How It Works

How Online High School Works

Exceptional Courses, Entire Support Team, Individualized Program

Utah Virtual Academy (UTVA) provides students with a high school experience like no other. With multiple online courses from which to choose, students can enjoy an individualized high school program tailored to their goals and abilities.

UTVA high school students receive many benefits, including:

  • Outstanding curriculum from K12, a leading provider of online learning and a Cognia-accredited company
  • Multiple curriculum options to meet the needs of diverse learners
  • Diverse high school catalog with courses in math, English/language arts, science, history, and electives
  • Individualized Learning Plan for each student charts a course for success during and after high school
  • UTVA teachers, advisors, counselors, coordinators, and other educational personnel—offering personalized support to students and families
  • Extracurricular clubs and activities
  • In-person teacher-led and school-sponsored events where they can network with their peers

Who can attend?

The Utah Virtual Academy (UTVA) high school program serves students in grades 9–12 who reside in the state of Utah.


What are the costs?

UTVA is a public school, so there is no tuition. We provide Utah-licensed teachers and instructional materials. Students and families will be responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). In addition, families are required to provide their own computers and internet access to participate in the program.

Working with Your Teacher

Teachers provide individual and small group assistance via online synchronous sessions called “Class Connects.” Students are expected to attend all required Class Connects and meet with their teacher to receive course assistance, tutoring, and instruction. Class Connects vary by subject and are scheduled by your teacher.

Expectations for Completing Schoolwork

In high school, students are required to earn a passing grade on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.

While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students are required to attend teacher-led, direct-instruction, online synchronous Class Connect sessions. During Class Connects, students receive online instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact virtually with classmates. 

Attending Class Connects and completing coursework according to the assigned pacing schedule, will help set your student up for success. 

happy girl in a virtual class

Time Commitment

Attendance is logged Monday through Friday; however, academic progress can be achieved during the weekends as well. High school students are expected to spend 6 hours per course per week. A student who takes 5 courses and spends 6 hours per week on each one is devoting approximately 30 hours per week to their course work.

Teachers provide group assistance via online synchronous sessions called “Class Connect.” Students are expected to attend these sessions in order to meet with teachers and receive course assistance, tutoring, and instruction. These sessions vary by subject and are scheduled by your teacher.


Email

Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails on a daily basis.


State Testing