Frequently Asked Questions

How does CV Cyber Academy differ from a cyber charter school?
Students remain Chartiers Valley students throughout the CV Cyber Academy program and will graduate with a Chartiers Valley diploma.  Being a member of the CV Cyber Academy allows for a smooth transition between virtual and in-person instruction and allows for blended learning with both on-site and online learning opportunities.  

Is the CV Cyber Academy the same program that was offered during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are similarities, but the District has continuously developed the program to offer a different experience.  Asynchronous courses allow students to complete course work at their own convenience and pace.  Students benefit from teacher interaction during office hours .  Students may also select certain courses to attend in-person.

Does the CV Cyber Academy follow the CVSD calendar?
Students in the CV Cyber Academy will follow the Chartiers Valley School District calendar, including school closures, snow days, holidays, exam schedules, and marking period end/start dates. 

How can students enroll in the CV Cyber Academy?
Parents can submit an application by visiting the CV Cyber Academy Enrollment Information page.  Applications for the start of the 2024-2025 school year are due by August 1, 2024.  

Do CV Cyber students have opportunities to socialize with other classmates and peers?
One of the benefits of attending CV Cyber Academy is remaining a CVSD student and maintaining access to clubs, programs, athletics, field trips, and activities, just as in-person students do. Additionally, students can choose a blended learning option and take some courses in-person, including but not limited to band, chorus, orchestra, AET, advanced courses, and electives. 

For blended participation, does the district provide transportation?
Students who wish to come into school late or leave school early must provide their own transportation.

Is the virtual pathway for a student's education easy?

Our main priority in Chartiers Valley is to provide all students with a quality education.  There is a significant shift between education in the school setting versus the virtual setting.  The virtual platform takes a bit of time to get used to and to master.  This may cause initial stress and frustration.  Once you establish your style and schedule, you will enjoy the flexibility and autonomy.  The virtual school staff will be there along the way to help when you need it.  Please note that highly-engaged caregiver involvement is strongly recommended, especially at the elementary age.  

What grade levels may participate in the CV Cyber Academy?
The CV Cyber Academy is open to all students in grades K-12 who currently reside in the Chartiers Valley School District area.

Are lessons live or pre-recorded?
CV Cyber programs include asynchronous learning opportunities including pre-recorded and interactive videos.

What courses are offered at the High School/Middle School level?

Please click this link to view a list of High School courses.  Please click this link to view a list of Middle School courses.  Please note that not all courses may be actively available.  Please contact Marc Hubert at mhubert@cvsd.net to discuss any cyber enrollments.

What is the daily schedule?  Will my child be required to log in at specific times?
All of our classes are asynchronous, so students can work flexibly throughout the day.   

How are High School lab courses handled?
All CV Cyber Academy science courses offered do not include a lab component.  However, a student may choose to take science courses in-person through the blended learning option.

What does kindergarten look like in the CV Cyber Academy?  
Kindergarten will have a blend of virtual and screen-free activities.  Caregiver involvement is required at the kindergarten level.  

What about books or other materials needed?
Most of the course materials for the cyber courses are digital and available within a student’s course. Any analog material for a course (books, equipment, etc.) can be picked up at orientation or at the student’s home building. Students must return all learning materials upon completion of the course.   

What are the graduation requirements?
High school students are expected to meet the same graduation requirements as in-person students. Cyber students will earn a Chartiers Valley High School diploma.

If my child graduates from the CV Cyber Academy, will their diploma indicate they were an online student?
No. Their diploma will be the Chartiers Valley School District diploma from Chartiers Valley High School.

Can college-bound athletes participate in the cyber program?
Yes. Most of our courses are NCAA-approved. Students who need NCAA-eligibility should consult with their building's school counselor when selecting cyber courses.

How are tests or other assessments given?
Tests may be administered online. 

What about PSSAs, Keystone exams, and other state mandated assessments?
Students in the CV Cyber Academy are still required to take state mandated tests, such as the PSSAs. Arrangements to take these exams will be made in conjunction with the school counselor and principal. Students who are taking state exams may have their CV Cyber Academy pacing schedules adjusted, but they will not be exempt from completing any of the required cyber work.  

How do students submit coursework not completed on the computer?
Students can use their iPad, Chromebook, or mobile device to scan or take a picture of work to submit or present it to the teacher in a live session.

Can my child participate in band/chorus/orchestra?
Yes. Students can participate in band, choir or orchestra, but only in-person.  Lessons may be offered virtually as appropriate.

Can my child attend field trips?
Yes. CV Cyber Academy students are invited to participate in all of the same field trips opportunities as their in-school classmates.

How will the parents know if the kids are not keeping up with the course and homework?
Grades are posted and available online.  Also, teachers will communicate with parents if students are behind pace.  In addition, administration reviews all CV Cyber Academy student grades at least once each nine weeks  A student with a grade below 60% will be required to attend an at-risk meeting.  

Is there a registration deadline?
Families who wish to have their student(s) begin with the CV Cyber Academy at the beginning of the school year should register by August 1, 2024. 

Does my child have to participate in the CV Cyber program full-time or is there a part-time option?
Students may attend fully online or choose a blended option with a mix of in-person and online courses providing a tailor-made learning opportunity to meet all students’ needs.  

Can students return to in-person learning during the school year if they start in the cyber program?
Yes. Students can transfer to their home buildings during the school year on specific start dates set by the district: the beginning of each semester.   Families should submit transfer requests in advance in order to provide ample time for scheduling and transitioning.  

Can my child transfer into the program after the school year has started?
After the school year begins, students can transfer into the cyber program at the start of each semester.   Families should submit transfer requests in advance in order to provide ample time for scheduling and transitioning.  

What if after a month, I decide that CV Cyber is not a good fit for my student? Can they transfer to in-person learning?
CV Cyber Academy students have the ability to transfer to in-person instruction within the first 10 days of school with advanced notice.  After that, we ask that children move between cyber and in-person on the specified dates. These dates are typically at the end of each semester.  Families should submit transfer requests in advance to provide ample time for scheduling and transitioning. 

Can a child transfer mid-year from the Cyber Academy or a private or charter school?
Yes. For the smoothest transition possible, students should only transition at the specific start dates set by the district.

Can students participate in the Parkway West Career and Technical Center (PWCTC) if they are full-time cyber?
Yes. High School students can be full-time Chartiers Valley cyber students and participate in PWCTC.  Parkway West Career and Technical Center only offers in-person learning.  

Other than the teachers, how will CVSD support my child through the Cyber Academy?
Your child will have the same access to resources and supports as an in-person student, including school counselors, nurses, case managers, special education teachers, mental health services, etc.

Who will help if my child is struggling or needs extra help?
Your child’s virtual teacher is available to provide support online. Additionally, CV Cyber Academy students are invited to participate in all school groups and activities.

Is the gifted/enrichment program available with the Cyber Academy?
The CV Cyber Academy is available to students who take part in the Gifted Program as part of their regular education programming to meet their needs as gifted learners. When the CV Cyber Academy is utilized to provide enrichment, acceleration, or a combination of both as part of a GIEP, it is considered a change of placement and the Gifted Multidisciplinary Team (GMDT) must determine the student’s readiness for online learning, the appropriateness of cyber instruction to meet the student’s demonstrated needs, and the recommended course(s) before the student may begin. A Gifted Written Report (GWR) will be completed before the GIEP is revised to include cyber education as the district-provided gifted education service to meet the student’s identified gifted needs.

Are students who take part in special education programming allowed to participate?
Yes. All CVSD students may consider participating in the CV Cyber Academy. Students who take part in special education programming who have some of their needs met through specially designed instruction must discuss cyber education at an IEP meeting where the team will determine the supports needed to provide access to the student’s program of study prior to beginning any cyber coursework. The student’s IEP will be provided to the cyber teachers who will ensure compliance with all required modifications and accommodations. The students will continue to have a CVSD case manager if they transfer into the cyber program full-time.

How are student services evaluations handled if my child is in the Cyber Academy (gifted, special education, etc.)?
CV Cyber students are not excluded from evaluations for gifted or special education programs. 

Initial requests for evaluations should be directed to the CV Cyber Academy Principal and the Director of Pupil Services. The student’s educational team will review student data with you to determine the next steps, including issuing a written notice for evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation may require in-person assessment with a licensed school psychologist and arrangements for in-person assessment would need to be made.

For students that are already identified, reevaluations will take place every three years in compliance with federal mandates (2 years for students with cognitive disabilities). A reevaluation may also be initiated through parent request or the IEP team at any point.  In-person assessment may be required as part of the reevaluation process. 

Will you provide a device for my child?
Chartiers Valley School District boasts a 1:1 student-to-device ratio.  All Cyber Academy students receive a school-issued Chromebook.  Students will need high-speed internet access to complete their cyber courses.  Free or reduced internet is available through the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. 

Can my child use their own device to participate in the CV Cyber Academy?
Students are permitted to use their own device or the district-provided device for the CV Cyber Academy. 

What is the role of the parent in the CV Cyber Academy?
In grades K–5, students require a lot of support from caring adults at home in the online classroom. Parents or guardians of elementary cyber students provide the structure a student needs by establishing and managing the daily routine. The CV Cyber Academy’s online planner makes it easy for students to keep track of their daily lessons. Parents stay in touch with their child's teacher by email and Office Hours. The student’s teacher will contact the parents early in the school year to discuss how they can work together to help students reach their potential.

Parents of elementary cyber students should plan to:

• Devote about 40 minutes per day per subject overseeing their student's schoolwork.
• Set the daily schedule with varied activities and breaks.
• Assist with lessons and communicate frequently with the teacher.
• Help monitor student progress and comprehension.

Parents/guardians of students in grades 6-12 also play a vital role in the student’s learning in the CV Cyber Academy; however, the students will also be expected to take more responsibility for their learning. The parents/guardians are responsible for many academic aspects of the student’s virtual learning program that contribute to a student’s success, including but not limited to viewing the Parent Portal every week to check attendance and academic progress for full-time students.

• Establishing an appropriate location for learning
• Helping students to establish a daily routine for working on the lessons for their subjects
• Keeping students motivated
• Monitoring students' comprehension and grades in the Parent Portal
• Communicating frequently with the teachers and/or the CV Cyber Academy Principal
• Encouraging students to complete assignments and to turn in work
• Notifying online teachers and the CV Cyber Academy principal when students are struggling or experiencing academic or personal issues that might inhibit academic achievement

What are the characteristics of a successful cyber student?
With the freedom and flexibility of blended and cyber courses come responsibility. Online work takes real commitment and discipline to keep up. Students should be willing to log in to classes every school day. Students should have the following characteristics (or be willing to work on them) if they want to participate in this cyber program. They should

• Be self-motivated and a self-disciplined individual.
• Enjoy working independently.
• Be willing to ask for help.
• Have good time-management skills.
• Be able to meet deadlines for schoolwork.
• Communicate any questions or concerns to the teacher either online or face-to-face.
• Feel comfortable expressing themselves in writing.
• Like to get things done today and not tomorrow.
• Not miss the daily face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates.
• Not give up easily, even when confronted with obstacles.
• Be willing and able to commit to at least five hours per week per course.
• Agree that online courses can be more challenging than face-to-face classes.
• Have reliable internet access.
• Be comfortable in a "virtual environment" - email, sending attachments, online discussions, etc.
• Not be afraid to try new things.