Question 1

Is Bridges Virtual Academy a public school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are a public charter school.  We are an instrumentality of the Merrill Area Public Schools.

Question 2

What grade levels do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve students in Grades K4 through 12. Students from outside the Merrill area can open-enroll to K4 if their home district also has a K4 program. Students entering into K4 must be 4 years old by September 1st of the upcoming school year. Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1st of the upcoming school year.

You can find more information about the specific grade levels on the FAQ pages for Elementary, Middle School, and High School.

Question 3

What are the long-term benefits of attending BVA?

Accepted Answer

BVA consistently earns a high student and parent satisfaction rating. In addition to this positive feedback from our families, data trends show an increase in ACT scores for students who have been enrolled in BVA for multiple years, starting with students who began in the elementary program.

A majority of students who graduate from BVA leave with college credits, and many are also able to earn work-based learning credit, which demonstrates their readiness to use technology, communication, and organization skills to help them succeed in their next step.  Our school’s mission is to develop students into independent learners and the outcomes we have seen over the last 14 years indicate we are consistently able to achieve this goal!

Question 4

Are your teachers licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as with any other public school in the state of Wisconsin, each of our teachers are licensed in the subject area(s) and grade level(s) they teach.

Question 5

Is there a cost?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no tuition costs. In addition, curricular resources and technology are provided for each student.

Question 6

What technology do students need?

Accepted Answer

Students do not need to provide their own technology.  Each student is provided a laptop, and Internet costs can be supported through our Academic Enrichment process.

Question 7

How is instruction delivered?

Accepted Answer

Instruction is delivered in a variety of ways and is dependent upon both the grade-level and individual needs of a student.  Teachers meet with families each summer to develop an instructional plan or pathway for each individual student.  This plan is developed from a combination of  online resources, synchronous (live) teacher-led instruction, asynchronous teacher-led instruction, and dual credit opportunities (secondary).

Question 8

What curriculum do you use?

Accepted Answer

We have a wide variety of curricular choice options. Families will receive access to specific course information and course materials once they are officially enrolled in the program. Learning options vary by grade-level.  Course materials often include a combination of print and digital (online) materials.
 
Our program focus connects student learning to state and national standards through student demonstration. We have found that instead of a one-size fits all curriculum, it is best to meet a student where they are at academically and provide the curricular resources to support student growth. Please review our program overviews on our Elementary, Middle School, and High School pages for further understanding of program design.

Question 9

Do students have to sit in front of a computer all day?

Accepted Answer

No. The amount of screen time will vary per student depending upon the pathways chosen for each subject-area. The instructional delivery format selected will determine the required amount of screen time. Students and teachers utilize a variety of curricular options. These include both digital and print resources. See the answers to “How is instruction delivered?” and “What curriculum do you use?” from the questions above for more specific details.

Question 10

Can religious materials be purchased?

Accepted Answer

No.  As a public school, we are not permitted to purchase religious materials. However, families can supplement student learning using religious materials, or any other materials, which they have purchased on their own.

Question 11

Is my student required to log in at the same time every day?

Accepted Answer

Student participation is individualized to students according to subject area and the learning pathway selected. Depending on the chosen pathway students may or may not have set times for meeting. Students may have choices between set meeting time classes and/or asynchronous learning opportunities.

Seminar classes are live classes (synchronous) delivered over Zoom. Students enrolled in these classes are required to attend at the scheduled times. At the MS/HS level, seminar classes occur Monday through Thursday. Fridays are dedicated to Homework Help time for students to work with teachers, in addition to optional Student Community Building virtual events and independent academic enrichment.

Flex courses are asynchronous learning experiences where the teacher guides instruction utilizing teacher-approved curricular options. Expectations and implementation vary according to grade-level expectations.

Focus courses are also asynchronous learning experiences where the teacher designs lessons using teacher-approved curricular options. Expectations and implementation vary according to grade-level expectations. Students are expected to complete assignments weekly and may have additional online expectations beyond the course materials.

Question 12

Does BVA support students with IEPs, 504s and/or learning challenges?

Accepted Answer

Yes, BVA provides support for students with disabilities as required by law.

Question 13

When will the development of the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) take place?

Accepted Answer

Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) for students are developed in the spring (for current students) and summer prior to the start of the school year. At this time, students and parents meet with the assigned teacher(s) and develop the Individualized Learning Plan. The educational process is discussed and resources are selected to meet the specific needs of a student.

Question 14

How is the Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) developed?

Accepted Answer

Once a student is enrolled, families are contacted by the student’s assigned advisory teacher. Families then receive detailed information regarding pathway course options, course syllabi, course schedules and approved curriculum lists. Families complete documents to make the initial selections of materials and courses that would best suit their student. Once selected, they will complete a form to notify the student’s advisory teacher they are ready to meet.

Each family will meet individually with a teacher to finalize learning pathways , order materials and address unanswered questions. Once the ILP meeting has occurred, students will begin receiving curriculum resources and technology via the mail.

Question 15

What is the role of the Advisory Teacher?

Accepted Answer

Every student in BVA is assigned an advisory teacher. The advisory teacher is the primary point of contact for families and students for school communication, questions, ILP planning, community building, etc. Advisory teachers are assigned by grade band and students remain with the same advisory teacher while within a grade band. Depending on the grade-level and the ILP subject-learning selections, students will have classes taught by subject-area teachers.

Question 16

Do high school students earn a regular diploma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. BVA is a Public Charter School and all students have to meet the state requirements, in addition to the BVA Governance Board graduation requirements. The diploma earned from BVA carries the same weight as a high school diploma from Wisconsin public school.

Question 17

What are the graduation requirements for high school students?

Accepted Answer

High school students enrolled in Bridges Virtual Academy are required to complete coursework in the following subject areas:
English:  4 credits (8 semesters)
Social Studies:  3 credits (6 semesters to include one semester of US Government and civics exam)
Science:  3 credits (6 semesters to include a minimum of 1 life science and 1 physical science)
Math:  3 credits (6 semesters)
Health:  .5 credit (1 semester)
Physical Education:  1.5 credits (3 semesters) - required during 3 of 4 years
Elective courses:  8 credits (16 semesters) 
Personal Finance:  .5 credit (1 semester) - required starting with the class of 2028

Students will be required to earn at least 23.5 total credits and/or demonstrate equivalent competencies in all subject areas listed to satisfy graduation requirements. Students in grades 9 -11 are required to be enrolled in 6 credits per year.  Students in grade 12 are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits per year.  BVA does not accept part time enrollment.

Question 18

Can my student play sports in their local school or at Merrill High School?

Accepted Answer

High school students attending Bridges Virtual Academy are not able to participate in high school level sports at their local school or for Merrill High School.  Some districts may allow BVA students to participate in middle school sports or activities but it is at the discretion of the district or school (not BVA).

Please see our Student/Parent Handbook for specifics.

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