The high school instructional model will rely on:

• • • • • • • • • rigorous academic standards and expectations

                • highly qualified educators providing synchronous and asynchronous instructional support

                • student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction using a variety of learning technologies

                • traditional grading scale and grade reporting, class rank, cumulative GPA, and formal transcripts

                • opportunities for student leadership and participation in school-sponsored activities, both virtually and face-to-face

                • post-secondary preparation, career planning, exploration, and support

In this educational model, teaching and learning includes the accessibility of teachers during normal school hours via communication tools such as email, phone, texting, instant messaging, and Class Connect live sessions. This could involve individual students, small groups or large group instruction. In addition, students participate in online threaded academic discussions and class postings.

Students participate in school on a daily basis for an average of 7-8 hours.   Students will be assessed frequently to determine achievement in their scheduled courses.  Satisfactory performance is based on student participation in online discussions and online threaded discussions, submitted writings, projects, portfolios, quizzes, additional supporting assignments, unit tests, and final exams. Students and parents can view grades, student progress, and the amount of time the student spends in each class at any time on the D2L, online platform.

If OHVA does not offer a CTE program in which a student is interested, an additional option is to pursue CTE through an external Career Center while still being enrolled at OHVA.  It is imperative that students work closely with their counselors both at OHVA and the Career Center to ensure they are meeting all graduation requirements.

Students must follow all rules and guidelines required by the Career Tech Center and by Ohio Virtual Academy.  All paperwork required for admission to a CTC is the responsibility of the student.  Students must provide ample time for counselors and administrators to sign necessary paperwork (like attendance forms) for CTC programs. This is not the responsibility of OHVA.

Eligibility requirements:

• Students must have a 60% minimum passing score at OHVA. OHVA will abide by that when it comes to determining the issuance of credit.

• Students may participate in CTC programs if they have not passed one or more sections of the Ohio State Tests. However, in order to remain in the CTC program, students must fully participate in and complete test preparation assignments.

• If student is failing one or more course at their CTC or at OHVA, they may be required to attend OHVA full time to ensure graduation status.

The CTC creates its own process for selection/admission.   Ohio Virtual Academy will support recommendations a CTC makes for admission to their specific program(s).

If a student is suspended or expelled from the CTC, OHVA administration will review the terms of the suspension/expulsion and make a decision. Students may be suspended or expelled from OHVA, as well, based on the findings 

It is the belief of The Ohio Virtual Academy that attendance at “live”, synchronous class sessions called “Class Connects” are critical in strengthening the understandings that students gain in independent study. 21st Century Skills such as collaboration, clear communication (both written and verbal), and critical thinking are all necessary for the workforce and higher education and therefore are a focus in these sessions. The following are our expectations for Class Connect sessions:

• All students are expected to attend synchronous Class Connect sessions at the beginning of each semester until student success can be established.

• Teachers may request participation from any student at any time if deemed critical to student success.

• Class Connect sessions will be held Monday- Friday. Course frequency will vary among grade levels and courses.

• Times not indicated as Class Connect times are for students to work independently.

• Class Connect sessions will be tailored to students’ and the whole class’s specific needs. Please watch for indications of Required and Optional in session invites.

• Class Connect Participation may be part of students’ grades. Please check individual teacher policies.

• Recordings will be made available for students who missed class. If you are unable to view the recording within one day, please contact your teacher.

• In the case of conflicting class times, it is the student’s responsibility to let both teachers know about the conflict, so that a resolution can be determined. OHVA suggests that students attend the class in which they need the most help.

• Students are expected to do any teacher requested pre-work before attending class such as reading lessons or viewing related materials.

• Students not attending required Class Connect sessions and not earning a passing grade in a course may be considered truant for non-attendance. All attendance policies apply. 

Weighted/Non-Weighted Courses

Weighted courses will be given an additional one quality point added to each letter grade:

• College Credit Plus courses are weighted (see CCP handbook section for specific course guidelines)

• Honors Courses are NOT weighted

Report Cards

At the conclusion of each quarter, students will be notified of their progress and parents are encouraged to fully review the online class gradebooks. At the semester, grade reports will include semester grades and semester grade point averages. First semester reports will be sent via the school supported communication system. Year-end grade reports, sent via the school supported communication system, will include final course grades, cumulative grade point average, and class rank (seniors only). Note: Students and learning coaches can access student grades at any time in each course.

Grade Point Average

Grade point averages are determined by dividing the number of quality points achieved by the number of credits received.   GPAs are determined on a semester-basis only.   The cumulative (composite) GPA is determined using the semester averages beginning with the first semester of the freshmen year.   All GPA’s and class rankings are calculated and tracked within PowerSchool.

Course Selection and Scheduling

Students will be asked for input concerning course selection each year. The courses scheduled for the student will be determined by the following criteria: availability of the course;  previous  courses  completed;  courses  needed  to  meet  Ohio  graduation requirements and OHVA requirements.  School counselors will advise students on the best path to reach graduation.

 Course Changes

Once a course is assigned and classes have begun, course change requests must be communicated to and supported by the student’s school counselor during the first 2 weeks of the student’s enrollment in the course.   Course additions will be made based on availability of the course and on review of credits by the student’s School counselor. Students may not simply cease working in a course and assume that they are no longer enrolled or accountable for progress and attendance in that course. Incomplete course work will receive an  F  on  the  grade card, resulting  in a  drop  in  the  student’s  overall quarterly and cumulative GPA. Consideration may be given to modifying the course level assignment at the conclusion of a semester if it recommended by the current teacher, and approved by the receiving teacher and/or counselor (example: Comprehensive to Honors).

 Course Credit

High school graduation is based on the accumulation of high school credits. In order for students to move up from one course level to the next in courses where there are pre- requisite skills, full course credit must be earned in the prior level course.  Grade-level promotions  take place  once  a  year except by permission of  the Principal (see  section entitled Grade Promotion/Class Placement). Actual percentages earned rather than letter grades are used to calculate final grades. Grades for each semester are recorded as letter grades.

Course Failure and Repeat Credit

Students are permitted to retake failed courses. Failed courses will be recorded as an “F” on the student’s transcript,  and  a  zero  will  be  computed  as  the  quality  point  for  the course  in  determining  the GPA. Courses required for graduation must be retaken until they are passed. The lower (failing) grade will be removed and replaced by the passing letter grade on the student’s transcript.  The (failing) grade may only be replaced by retaking and passing the same exact course that was previously failed.   Credit Recovery courses do not replace previously failed courses on the transcript but will appear as an additional course.

Course Audit

Students    in high school   can   audit   courses   which   they   have   already   passed. Administrative approval is mandatory.  Students are required to attend any class connect session that  is  labeled as  “required” and  complete participation  in all teacher assigned course work is required to maintain audit status.

*No Grade will be given for the course audit

*No Credit will be given for the course audit

*The course will not appear on official transcripts

Failure to comply with the classroom procedures and requirements will result in removal from the course. Students may only participate in a course audit if they are in good standing academically.  OHVA  administration will  have  the  final  approval  on  all course audits.

 Credit Recovery

The goal of Credit Recovery is to give high school students the opportunity to graduate in a timely manner. This program has policies and procedures that allow students who have failed core courses (courses required for graduation) an opportunity to take a previously failed course at an accelerated pace. OHVA students may participate in Credit Recovery by adhering to the guidelines outlined below.

Any student failing one or more core courses in grades 9-12 may be placed in the Credit Recovery program. Credit Recovery coursework/assessments are modified and constructed to be completed in an 8-9 week time frame.

The courses in Credit Recovery are not intended to aid in early graduation. The courses are

designed to help students who have fallen behind, get back on track with their graduating class.

Placement and use of Credit Recovery courses are at the sole discretion of the Grade

Level Principal. Failure to comply with credit recovery policies may result in removal from the program and impact the student’s ability to graduate.

Pre-High School Credit

Middle school students may complete high school courses for high school credit if approved for placement into the courses by MS/HS Principals. Courses receiving high school credit become the basis for the student’s official high school transcript All High School level work, regardless of final grade will be entered onto the student’s transcript as a permanent record. In the case where a student finds themselves struggling, students may drop courses for high school credit within 2 weeks of the start of the class. 

Middle School Students Taking High School Courses

Middle School students may be considered to take High School level courses for credit in: Math and ELA.

Middle School students are not eligible for High School level courses in: Science, Social Studies, PE/Health, or Foreign Languages.

In order to take high school level courses, Middle School students must have demonstrated an advanced ability in these areas. Approval will be based on past engagement and mastery of material including any pre-requisite High School level courses.

Pre-Requisites include, but are not limited to:

English Language Arts

• Student is in the 85th percentile or higher on the spring MAP test in ELA.

• Student is on track/ahead with current Middle School courses

• Proficient AIR State Test Score if available.

• Demonstrates discipline and independence.

• Student logs in on their own and completes work as required without prompting on behalf of teacher.

• Student attends CCs as required.

Math

• Student is in the 85th percentile or higher on the spring MAP test in Math.

• Student is on track/ahead with current Middle School courses.

• Proficient AIR Test Score if available.

• Demonstrates discipline and independence.

• Student logs in on their own and completes work as required without prompting on behalf of teacher

• Student attends CCs as required.

Final determination will be made by the Middle School and/or the High School Principal.

Other electives are not approved for Middle School students.

Students requesting High School courses will be required to attend a live or recorded orientation session as the expectations differ from Middle School courses and submit an “I understand” document prior to enrolling in courses.

Transfer students will be placed in a matching course schedule but must provide a current report card or progress report and complete the orientation/I Understand requirements listed above.

Summer School 

OHVA offers a variety of courses in both core subject areas and electives for our summer school program. Students may apply to complete 1 to 2 courses per term, with two terms offered each summer. Generally, the first term runs through the month of June and the second term runs through July; exact dates are provided in the application process. Summer school courses are available on a limited basis. Priority will be given to students who are:

• Credit deficient (Summer School is not an opportunity to get ahead on credits.)

• First priority will be given to seniors (determined by Cohort Year) during Term A.

• Second priority will be given to juniors who need credits to get on track to graduate on time at the end of their senior year.

• If spots still remain, freshmen and sophomores who are currently credit deficient will be considered.

• Currently working in and passing courses.

• Re-registered for the following school year,

• A current OHVA student

Students will be required to:

• • Attend an informational meeting or view a recording.

  • Fill out an application and “I Understand” form.

  • Work consistently throughout the summer session.  Students not working during the first week may be removed and replaced by other students on a waiting list.

  • Attend all Class Connect sessions. Sessions will be held in the A.M.

Report Cards

At the conclusion of each quarter, students will be notified of their progress and parents are encouraged to fully review the online class gradebooks.  At the semester, grade reports will include semester grades and semester grade point averages. First semester reports will be sent via US mail. Year-end grade reports, sent via US mail, will include final course grades, cumulative grade point average, and class rank. Note: Students and learning coaches can access student grades at any time in each course.

Transferring Course Credit/Mid-Year Course Placements

Students who enter OHVA after the official start of the school year, and who provide a current grade card or transcript showing courses in progress and current achievement in the course(s), will be placed into the corresponding course(s) at the appropriate starting points in the curriculum.

OHVA teachers may request assessments in order to determine the most appropriate placement within the OHVA course. The OHVA teacher will adjust the placement to take into consideration past performance and prior learning which has been verified on the student’s transcript or grade card from their most recent school and OHVA course assessments.

A  final  determination  on  course  placement,  placement  within  individual  courses,  and quarter  and semester grades rests with the individual subject teachers, school counselor, and principal.

If a student was not taking a corresponding course in their previous educational setting, it may be difficult to successfully complete the course prior to the quarter’s end due to the rigorous nature of the OHVA curriculum. In this case, the student will receive no academic credit or grade for the course.  Students entering from home schooling must provide evidence of the curriculum plan submitted to their local school district.  These students may be asked to participate in course assessments or other assessment testing in order to better determine the course placement within the K12 curriculum.

Transfer Students

Students   who   enter   OHVA   with   grades   and   credits   earned   are   subject   to   those grades/credits conforming to OHVA’s grading scales and GPA weighting. Students who transfer from out of state or from private schools (in state or out) may have the potential of reduced state testing.

Determining Class Rank

Class rank is a numerical rank assigned to students according to their cumulative grade point average relative to their classmates.  All academic subjects are used in computing class rank; however, the following prioritization of academic courses will be used in cases where more than one student  is positioned at the identical class rank position:

●    K12 courses take precedence over all courses

●    Enrollment approved date

●    Enrollment application date

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Determination

The selection process for determining valedictorian and salutatorian recognition (overall class rank of number one and number two respectively), is determined at the end of seven academic semesters. To be eligible for valedictory or salutatory honors, a student must have attended Ohio Virtual Academy High School for at least four semesters, including both semesters of the senior year. Students who finish high school at the end of the first semester of their senior year are not eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian honors.

Grade Point Average

Grade point averages are determined by dividing the number of quality points achieved by the number of credits received.   GPAs are determined on a semester-basis only.   The cumulative (composite) GPA is determined using the semester averages beginning with the first semester of the freshmen year, unless high school credit courses were taken during middle school.   All GPA’s and class rankings are calculated and tracked within PowerSchool.

 Grade Promotion/Class Placement

Students move from one grade level to another at the conclusion of each school year based on the year they enter high school. This does not guarantee that a student will graduate in four years. Students must earn   the   correct   number   of   credits   in   the   state-required areas in  order to graduate. See “OHVA Graduation Requirements” on the following pages.

Students will be considered on track for graduation based on the following credit guidelines:

• • Sophomores/10th graders—begin the year with 5 credits and end the year with 10 Credits

  • Juniors/11th graders—begin the year with 10 credits and end the year with 15 credits

  • Seniors/12th graders—begin the year with 15 credits and end the year/graduate with at least 20 credits.

For questions regarding the GED process please contact your school counselor as the first step. GED eligibility is subject to the state requirements and can be viewed on the Ohio Department of Education’s website.

All 9-12 students will be assigned a dedicated School Counselor. School Counselors provide assistance to students as they learn to make decisions. School Counselors provide programs that will enhance student growth in three domain areas: academic development, career development, and social/emotional development.

It is the high school counselor’s role to provide guidance to students as they make choices, especially regarding:

Academic Development – Choosing courses suited to a student’s needs, abilities, achievement levels, and future goals in relation to their overall four-year plan and post-secondary plans.

Career Development – Exploring various career fields, identifying careers of interest, and learning what it takes to achieve personal career goals.

Social/Emotional Development – Understanding emotions, the student’s personal values, and relationships with their family, friend groups, and at school.

In addition, the following services are provided throughout the school year:

Individual Counseling – When a student feels the need to talk to someone about a personal crisis and doesn’t feel as if they can speak with a parent or other adult family member, the student may contact a school counselor.

Parent Conferences – Counselors can help parents explore various educational and personal opportunities for their students.

Information – Counselors provide information about career development, career-technical information, preparing for college, Armed Services, financial aid, College Credit Plus, and scholarships for post-high school education. ACT and SAT registration information is also available.

Small Support Groups – During the school year, the school counselor will provide small groups for students identified by staff, parents, or themselves who need extra support academically and/or socially/emotionally.