Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rural Virtual Academy?

The RVA is a public school option for families wishing to have their children attend school from home. This home-based education is upheld by a fully- licensed teachers and other support staff.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to attend the RVA. The RVA is a public school supported by the taxpayers of Wisconsin the same as any other public school.

How do I get my child enrolled into the RVA?

There are 2 ways, depending on where you live.

First, if you live in any of these Wisconsin school districts: Abbotsford, Antigo, Colby, Medford, Merrill, Mosinee, Prentice, Rib Lake, or Tomah, then all you have to do is call the RVA offices at: 715.748.2400 or toll free at 1-888-801-2666 and ask for Sandy.

Second, if you live in any other district in Wisconsin then please call our offices for more information on how we might be able to assist you in either open-enrolling to the RVA or in the possibility of signing a shared-services agreement with you local district. You can contact the RVA offices by dialing 715.748.2400 or toll free at 1-888-801-2666.

Will you provide a computer?

Yes. The RVA will loan a laptop computer to each family enrolled. The computer is preloaded with both hardware and software required for school.

Do I need to have internet access?

Yes. The RVA will provide a stipend up to $65 per month for home internet access. It is recommended that a high-speed connection be made to the home in order to support the animations and interactions included in many of the RVA's programs.

Who provides the instruction?

The students will receive their instruction through a combination of both on-line software and teaching materials delivered to their home. Curriculum is provided through companies such as Calvert Educational Services, Little Lincoln, & Aventa Learning. We have selected this instructional combination because we believe an over-reliance on computers and any one curriculum is not developmentally appropriate for PreK-8 students.

Do the students at the RVA ever get to be together?

Social events and field trips are scheduled approximately once per month. We encourage all students and family members to participate in all school activities.

Who grades my child's progress?

The RVA teacher will test the students to measure progress in all academic areas. Also, students will be required to take both a Fall and Spring on-line academic progress test, (provided by ScanTron), as well as the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE) in November of each year.

What subjects are taught by the RVA.

The curriculum covers all of the basic subject areas including: reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Also, there are numerous additional acceleration and remediation curriculums designed to support individual student's needs.