Certifications, SAT/ACT, etc.
Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, etc.
The Advanced Opportunities Program provides every 7th-12th grade student attending an Idaho public school an allocation of $4,625.00 to use towards:
Overload Courses
An overload course is a high school level course that is taken in excess of the student's regular school day and is above and beyond the full course load taken at the student's school (6 credits per semester). These courses can be taken online, during summer, and after school. The AO Program can pay up to $225.00 per overload course if costs are involved.
Dual Credits
Dual credit courses are transcribed on both high school and college transcripts. The AO Program can pay for up to $75.00 per credit. Funds will pay for the cost of the course fee only. Any other expenses must be paid out of pocket (i.e. lab fees, books, part-time student fees, etc.). Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 credits per semester at their school to qualify for dual enrollment.
Exams
Students can utilize AO funds to pay for a variety of college-credit bearing or professional technical exams. These include Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or Career & Technical Education (CTE) exams.
Workforce Training Courses
WTC courses are offered through the Workforce Training Centers at NIC, LCSC, CWI, CSI, ISU and CEI and are aligned to regionally in-demand occupations. Check with your counselor for approved courses.
For complete information, review the Advanced Opportunities Handbook and visit the Idaho State Department of Education Advanced Opportunities website.
Every student will need to have a signed Advanced Opportunities Participation form on file. To complete the Participation Form, please click here.
Students must register with the college issuing the college credits. Be sure to check their specific websites for details, registration dates, and deadlines. Links to the college dual credit registration webpages are below. Students are responsible for this step with the college.
When you are enrolled in an Overload or Dual Credit course, Advanced Opportunities funds will be requested on your behalf by Deslynn Mecham, IDVA Advanced Opportunities Coordinator. This is done as a courtesy and to simplify the process for students and parents. Your middle school or high school counselor should approve this enrollment then they will send it through so funds can be requested.
If preferred, students and parents can choose to request their own funding which will be approved by the school.
Q: When are Advanced Opportunities funds requested on my behalf?
A: AO funds are requested the same semester you register for the course or exam. Fall requests include all fall single semester dual credit classes and year-long dual credit courses Spring requests include yearlong dual credit courses through CWI, spring semester dual credit courses, AP exams, all other CTE exams. AO funds will be requested on your behalf.
Q: How do I know what classes were submitted on my behalf?
A: IDVA will request AO funds on your behalf. If you want to see what requests have been submitted, visit the Advanced Opportunities Portal. Log in or create an account. Once you are in the Portal, you can see requests under "Previous Course Applications". As long as a request does not say denied, the request is still moving forward. You can also contact Deslynn Mecham, Advanced Opportunities Coordinator, at dmecham@idahova.org with questions.
Q: How do I know how much money I have left?
A: Log into the Advanced Opportunities Portal and click on "Program Enrollment Status". This will allow you to see your remaining funds excluding any pending requests.
Q: Who should I contact if I am having trouble with my Advanced Opportunities account?
A: Please contact Deslynn Mecham, Advanced Opportunities Coordinator, at dmecham@idahova.org for assistance.
Q: Who should I contact if I am having trouble with my college registration?
A: Please contact your dual credit teacher or the college/university.
Q: How do I know if I have done everything?
A: Check to see if you have completed Advanced Opportunities requests for all your courses. To check to see if your college course registration is complete log into the college’s individual enrollment system or contact the concurrent credit teacher to have them check their roster.
For more FAQs about Advanced Opportunities, please see the State Department of Education Advanced Opportunities website .
Below you will find links to the course equivalency, for the dual credit classes, for Boise State, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University. You will also find the links to the Idaho Course Transfer guide and the current transfer guide for BYU. For any other school please check on their website or with their admissions office for their course equivalency.
Click here for the Idaho Course Transfer guide. The Course Transfer Guide will help students navigate transfer of credits across Idaho institutions
IDVA must receive transcripts for all college courses.
Students who have taken college courses must request their transcripts be sent to:
Idaho Virtual Academy
Attention: Laura Powell, Registrar
1965 S. Eagle Rd. Suite 160
Meridian, ID 83642
College Transcript Request Links: