Lake Cumberland Virtual Academy

Common Questions and Answers

1. Q: When is the application window for Lake Cumberland Virtual Academy (LCVA)?
   A: The main application window is typically open from July to just before school starts.  After that, the application windows differ at each level:  (1) Middle schools accept applications mid-year for special circumstances only.  (2) High schools accept applications about 10 days before each semester.

2. Q: Will LCVA be available to anyone who wants it?
   A: No.  Students will be required to attend school in-person.  However, those who prefer to learn virtually may apply to attend LCVA.

3. Q: What is Lake Cumberland Virtual Academy (LCVA)?
   A: LCVA is an online-learning option for students (1) who prefer to learn at home, (2) who meet certain academic and behavior performance criteria, (3) and who receive approval for admission into the program.

4. Q: What grade levels are served through LCVA?
   A: Students in grades 6-12 are eligible.  Virtual Academy is not offered to the elementary grades.

5. Q: What are the academic and behavior criteria for acceptance into LCVA?
   A: Acceptance into the Virtual Academy is not guaranteed, and the entrance criteria are quite stringent.  Virtual Academy may not be appropriate for everyone, since it requires significant drive and determination, self-pacing, and parent involvement.  Click here for specific entrance criteria. 

6. Q: What are the academic and behavior criteria to stay in LCVA?
   A: Once accepted into the Virtual Academy, performance expectations remain high.  If requirements aren't met -- if grades drop, assignments are submitted late, behavior becomes an issue, etc. -- then the school may revoke Virtual Academy enrollment.  Click here for specific continuation criteria.

7. Q: Is LCVA a stand-alone school?
   A: No.  LCVA is a program operated from within each school.  To participate in the Virtual Academy, a student must be enrolled in a participating Pulaski County school.

8. Q: Can LCVA students attend classes in-person?
   A: Yes, but there are a limitations: 
   (1) A Virtual Academy student may take up to two consecutive classes in-person.   There are many variables to consider in scheduling, so work with your guidance counselor to develop an appropriate schedule.
   (2) A Virtual Academy student is responsible for transportation to-and-from school.  They may drive themselves, if they qualify.  If they are to be dropped off and picked up, this must be done promptly.  Leaving a child to wait at school for long periods may disqualify the child from the Virtual Academy program.

9. Q: Can LCVA students participate in extracurricular activities?
   A: Yes.  Eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities -- such as sports, clubs, band, etc. -- is contingent upon meeting academic and behavior criteria.

10. Q: What curriculum and courses are used for LCVA?
    A: An online curriculum called Edgenuity is used to deliver content and manage student work. Not all courses that are offered in-person will be offered virtually.

11. Q: What is IXL?  What is iReady?
    A: IXL is used at the high schools, and iReady at the middle schools.  LCVA uses these programs to measure students' reading and math knowledge.  But they are far more than just assessment tools - they are comprehensive instructional resources that are used in the regular classrooms to supplement reading and math instruction; they provide individually-tailored instruction to students using short videos, tutorials, and practice assignments; and they benchmark students' learning progress throughout the school year.

12. Q: Who will teach the virtual courses?
    A: Edgenuity uses instructional videos to help students learn.  Local teachers will monitor students' progress through each course.  They will grade assignments and assessments as necessary, communicate with students, and will be available for limited tutoring.

13. Q: Do LCVA students have to participate in state testing (KSA), End of Program Assessments, ACT, and Industry Certification tests?
    A: Yes.  By law, public school students must take these tests, and they will be administered on-campus.  The tests are administered at certain times throughout a student's education (not all in the same year).  

14. Q: Is there a contractual agreement that must be signed by participating students, parents, and school administrators?
    A: Yes.  the LCVA Student Contract.  This form is only needed if the student is accepted into the LCVA program.

15. Q: How do I apply for LCVA?
    A: You can find application instructions on the "Apply" page of this website.