I am interested in enrolling at CAVA (California Virtual Academies) for the 2016/2017 school year. Could you share your experience, pros and cons, etc? I am looking into CAVA because I would like more time for hospital volunteering, a job, and gymnastics.(I will be a junior by then) Thank you in advanced!
It totally depends. I’m guessing you’re in high school, so the lucky thing is that you have a lot less work than the other grades.
Umm, let’s see… I’ve been in this system since 8th grade, and it’s been great. There’s not that much work compared to brick & mortar (like zero homework; or rather you do have homework, but you don’t need to turn it in), and the due dates are pretty flexible. Most basic classes don’t really take points off if you turn assignments late, but it depends on your teacher. Since you’re a junior though, it may be different because of AP classes. These classes have a lot more work, and you really need to study to get an A. Con-wise, there aren’t that many, other than the fact that you can’t exactly socialize. Oh, and there aren’t too many clubs.
The work is very simple; read through the lesson and take a quiz. Occasionally there’s a TGA or a lab to do, but that’s about it. AP classes stress the essays, especially APUSH (or that’s what I’ve heard). You definitely have time for all that you were asking about; if you’re a fast learner, the work takes around 2~3 hours to complete (BTW, that’s just me; it really depends on your workload).
Anyway, amazing school, and lots of extra time to do whatever you want. I have many friends in the system who are juggling the same stuff you are and they’re fine. I wish you luck!
@leafasao Wow! Thanks for so much information! Ya, I am planning on taking 4 or 5 AP’s for Junior year, but the work is as expected. I am currently a Freshman, but my mother won’t let me try online school until I can drive (hence Junior year).My sister’s friend tried CAVA for Sophomore and Junior year, and she’s pretty smart, but she got behind in her classes and is going to switch back to regular school. This kind of made me worried, but I can do school work pretty fast.
A few more questions:
What grade are you in?
Are the teachers helpful if you don’t understand some of the material?
Are Class Connects mandatory?
How often are the “get-togethers”/field trips with other students?
Do you go to them?
Do you anything about doing dual enrollment at a community college?
What do you do for Science?(The science classes aren’t a-g )
Thanks again for being such great help!
The answers to your questions:
- I'm currently a sophomore. Since you're taking 4-5 APs as a junior, I'll warn you that it might be hard; my friend is taking 4 as a junior and her mom says she's up until one on a daily basis. I only took AP Lang (my guidance counselor wouldn't let me take more than 8 courses and I had to catch up on some courses; really long story...), so the workload wasn't hard for me once I understood the class. I did have time to self study another 2 AP though; try that if you're only aiming for college credit.
- They're very helpful. There's a specific session where you can go in and ask about anything you need help on (student choice). There's also a class where they contact you and go over topics together if you're falling behind. And the teachers provide a number if it's an emergency.
- Class connects are not mandatory. If you are a fast learner, then there won't be any need. If you have any questions about the course, just pop into a student choice session. Oh, there are some exceptions: homeroom and some AP weekly spotlights. Still, you can just watch the recording (or skip through it to get the PTP).
- They're really not that often. I think we had one at the beginning of the semester and another at the end. I've only been invited to one field trip, and it was too far for me, so I have no idea how's it like.
- I've gone to two meet-and-greets. They're really not that interesting. In my area, only two people from my homeroom showed up at each one. Like I said, there's not much opportunity to socialize besides class connects. We're all pretty much juggling the same stuff that you mentioned.
- Dual enrollment is very possible; in fact, I think it's recommended to do so for science/VPA. Most community colleges allow sophomore/junior and up to enroll in their classes; you need to check with your local college and see their policies. If you meet the requirements, k-mail your counselor and (s)he will send you a concurrent enrollment letter to give the school.
- For science and VPA (visual/performing arts), the only problems is that they aren't a-g. For that, you can go to community colleges and take the class there. For my Honors Chem, I actually went to another online summer school that was accredited to take the class. I think another option was taking the AP sciences or SAT II, because the UC system accepts that instead.
Wow, I typed a lot… Last tip: the thing about CAVA is that you have to be very independent and responsible. Because your teachers are 50 miles away and they don’t have strict due dates, it’s up to you to really keep up with the schedule. With your friend’s example, it may have been that she didn’t have the self-control or the responsibility (no offense) to stay on task. Then again, she may have found the work hard. It really depends.
Next year, I will be taking 1 AP (AP Euro) at a regular school, so I will be able to see what the coarse load is like. I will look into my local community college; I know that they are affiliated with a junior college so they hopefully have dual enrollment for outside students too. I am going to fulfill my VPA next year with choir, but I’ll have to decide whether I will take the dual enrollment or AP route for science. Thank you so much for your time and the information, you are by far the most helpful person I’ve found on CC! Thanks again!