSAA sanctioned sports will be allowed to participate with their home base school team (Collierville High School, Collierville Middle School, or West Collierville Middle School). Students residing outside of Collierville will not be allowed to participate in TMSAA or TSSAA athletics.
Will attendance be taken?
Yes. Since CVA is a Tennessee Public School, it is obligated to record attendance for each student. CVA will adhere to the Collierville Schools attendance policy 6.200.
Student attendance is reflected through coursework completion. While students are not required to log into class at a specific time; they are required to stay on pace in all courses. Staying on pace means the student has no missing assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all coursework by the given deadline. Failure to complete coursework will result in unexcused absences.
Students may be denied admission and/or have their transfer revoked if they have more than 4 unexcused absences or more than 10 total absences. Collierville Schools attendance and truancy policy can be found here.
Will students ever be required to attend CVA in-person instead of virtually?
Students will be learning from home, however, for required benchmark and state testing the students will be required to test in person at the CVA. All scheduled in-person testing will be announced to allow parents enough time to plan.
In addition, students who fall behind in their coursework, or need academic support, may be required to come to the CVA in person until they are back on track.
Will my student be able to get help from their teacher(s) if needed?
Yes. CVA students are able to schedule times to get help from their Village Virtual teachers, but the times may vary from teacher to teacher. Teachers will provide feedback and support in multiple modalities, including phone calls, text, video & audio feedback, and virtual meetings.
Will there be opportunities for students to see each other in-person?
YES! CVA holds frequent events for our students and parents to get to know each other and have fun together.
Should my student have a learning coach?
Learning coaches are required for students in grades 4-8. Learning coaches are recommended for students in grades 9-12. The role of a learning coach is vital to student success in a virtual learning environment.
Are students expected to sit in front of a computer for 6.5 hours each day?
Students will be provided access to content through the Village Virtual platform. It is not expected or advised that a student spend 6.5 hours interacting solely on a computer. However, students who do not to log in and work on assignments at least 3.5 hours a day will likely fall behind.
What happens if my student does not do well in CVA?
Our goal is to help all students succeed! However, if a student is struggling, they are encouraged to reach out to their Village Virtual teacher(s) for help or contact the CVA school counselor or administration for support. If a student does not do well in CVA due to academic, attendance, or behavioral performance, their transfer may be rescinded. Transfer students that pay a tuition (out of district) will not have the tuition refunded due to a transfer being rescinded.
Will my child still receive his/her 504 or special education services if enrolled in CVA?
Students receiving services through an IEP or 504 plan will receive their services as decided by the 504 or IEP team and documented in their individualized plan. Services will be delivered by Collierville teachers.
Will my child still receive their ESL services and accommodations if enrolled in CVA?
ESL Services will be delivered by CVA teachers. English Learners receive their services and allowable accommodations in line with the student’s Individual Learning Plan and decisions by the ILP team.
Where is the CVA located?
CVA is located at West Collierville Middle School. Our office is accessible from the bus parking lot at the corner of New Byhalia Road and Frank Road.
Do I have to have access to high-speed internet?
Yes. High speed internet access is a requirement for CVA. Students that do not have high speed internet access will need to be an in-person learner at their base school.
Does the Collierville Virtual Academy have eligibility requirements?
- Students must meet and maintain satisfactory academic, attendance, and criteria to enroll and/or remain in the CVA.
- Students make a year-long commitment when enrolling in the CVA; therefore, they must remain for the entire school year.
- Students and parents must attend an orientation meeting and sign the CVA Student/Parent Contract prior to attending the CVA.
- Students must have access to reliable internet.
- Students must stay on track (complete assignments by the given deadline) in their virtual courses.
- Students who are not on pace (missing assignments) may be required to come to the CVA in person to complete missing work until they are back on track.
- Students are required to participate in district and state assessments in person.
- Students must adhere to the CVA and Collierville Schools student handbook, policies, and procedures.
Is the Collierville Virtual Academy a good fit for me?
While a virtual school setting differs greatly from a brick-and-mortar school, many students benefit from the pacing and flexibility it provides. We encourage families to reflect upon their needs and weigh out the pros and cons of virtual learning to determine if the CVA is a good fit for them.
To succeed in the Collierville Virtual Academy, students should have the skills or be willing to put in the work in the following areas.
Time Management and Organizational Skills
Since our students do not follow a structured bell schedule and can work at their own pace, time management and organization is vital to their success in the CVA. Students are encouraged to create daily agendas and/or checklists to keep them on track. Many students map out their assignments on a calendar to adhere to due dates and help them stay on top of their coursework.
Self-Motivation
Motivation is crucial for online success. For many students, the “freedom” they have in a virtual learning setting is what attracts them to the CVA. However, students who have the initiative to prioritize their schoolwork, be prepared, and follow through with our online expectations tend to thrive in this setting.
Independent Worker
The CVA is great for students who enjoy self-directed learning. Unlike the traditional school setting, our students can learn and move through their work at their own pace without relying on others. Although the bulk of the learning takes place independently, CVA students can reach out to their Village Virtual teachers for help when needed. Students in grades 4th-8th are required to have a Learning Coach to help keep them on track.
Self-Advocate
Students should be willing to ask for help when needed. Village Virtual provides several avenues for students to seek help and support. Students will be supported through multiple modalities, including teacher feedback and support, phone calls, text, video & audio feedback, and virtual meetings. CVA’s school counselor and administration are also available to support our families as needed!
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?