Frequently Asked Questions
Please download our brochure for details about the Virtual Academy.
1. Can I enroll in the school even if I don't live in Jefferson County?
Students interested in full or part-time, tuition-free enrollment do not need to live in Jefferson County. However, they do need to be a resident of Colorado and under the age of 21. Students interested in credit recovery course enrollment do not need to live in Jefferson County and can be of any age. Learn more about your enrollment options.
2. How do I make sure my high school receives my class credits and grades for the credit recovery class I took?
If you are taking a credit recovery class with Jeffco's 21st Century Virtual Academy and are enrolled in another Jeffco school, the Virtual Academy will post the grade and credit to your transcript. The Jeffco school that you are enrolled in full time will be able to see those grades and transcripts since all Jeffco schools use the same student information system.
If you are taking a credit recovery class with Jeffco's 21st Century Virtual Academy and are not enrolled in another Jeffco school, the Virtual Academy will mail you an official copy of your grades, much like colleges do. You can then deliver the office copy of your grades to your school so they can include them on your transcript. Learn more about enrolling in credit recovery courses.
3. Can I enroll as an out-of-state, or international student?
Colorado residency is required for part-time or full-time enrollment. However, students interested in fee-based credit recovery courses may live out-of-state or be international students. Learn more about enrolling in credit recovery courses.
4. How much time do courses take?
The amount of time that it takes to complete a course will vary based on the course and the student’s ability and motivation level. While we do not require students to work on every course, every day of the week, we do expect students to work on each course several times a week. Students should plan on spending a minimum of five hours a week on each course. Find out more about our courses.
5. How will I get to know my teacher?
Many online teachers say they know their online students much better than they know their students in the traditional classroom. With the large amount of personal support and communication that online teachers provide, students have more opportunity to interact. Their personal support includes e-mail, one-on-one tutoring, office hours, grading assignments and weekly virtual class sessions.
6. What computer equipment will I need?
Students will need consistent access to a computer and Internet access. It is strongly recommended that students access the Internet via a high-speed connection. The computer should also have a sound port for speakers or headphones, and a microphone so that they can participate in virtual class sessions. In addition, students should have access to word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. View additional technical requirements.
7. Do I need to order a textbook?
The vast majority of our coursework is online. However, some of our English courses do require a student to acquire novels. Textbooks for some of our advanced courses will be provided. Some courses do have materials fees.
8. Is there someone available to help me with my homework?
The primary role of our teachers is to provide support to students with their course work. Teachers host online office hours, as is common at colleges, lead virtual class sessions, as well as provide one-on-one support via phone, e-mail and Web conferencing. The Virtual Academy's teachers are available to provide support to students Monday through Friday. In addition, students are assigned an advisor to provide overall support and encouragement.
9. Do I have to take CSAP or other similar assessment tests?
Assessments are a critical part of the teaching and learning process because they provide feedback on a student’s performance. That feedback can then be used by the teacher and student to determine what knowledge, understanding and skills have been acquired and what work still needs to be done. Students enrolled part or full-time in Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy are required to take CSAP in grades 9 and 10, and the ACT in grade 11. In addition, the Virtual Academy uses a series of benchmark and assessments through the school year to monitor students’ progress towards standards.
10. Will universities and colleges accept my transcripts for the online courses I take?
During this school year, more than three million college and university students across the United States took online classes. In many ways, higher education has done a better job of accepting and promoting online learning than K-12 education has. Because of this, universities and colleges are very accepting of high school students that are taking online courses. Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy will rely on Jeffco Public Schools’ strong relationship with higher education institutions around Colorado and the nation.
11. Is my student a good candidate for an online class?
Since each student is unique it can be difficult to answer this question. A student may be a good fit for taking one supplemental course, but may not be a good fit for full-time enrollment. That is why during the enrollment process we connect each family with an enrollment counselor to discuss their student's unique situation. In addition, all students complete a self-assessment during the enrollment process to provide more information on whether online learning is a good fit. The Virtual Academy strongly encourages all parents and students to attend an information session to learn more about Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy.
12. Who are the teachers?
Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy’s teachers are licensed by the Colorado Department of Education and are experienced educators. We hire trained and knowledgeable teachers who are looking for a flexible, collaborative, and creative work environment. Many of our teachers have advanced degrees and seek out additional professional development. The Virtual Academy’s teachers are committed to providing students the support they need to be successful in the 21st century.
13. I can't afford a computer and Internet connection. What assistance does the school provide?
Families who meet certain federal income qualifications, as outlined in the Family Economic Survey, qualify for financial assistance from Jeffco's 21st Century Virtual Academy. All families have the opportunity to complete the Family Economic Survey during enrollment in order to determine if they qualify for assistance. Learn more about what type of assistance the Virtual Academy provides.
14. Is there a chance to work with, or meet other students?
Some people have the impression that learning online involves countless hours each day staring at a computer screen in complete isolation. In general, this is not true. Students have many opportunities to work and connect with other students at Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy. Students can find ways to partner with their peers on academic projects through daily live virtual class sessions, online teacher office hours and group projects. The Virtual Academy’s clubs, field trips, student organizations, and Advisement Program provide the opportunity to experience the complete school experience while still learning online.
