Effingham County School District and Georgia Virtual School

 

What is it?

Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) is a program of the Georgia Department of Education's Office of Technology Services. The program is SACS CASI accredited and operates in partnership with schools and parents to offer middle school and high school level courses across the state.  Georgia Virtual School provides a teacher led, virtual classroom environment. Georgia Virtual School also equips students with an online media center and guidance center to support students throughout their online course experience. 

Georgia Virtual School has over 100 course offerings in the core content areas, world languages, CTAE, electives, and a vast AP course selection. Your student’s options and opportunities are not limited by the school district in which you live or the school they attend. 

(http://www.gavirtualschool.org/)

What should parents know?

Each course is taught by a highly qualified teacher. You will have access to your child’s online grade book and will receive phone and e-mail updates weekly.

For more information that parents need to know click here.

How do students enroll?

Students must first get permission from their guidance counselor to begin a course in Georgia Virtual School (GAVS).

With assistance from their parents, students should then proceed to http://www.gavirtualschool.org and create an account in GAVS.

After creating an account, students can peruse the various courses offered by GAVS.

The student will then be enrolled into GAVS by the virtual school facilitator at their school.   Ms. Jen Lawson, Instructional Supervisor, is the GAVS facilitator at South Effingham High School.

Prior to beginning a course, students will complete a “Student Orientation Class”. If a student chooses to not take an online course after enrolling, they must inform their counselor. No one is allowed to withdraw after the first week of class. It is important to keep this in mind when registering and beginning a class.

For more information that students need to know click here.

What courses are offered?

Click here to see the wide variety of courses that are offered.

What is the cost of Georgia VirtualSchool?

There is no cost to Effingham County students that choose to take a GAVS class instead of a class offered at their school during the school day. If the online course is in addition to the regular school day, there may be a $250 per half unit charge. Summer School is also offered at a $250 per half unit charge. Course schedules can be found here. Students can work from anywhere that has Internet access.

What are the requirements?

To be successful in these courses, students must be self-disciplined, strong students who are willing to put in appropriate effort for college preparatory level classes. Assignments will be due each Friday during the school year and each day during the summer session and there will be little leniency for work turned in late.

What do I need to know about technology issues?

Students will need access to high speed internet for 10-15 hours a week.  Students may be able to work before and after school in their media center, when needed. Arrangements should be made with your media specialist and/or virtual school facilitator. For additional information on the technical requirements of GAVS visit here.