What is PVAC?

The acronym PVAC stands for Pennsylvania Virtual Academy Coalition.  The coalition consists of a group of school districts in central Pennsylvania that has agreed to offer online courses to high school students.

What is online learning?

Online learning is any organized system of receiving instruction at a distance using digital technology.

Is online learning for me?

Those who will benefit from online learning are students who:

• Have scheduling conflicts
• Have work responsibilities
• Need to make up credits to graduate on schedule
• Want to accelerate their academic program
• Are enrolled in homebound or homeschool educational programs
• Travel
• Want to take courses not offered at their school

To determine if online learning is for you, try taking the Online Learning Survey (PDF file).

How do I enroll?

Students register for virtual classes during the regular registration process.  Course descriptions will be listed in your district’s course catalog.

What courses can I take through PVAC?

Students are eligible to take PVAC virtual courses listed in the district course catalog only if they are not available or not accessible in their local school district.

Who is eligible?

A student must receive written approval from their district in order to register for a PVAC virtual course. The student must also complete the parental consent form and have it signed by their parent or guardian in order to register for the virtual course.

What are the basic course requirements?

Each course will include email correspondence, internet resources, "synchronous" (same time) chat sessions, and "asynchronous" (different time) activities such as online lessons, reading assignments, writing assignments, and threaded discussions.

Assignments may include but are not limited to quizzes, exams, writing assignments, projects, and participation in chat sessions or threaded discussions. Students are expected to keep pace with the course, participate in the class, and complete all assignments on time, just as they would in a traditional class.  Online students must possess initiative and self-discipline.

Students must take a proctored mid-term and pass a final exam. Failing the final exam could result in failing the course, depending on the policies of the district offering the course. Students are required to communicate biweekly with an assigned mentor.  This mentor will assist with academic and technical needs.

Where can I get more information if I'm interested?

Please contact your guidance counselor for more information about how to get involved in PVAC courses.

Revised 4/08