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How MVA Works

How MVA Works

We are so glad you stopped by to check out how we do virtual learning!

How do you go to school without going to school? It’s a question our students and families hear often. At MVA, learning happens online—but it’s anything but distant. We’ve simply replaced bricks with clicks. The where of learning has changed, but the what and how remain rooted in high expectations, strong relationships, and quality instruction.

While our classrooms exist online, our standards remain grounded in rigorous instruction and meaningful relationships. Students engage in core subjects and may select from numerous electives, Advanced Placement, and college-level courses. Upon completion of graduation requirements, students earn a Manhattan Virtual Academy diploma, a credential recognized across Kansas and beyond.

 

Interactive Virtual Classroom

Every MVA course is carefully designed by experienced Kansas-certified teachers who combine best practices in online learning with engaging, media-rich resources. Within our secure 24/7 platform, students access lessons, submit work, receive personalized feedback, and track progress, all while building connections with teachers and classmates.

Live Weekly vClass

Each course features a live vClass session led by the course teacher at a consistent weekly time. These live sessions are a cornerstone of the MVA experience and foster collaboration and deepen understanding through discussion, demonstration, and real-time support. Recordings are available for review, and teachers also host weekly office hour vClasses where students can drop in for extra assistance.

Image shows a sample of what a typical 9th grade student schedule looks like at MVA

 

Pace Charts Keep You on Schedule

Although there is flexibility to complete assignments anytime within each week, Pace Charts are provided for each class and list weekly assignments, readings, activities and exams. Our pace charts are universal and structured so families can find assignments and due dates easily. 

Image shows a sample landing login page of a MVA course featuring course announcements and pace chart

Parent/Guardian Responsibility 

Parents are an integral part of their child’s education.  Although each MVA course is led by a licensed teacher who provides engaging online instruction, elementary and middle school students need additional guidance and support from their parent/guardian.  

MVA Team - Committed to Your Success

Manhattan Virtual Academy teachers are what set us apart from other Kansas online  schools! Our educators are actively engaged in teaching, learning, and interacting with students and are easily accessible via email or phone. The counselor collaborates with the student and family to develop his/her Individual Plan of Study and our academic success coach provides additional support to ensure the success of all students.

Technology 

MVA students will need reliable internet service, a laptop with microphone and camera.

Want to know more?  Contact Us

    • Self-motivated- Self-motivated students thrive in online learning since they are able to effectively work independently.
    • Good Reading & Writing Skills- These skills are essential to online students to understand assignments and create quality work.
    • Ask for Help/Communication skills- Successful online students are willing to ask for help when they have questions or need guidance.
    • Time Management Skills- Students who have strong time management skills can thrive in an online learning environment.
    • Comfortable with Technology- Online schooling requires a level of comfortability with technology since everything is done through a computer.
    • Participate in Discussions- Online students who are engaged and participate in class discussions can find great success in online learning.

  • MVA Enrollment Guidelines and Admission Information 

    Students in grades 6-12 who reside within the state of Kansas are eligible to apply for enrollment in MVA. A virtual environment is a great educational option for students, but it is not the appropriate educational setting for every student.  It is important to consider your student’s needs to determine appropriateness.  Enrollment into Manhattan Virtual Academy is contingent upon, but not limited to, the following: 

    • Families must submit a completed MVA enrollment application with required documentation. 
    • The MVA administration team reviews each application. If accepted, education support services, modifications, and accommodations will be provided virtually. 
    • Grades 6-9:  Review of education records: 
    • Student must be in good academic standing 
    • Student must have positive attendance records 
    • Student must have parent support and guidance throughout the day.
    • Grades 10-12:  Evaluate transcript(s) to determine if applicant is within credit alignment of the MVA grade level requirement: 

    Incoming sophomore = a minimum of 5 credits 

    Incoming junior = a minimum of 11 credits 

    Incoming senior = a minimum of 17 credits  

    • Attend an online orientation prior to beginning online courses (new students and parent(s). 
    • Students may enroll after the enrollment deadline based on administrative approval and available openings. 
    • Adult students may apply at any time throughout the school year.   
    • Homeschool and/or private school families contact the MVA office for guidelines. 
    • MVA will not enroll students currently suspended or expelled from school. 

    Out-of-State Resident Policies 

    Out-of-state students may enroll full-time with private pay tuition

  • Yes, Manhattan Virtual Academy is a fully accredited, K-12 online public school. We are a school of the Manhattan-Ogden 383 School District, in Manhattan, Kansas.

  • Yes, MVA courses and instruction are rigorous and help students be college and career ready. MVA has NCAA approved courses for student athletes in Kansas. 

  • No, students wishing to enroll in courses at MVA, must have access to their own computer, with microphone and camera, and reliable internet access. Manhattan Virtual Academy is an entirely web-based application that only interacts with a browser. 

    Manhattan Virtual Academy will require a minimum of:

    • Internet Connection: High Speed (Broadband) 
    • Audio: Speakers and Microphone

    Supported Devices

    • Laptop computers
    • Desktop 

    • iPads, Chromebooks, and tablets have limited support for Java or Flash, which still appear in a small percentage of courses, for that reason, they are NOT recommended.

    Supported Operating Systems

    • Windows 11 and higher 
    • macOS Ventura (13)
    • macOS Sonoma (14)
    • macOS Sequoia (15)

    Supported Browsers

    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome

  • Our curriculum, created by FlexPoint Education (Formerly Florida Virtual School), is aligned to state academic standards and is coherent with the Common Core State Standards. In addition, teachers can upload their own courses, materials, assessments, and assignments to personalize the learning experience for their students.

  • Students attending Manhattan Virtual Academy come from all educational backgrounds and from all over the state of Kansas. They also have many different reasons that made online school the right choice for them.

  • The full time digital material/resource fee is $85 per year.

  • Click on the Enroll Now button on our Home page.

  • MVA faculty are highly qualified Kansas licensed teachers who value the relationships they build with students and families. Teachers believe those relationships provide the foundation for quality instruction and engaging students in their learning. 

  • Students should plan on approximately one hour of work per day for every class they are enrolled in, plus some extra time for outside readings or writing papers. That means for a full time student, 5-6 hours per day or 25-30 hours per week, every week of the semester. Just as in a tradtional school, students must engage in their coursework every day of the regular school week.

  • Students will have a weekly class time for each course, called vClass. During this time they will participate in live instruction with their teacher and classmates. Teachers also host online office hours for students to ask questions or receive additional help. Students may log in to their classes anytime day or night, to work on their actual course work.

    If live vClass sessions can't be attended, they will be recorded and can be watched at a later time.

  • Required books and instructional materials for courses are provided to students, however, a few upper level courses may have an additional $30 materials fee.

  • No, students enrolled in MVA do their learning at home, but they are participating in a public school of Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. Instruction is led by Kansas licensed teachers who guide learning and engage students in the learning process. It is a great option for those that want to home school, as it allows parents to be involved with their child's learning outcomes.

  • Yes, we will be holding several academic outings during the school year. These may include trips to: art museums, Kansas History Museum, Cosmosphere and Salt mine tour, Capital Building Tour, Live STEM Events, and our end of the year graduation ceremony.

  • Students graduating will receive a Manhattan Virtual Academy high school diploma.

  • Yes, Manhattan Virtual Academy High School students will graduate with their fellow online students in an in-person graduation ceremony.

  • MVA Enrollment Guidelines for Manhattan High School Students 

    • Manhattan High School students have the opportunity to enroll in up to two MVA courses as one or two of their scheduled seven classes; additional course fees may apply. Courses beyond the traditional seven are available with additional fees.  
    • Students should work with their MHS counselor to enroll in an MVA course. Please return the completed enrollment form to Room E-028 at MHS.
    • Manhattan High School brick and mortar students enrolled in a minimum of one MVA course may participate in Manhattan Virtual Academy activities.  
    • Exceptions for participating in any non-KSHSAA activities must be approved by the Manhattan High School Activities Director.  
    • Movement from the brick and mortar school to MVA after the enrollment deadline may be approved by the MVA and brick and mortar administrative team in hardship cases.   
    • USD 383 students not making academic progress will be transitioned from MVA back to the brick and mortar classroom with approval by the MVA and brick and mortar administrative team.

  • Yes, high school students are required to take final exams at the end of each semester.

  • Yes, the State of Kansas requires testing of all students in public schools or programs. These mandatory tests take place during a specific time frame set by the state. Since state law requires that these tests are proctored, all students must be available to meet at a regional location in Kansas during the February-May testing window.

  • Parents can use their observer login information to enter the MVA site. By using this login, parents can go directly to their child's classes and see what assignments have been completed, how much time their student is spending in their courses, and current grades.

  • Do you have more questions? No problem!  Contact us today and we will be glad to help you!

    Manhattan Virtual Academy

    785-587-2100 Ext. 8073