FAQ's

It is a myth that online classes aren't as effective as in-class learning (see 8 Myths about Online Education).  Research has found that online learning is as least as effective as in-class learning when courses are properly constructed and instructors are thoroughly trained. AGVA instructors complete 6 graduate credits in online learning, teaching, and course design prior to teaching an online course. Courses and instructors are evaluated at the end of each semester. (See what AGVA students are saying about their courses and instructors!)

Generally, self-motivated, self-disciplined individuals with good reading and comprehension skills will do better in an online course than others. See Student Characteristics for a profile of a successful AGVA student.

Online students are expected to have a basic knowledge of how to work with their computer and its operating system and basic knowledge of software applications such as word processing, email, internet browser, and search engines. See the Technology Requirements page for more information.

See the Technology Requirements page under the Admissions tab. Some courses might require additional software that is explained on the Course Materials page.

See the Registration Process page under the Admissions tab.

About two weeks before the start of the course AGVA will email you information on how to access your course.

See the Tuition & Fees page under the Admissions tab.

Many courses make use of free online materials, but some have materials that need to be purchased. (AGVA does not cover this cost.) See the Course Materials Requirements page under the Admissions tab for detailed information concerning your course. Contact the course instructor with any questions.

AGVA expects that students attending WELS/ELS schools work on the course at school at a set time each day, just as they would for any other course they are taking at the school. Students not attending WELS/ELS schools typically work on the course at home.

First semester courses begin in late August and end in mid-December. Second-semester courses begin in early January and end in mid to late May. See the Calendars page under the Academics tab for specific dates.

As a general rule of thumb, the time commitment for an online course is expected to be similar to the time commitment if the same course were taught in a traditional face-to-face classroom. Typically this is estimated to be about 50 minutes per day for the average student.

Students are given a username and password to access the course through the internet. A typical course is divided into a series of lessons, similar to a face-to-face course.

Not usually. Often other students will be taking the course too and you will communicate with them and the instructor via the discussion tools provided. The instructor sets specific deadlines to complete each activity, but students usually do not need to access the course at a specific time each day.

AGVA online courses are offered in an asynchronous format, which means students and instructors do not all have to access the course at a specific time each day. Students can work on the course at times that are convenient to them, but they are expected to participate in the course Monday through Friday each week. Specific requirements for participation will be laid out by your instructor.

The instructor will break the course down into a series of lessons and will provide a "lesson guide" to lead the students through each lesson. A typical lesson might include reading materials from a textbook or online source (or viewing a video of the material), discussion of the material with other students and the instructor via a discussion tool, and assignment activities that each student completes and submits to the instructor via an assignment tool. Many courses also make use of self-correcting online quizzes/tests.

Online courses are treated the same way as face-to-face courses and are held to the same academic standards. High school and college transcripts usually make no distinction whether a particular course was completed online or face-to-face.

The content covered in an online course should be the same as a face-to-face course, but it might be presented in a different way. Online courses can include assignments, presentations, discussions, projects, tests, etc. 

The difficulty level of the course work is intended to be the same. Do realize, though, that you do not have the imposed structure that accompanies a face-to-face course. Being successful in an online course requires an extra measure of self-discipline to stay on task and get work in on time. (See Student Characteristics for a profile of a successful AGVA student.)

Time commitment is expected to be similar between an online and a face-to-face course. 

While it is usually the responsibility of students to seek local technical help with any computer/software issues, issues related to accessing the course and working within the course site will be available through AGVA. 

Yes. Once you have registered for an online course an account will be created for you. About two weeks before the start of the course you will receive instructions on how to access a free online orientation that will lead you through working with online activities commonly used in courses.

Whether a course was taken online or in a traditional classroom should have no bearing on whether the course transfers into a school or not. Ultimately, it is the school that you want to transfer the course to that needs to determine if the course will be accepted or not.

Yes we are! Amazing Grace Virtual Academy (AGVA) has accreditation through Middle States Association - Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).

On April 21, 2020, the MSA-CESS visitation team completed its assessment of ALHS Online (now AGVA) and provided a written report. On Nov. 6, 2020, ALHS Online (now AGVA) was granted a full accreditation status without stipulations through 2027! 

For the most part yes!  If your child attends AGVA full-time please check with your local high school or WELS high school to see if your child can attend extra curriculars through them.  Each district has their own regulations so please check with your local school to see if your child can participate in those programs. 

If your question was not listed, or if you have a question or comment on a provided answer, please send an email to the AGVA executive director, Dr. Jim Grunwald, at james.grunwald@amazinggraceva.org or Principal David Rust at david.rust@amazinggraceva.org