Frequently Asked Questions

What grade levels does Discovery Virtual School offer?

Discovery Virtual School serves student in grades Kindergarten through 12th Grade.

Is my student eligible to enroll?

All students in the State of Washington are eligible to apply to Discovery Virtual School. A Choice Transfer Request must be submitted as part of the enrollment process. If this is your first time requesting a Choice Transfer, our enrollment specialists can help!

Can students enroll at any time during the year?

Discovery Virtual School allows for open enrollment. Schedule a call with our enrollment team to discuss your situation.

Are there any additional fees or costs?

No, Discovery Virtual School is a tuition-free public school. You will receive materials, books, and other curricular supplies as needed.

What are the age limits for enrollment?

Students must be at least 5 years old by August 31stof the current year.

Students must also be under the age of 22 at the time of enrollment.

Will colleges accept my diploma?

Discovery Virtual School is approved by the state of Washington and our teachers are state-certified. Colleges seek assurance of educational quality. Accreditation provides that assurance, making diplomas from accredited schools more readily accepted. Rest assured your diplomas will be accepted!

If I’m having any issues with my course, technical or other, is there someone I can call?

If you need support from us please feel free to reach out here:

When will my student have access to classes?

At Discovery Virtual School, your student will gain access to their classes very quickly after the enrollment process is complete. Here’s the general timeline:

  • Application and Enrollment: After you’ve completed the application process (including the Choice Transfer), met with a Counselor, and approve the Student Learning Plan, your student will be officially enrolled.
  • Login Credentials: Once enrolled, your student will receive their login credentials for the online learning platform. This usually happens very shortly after enrollment is confirmed.

Immediate Access (Generally): In most cases, your student will have immediate access to their courses once they receive their login information. This means they can start exploring the course materials, reviewing lessons, and beginning assignments right away.

What are the qualifications and experience of the teachers?

Discovery Virtual School teachers are highly qualified and Washington state certified. Most have been teaching online for years, and they understand the proactive role required for success in online education.

What if my child has an IEP or 504 plan?

Discovery Virtual School can be a placement option for special education students. Schedule a call today to further discuss your situation and options available.

Can my child work at their own pace?

Students have flexibility in their pacing, but must remain on track with their course calendar and maintain at least weekly communication with their teachers.

How is my child supported?

Students are provided with a Success Coach that works directly with them and their learning coaches to build out their student learning plans. Teachers also work closely with students and offer office hours for additional support.

Can I get my high school diploma?

Our program is designed to provide students with a full high school education, which would lead to the awarding of a high school diploma upon successful completion of the required course work.

Who should I contact when I have questions or need support?

If you need support from us please feel free to reach out here:

How can I check on my student’s progress?

Parents can be enrolled as observers in their child’s course. Observers will receive a weekly email of the student’s progress. They can also log in to our learning management system to see the student’s grades, pacing, and teacher feedback.

Is Discovery Virtual School accredited?

Discovery Virtual School is approved by the state of Washington and our teachers are state-certified.

Are your teachers experienced at teaching online?

Discovery Virtual School maintains exceptional instructional quality through a rigorous selection and training process. Our instructors are held to the highest standards, exceeding Department of Education requirements. Each possesses a bachelor’s degree, full state certification or licensure, and demonstrated expertise in their subject area.

How much teacher interaction is there with your school?

At Discovery Virtual School, we place a high value on teacher interaction, recognizing its crucial role in student success. We strive to provide consistent and meaningful connections between our students and their instructors through various avenues:

  • Frequent Instructor-Initiated Interaction: Our teachers actively engage with students, initiating contact to check on their progress, offer support, and provide feedback. This proactive approach ensures students feel connected and supported throughout their learning journey.
  • Individualized Feedback: As students complete assignments, our teachers provide personalized feedback on their performance, highlighting strengths and offering suggestions for improvement. This feedback is delivered within our learning management system, allowing students to easily access and review it.
  • Real-Time Interaction: We believe in the importance of real-time connections. Our teachers offer synchronous sessions, such as webinars or video chats, to cover specific content, answer questions, and facilitate discussions. These sessions provide opportunities for live interaction and collaboration.
  • One-on-One Support: When students need extra help or personalized tutoring, our teachers are readily available for one-on-one sessions via phone, video chat, email, or text chat. This individualized support ensures students receive the specific assistance they need to succeed.
  • Daily Connections: Between asynchronous feedback and synchronous sessions, our students connect with their instructors daily. This consistent interaction fosters a strong student-teacher relationship and creates a supportive learning environment
  • Daily Connections: Between asynchronous feedback and synchronous sessions, our students connect with their instructors daily. This consistent interaction fosters a strong student-teacher relationship and creates a supportive learning environment
How does this differ from homeschool?

While both DVS and homeschooling offer alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar schools, there are key distinctions:

  • Curriculum and Instruction: In homeschooling, parents typically take on the primary role of curriculum selection, lesson planning, and instruction. At Discovery Virtual School, we provide a structured, accredited curriculum designed by experienced educators. Our certified teachers deliver instruction, provide feedback, and offer support to students, relieving parents of the primary teaching responsibility.
  • Accreditation and Recognition: Discovery Virtual School is an accredited institution, meaning our programs meet rigorous educational standards. This accreditation is important for college applications, future employment, and other academic pursuits. Homeschooling, while valid, may not always have the same level of recognized accreditation.
  • Support and Resources: We offer a comprehensive support system for students, including access to teachers, counselors, and technical support. This provides students with a network of guidance and assistance throughout their academic journey. Homeschooling parents are primarily responsible for providing this support.
  • Flexibility within Structure: While we offer flexibility in terms of pacing and scheduling, we also provide a structured learning environment with deadlines and expectations. This helps students develop time management skills and stay on track. Homeschooling offers greater flexibility but may require more parental oversight to maintain structure.
  • Social Interaction: Discovery Virtual School provides opportunities for students to interact with peers through online forums, and other activities. This helps foster a sense of community and social connection. Homeschooling families often seek out extracurricular activities and co-ops to provide social opportunities.

In essence, Discovery Virtual School offers a balance between the flexibility of learning from home and the structure, support, and recognition of an accredited school. We provide a comprehensive educational experience with certified teachers and a proven curriculum, while homeschooling places the primary responsibility for curriculum and instruction on the parent.

Am I required to be in class at a specific time each day?

Students in grades K-3 will have a couple of required synchronous session check points throughout their Math and Language Arts courses. This one-on-one time is crucial for our teachers to assess how your child is progressing on the building blocks of core concepts such as phonics and counting. These do occur one on one with teachers, but teachers will help find times that meet family needs. But, students in all other grade levels/courses can login at the times that best fit their needs and work through the pre-recorded lessons and assignments. There is a pacing guide in each course that is a great tool for students to utilize to stay on track, but it is not mandatory to follow. Additionally, students of all grade levels can schedule one-on-one time with teachers as needed.

How does online school work for elementary school?

Discovery Virtual School delivers a comprehensive elementary education through its engaging online platform, covering essential subjects like math, language arts, science, and social studies. The curriculum is designed to be interactive, using tools like videos and games to capture younger students’ attention and foster a love of learning. With a focus on personalized learning, Discovery Virtual School provides students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace while still adhering to a structured academic framework. Highly qualified teachers offer guidance and support through various channels, ensuring students receive individualized attention and feedback.

A key element of Discovery Virtual School’s success is the partnership between students, parents, and teachers. Parental involvement is encouraged to help students stay organized, manage their time effectively, and navigate the online learning environment. Discovery Virtual School provides the necessary technology and resources to facilitate a seamless learning experience. By prioritizing flexibility, personalized learning, and strong communication, Discovery Virtual School offers a valuable educational option for elementary students seeking a dynamic and supportive online learning community.

How much time should I expect to spend supporting my student?

Here are some general expectations for parental involvement at Discovery Virtual School:

  • Elementary School (K-5): Parents may need to dedicate more time to helping their child with daily tasks, ensuring they log in to the platform, complete assignments, and communicate with teachers. You might spend anywhere from 1-2 hours per day, or more, depending on your child’s needs.
  • Middle School (6-8): As students become more independent, your involvement may shift to more of a monitoring and support role. You might spend 30 minutes to an hour per day checking on their progress, providing encouragement, and assisting with any challenges they encounter.

High School (9-12): High school students typically require the least direct involvement. Your role may primarily involve providing encouragement, ensuring they have a conducive learning environment, and communicating with teachers as needed. You might spend 15-30 minutes per day or a few times a week checking in on their progress.

Is there a deadline for enrollment?

Applications for the 25-26 School Year are now being accepted! Apply today to secure your spot at Discovery Virtual School.

Is it too late to enroll now?

Applications for the 25-26 School Year are now being accepted! Apply today to secure your spot at Discovery Virtual School.

Who is eligible to enroll in Discovery Virtual School?

Residency: Discovery Virtual School in Washington state is open to all students residing in Washington.

Grade Level: Discovery Virtual School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Age: Students must be at least 5 years old by August 31st of the current year. Students must also be under the age of 22 at the time of enrollment.

How do I switch to online schooling?
  1. Start Your Student Application
    Click on a “Start Application Here” button. This will link you to our online application.
  2. Create an Account
    This should take less than 10 minutes. You will receive an email confirmation once your account is setup. We have answers to commonly asked questions and offer an open line of communication.
  3. Fill Out Your Application Form
    Complete the guided step-by-step online application. You can save an application in process, then return later to complete. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Don’t worry; we’ll send you reminders.
  4. Application Processing
    Applications are reviewed by the Discovery Virtual School enrollment team on a first-come, first-served basis. An application is not considered complete until ALL STUDENT RECORDS have been received. Acceptance is subject to program capacity so we can ensure an outstanding experience for each student in our program.
Will my student’s current credits and classes transfer?

If your student is enrolling at Discovery Virtual School, they will work with the administration to determine the best course of study. This process will include an evaluation of previous coursework to see which credits can be transferred. It’s important to:

  • Provide official transcripts from your student’s previous school(s).
  • Understand that not all credits may transfer directly.Discovery Virtual School will assess the curriculum and grading standards of previous courses to determine equivalency.
How long does the enrollment process take?

Have a Question?

tuition free online school

Tuition Free

Discovery Virtual has no fees

k-12 education

Individualized

Get 1 on 1 feedback routinely

qualified teachers

Small School

No getting lost in the shuffle

school community

Community

Nobody gets left out, grow together

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