K12 Reviews

From the ** FAMILY

What stands out the most is how consistent their support is—it’s not just occasional, it’s something you can rely on every single day. They create an environment where students feel safe to learn, grow, and be themselves without fear of judgment. Their passion for teaching shows in everything they do, and it makes a real difference in the lives of those they teach. It’s rare to find a school where the staff truly cares this deeply, and it does not go unnoticed.

My kids have gotten more 1:1 time with teachers at VSVA they they ever did at their previous brick-and-mortar. Time isn't wasted at VSVA (think all students lining up to go to the bathroom/recess/lunch/hall time between classes/et cetera at the physical schools---not-to-mention time going to and from school buildings) so more time can be devoted to academics and emotional growth. VSVA serves many students on the Autism spectrum and students with other conditions that might make learning more difficult; however, VSVA have about 1 teacher training day a month and it shows!

Teachers are able to seamlessly help students who might have trouble focusing while not missing a beat in teaching the class as a whole. Students feel safe and not embarrassed, and they shouldn't be. Some students have unique physical needs for safety and parents/LC (learning coach->basically the adult at home who has the roll of teachers aid) can ensure a physically safe environment for the child while well-trained and licensed teachers do the teaching. Students needing an ABA therapist or RBT to watch and monitor daily life can do so easily at VSVA with the therapist right in the home--a more natural environment for observing real-life situations.

Also, per their testimony and that of their parents, far too many students come to VSVA (and Tennessee Virtual Academy, TNVA) to escape bullying in brick-and-mortar schools or because they are under emotional distress. These students are not in a good place mentally and their grades reflect that. These student come to VSVA hurting but once they start school at VSVA, they start to hurt less. They feel safer then safe.

They start to get to a better place mentally largely in part due to the gentle and amazing care of their teachers and classmates. These students feel seen and genuinely care for as individuals. I don't know how the teachers do this, but they ALWAYS make time-even outside of school hours, to help their students. It takes time, but these children get to a better place mentally and then start to care about their academics. Their grades go up. Sometimes, when this happens, they are return to brick-and-mortar schools taking their good grades and test scores with them. All the while, new students come in needing healing. VSVA and TNVA seem to me be more than your average school--they are healing centers.

In addition, VSVA challenges intellectually gifted youth with special classes that don't pull students out of their normal classes and allow certain students who test very well and are motivated to skip a grade in a subject. This is done without any of their peers knowing unless they tell them as students are in the period system and not always with the same exact group of kids in each class.

Legislation is passing itself through TN right now that would allow students to be taught at their academic level and not be limited by their age. This helps gifted youth but could also help students who struggle in one area but are on level in others. Due to the period set-up and having classes online, it is possible at VSVA to be held back in one course but be on grade level in all other courses and for this to happen without the embarrassment of peers knowing. This way, a child is taught to their academic level and could catch up without added stress. I don't know if this is happening/going to happen, but it could easily be done at VSVA.

I have two kids who attend VSVA, both on the Autism spectrum and both are intellectually gifted. My eldest has already skipped a grade in math and my youngest is likely to do so as well. They have both gotten speech therapy through virtual classes with a live teacher at VSVA (a much more organic setting for speech as it is at home and natural conversations occur) and my eldest has graduated out of speech. My youngest is getting occupational therapy for Autism through the school as well via a live virtual session. They both have gifted classes that do not pull them out of any regular classes as well. Both kids have begged to stay at VSVA and we are glad to comply.

We are currently at VSVA and we were previously at TNVA. We love both schools very much. The teachers are second to none and are fantastic! The staff is, too, and really treat the students as whole individuals. Also, the high school offers AP and college-path courses with some certifications earnable through the high school. As an aside, I currently have a injured finger. I have tried to catch typos, but please give me grace on any you see.