How Online Education Works
With online learning, your child can learn at home, or wherever there’s an internet connection, while enjoying the benefits and support of a school program. They’ll complete a mix of online lessons and offline activities using K12-provided books and materials.* State-certified teachers provide instruction in virtual sessions called “Class Connects.”
What to Expect
MOVA Programs
Missouri Virtual Academy (MOVA) uses quality curriculum from K12 designed to let students find the learning style that works best for them, allowing them to find their own path to success. Each online classroom offers engaging and relevant lessons that build on your child’s interests and abilities. Plus, our career and college prep program helps middle and high school students prepare for life after graduation.
What’s my role as a parent?
As Learning Coach, you’ll be able to take an active and vital role in your child’s education. Plan to:
- Provide academic support, motivation, and guidance throughout the school year
- Ensure your child is on track with assignments and coursework
- Communicate with teachers
- Report daily attendance
If you or your child’s legal guardian cannot fill this role, you may choose a family member, friend, or another trusted adult to serve as Learning Coach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to attend Missouri Virtual Academy (MOVA)?
Any student in grades K–12 who resides in Missouri and:
- Is currently attending a Missouri public school (if school is in session), or
- Has completed the most recent semester of enrollment in a Missouri public school
How many of my children can I enroll in MOVA?
Because MOVA provides the lesson plans and materials needed for grades K–12, many parents find it easy to enroll multiple children in the program.
What does it cost to attend MOVA?
Because MOVA is a public school program, there is no tuition. We provide Missouri-certified teachers and instructional materials. Qualified families may receive a loaner computer and printer. These computer systems are instructional property and must be returned when the student leaves MOVA. Families are responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.
What is the attendance policy?
As Missouri public school students, all MOVA students must comply with the state-required minimum number of 180 instructional days.
Can our family take a vacation during the school year?
The school calendar includes school holidays or vacation time. Whenever possible, family vacations should align with school vacation days. Parents are encouraged to contact their student’s teacher if they plan a vacation that does not coordinate with the school calendar.
How much time will my child spend online?
In the younger grades, many of the online lessons include offline work. Students in grades K–2 spend about 30–40% of their time on the computer, while students in grades 3–5 spend about 50–60% of their time online. Screen time increases in middle school, and by high school, most of the school day is online. Students also do hands-on science experiments, read novels, and complete math problems that are done without the computer.
We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide you with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful teaching tools that can motivate, stimulate, and inform children about the world around them. They do not, however, replace a solid education. Rather, they help facilitate one. That’s why we use a unique multimedia approach that also includes traditional books, workbooks, and instructional materials.
How do students interact socially?
Students spend time with classmates online and through school outings, field trips, and other activities. In addition to school-based clubs, K12 online national clubs help connect students with like interests and passions.
*Materials vary by course and grade. Please check with MOVA staff to see what offline course materials are provided.