Video Welcome to Summit Virtual Academy
How it Works at Summit
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What is Summit Virtual Academy?
Summit Virtual Academy is an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) 100% online learning program led by NTPS highly qualified certificated teachers who develop a Written Student Learning Plan for each student, evaluate student work, track student progress on a variety of academic measures, and make the final determination of student success in the program.
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Who can attend Summit Virtual Academy?
Any NTPS student in grades K-12 is eligible to apply for enrollment. There are also a limited number of openings for students who live outside North Thurston Public Schools and wish to request a choice transfer.
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How much does it cost to attend Summit Virtual Academy?
SVA is just a new school within North Thurston Public Schools. All curriculum, materials, and technology is provided for students just like it is in any of our “brick & mortar” buildings. A $10 assurance fee is required to cover use of the Chromebook.
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What is the role of the student?
Students access and complete daily lessons online, as well as attend live classes with their teachers and classmates. Students refer to textbooks, and other interactive materials as directed in the lesson plans.
Attributes of a successful online learner:
- Perseverance
- Motivation and independence
- Strong communication skills
- Efficient time-management skills
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What is the role of the teacher?
A NTPS certificated teacher has the primary responsibility for the student's instructional interactions, goals and expectations, direct instruction online, review and grading of assignments, state and school assessments, progress monitoring, and communicating with families. Certificated teachers present live lessons online on a regular schedule where students share learning, and students and teachers interact with one another. See an example of a class meeting below:
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What is the role of the parent?
For K-5 students, the role of the parents/guardians is as learning coach by assisting students with the curriculum and a schedule. Parents also ensure the students engage with their teacher(s) and participate in live lessons.
For grades 6-12 the family’s role is to help keep students accountable for meeting class pacing expectations and assignments. Students work more independently but need a learning coach who provides daily support, motivation, and guidance for the student.
For all students, parents should help create a quiet learning space at a table or desk to help students to be successful.
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What does the typical school day look like? Is there any flexibility in the schedule?
Student attendance is required in all live class sessions. Each student will have a unique schedule for those live classes. Online work can be completed at any time of the day. In this way, families can personalize the daily learning for each student, plan breaks in the day, and determine where the learning happens so long as an internet connection is available. Explore A Day in the Life for a behind-the-scenes look at how it works.
SVA Daily Time Commitment by Grade
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SVA Daily Time Commitment
K-2nd grade
- Live Online Classes: approx 1-1.5 hours
- Online Lesson Work: approx 1 hour
- Offline Lesson Work: approx 3 hours
- Total Instructional Hours: approx 5.5 hours
3rd-5th grade
- Live Online Classes: approx 2 hours
- Online Lesson Work: approx 1.5 hour
- Offline Lesson Work: approx 2 hours
- Total Instructional Hours: approx 5.5 hours
6th-8th grade
- Live Online Classes: approx 2.5 hours
- Online Lesson Work: approx 2 hour
- Offline Lesson Work: approx 1 hours
- Total Instructional Hours: approx 5.5 hours
9th-12th grade
- Live Online Classes: approx 3 hours
- Online Lesson Work: approx 2 hour
- Offline Lesson Work: approx 1 hours
- Total Instructional Hours: approx 6 hours
Top 5 reasons to join SVA
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- Study with highly qualified, dedicated, caring NTPS certified teachers.
- Learn from the safety of your home with reduced distractions and increased parent involvement.
- Build close and supportive teacher/student/caregiver relationships for improved student learning.
- Use rigorous online curriculum and exceptional learning support tools.
- Interact with teachers and classmates daily and attend optional social opportunities online and in-person.
Top 5 things all SVA families should know
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- Expect 5-6 hours of schooling daily.
- Parents take an active role by supporting student success every day and conferencing regularly with teachers.
- Successful students are self-motivated, establish and follow a daily routine, and participate in every course every day.
- Successful students actively engage in required live class sessions.
- Summit Virtual Academy is an NTPS public school. State testing and all regular public-school requirements such as daily attendance and progress reporting are required.