An engaging, equitable public online school experience for grades 7-12.
Launch Virtual Academy is a Course-Based Independent Study program that uses a blended learning pedagogical approach designed for the student and family who want a flexible program that maximizes choice. It is open to any 7th–12th grade student that wants their education primarily via online. It provides choice, flexibility, personalized learning, online and on-site activities, certified teachers, engaging curriculum and access to on-site enrichment programs.
LVA provides a safe, flexible, accessible, and equitable online learning community that fosters meaningful relationships and collaboration among students, families and teachers through a purposeful intent to ignite curiosity, develop self-directed innovative thinkers and create responsible multiverse citizens.
Launch Virtual Academy platforms provide a wide range of features to enhance student learning.
Launch Virtual Academy's middle and high school students have a disposition for independent (and guided) learning. They need to devote a minimum of 30 hours per week to their education and be comfortable in a blended learning environment - online and off-line. Students at LVA take three (3) classes per quarter. Each class at LVA is equivalent to a semester-based class at any SUHSD comprehensive site. Students meet three times per week per class with subject matter teachers. Since students are moving at a different pace, students can make online, phone, or in-person appointments with their teacher during office hours for one-on-one support.
Parents play an important role in any independent study program, but especially at Launch Virtual Academy. A partnership between LVA staff and your family is important. Parents need to make sure their children have space, time, and the structure at home to study and maintain a schedule for school and extracurricular activities. As such, we provide support and guidance to families, and a platform for families to connect and support one another in their educational journey. Both students and parents can also access student academic progress in their CANVAS classroom at any time.
LVA faculty incorporates the use of diverse resources and strategies to compel a student's higher level thinking. Among some of these include “flip the classroom” techniques to assist students in their academic progress. Each student moves at his/her own pace through the curriculum. The implementation of “flip-the classroom” strategies helps all students regardless of their current placement in curriculum coverage.
Launch students develop social connections through the personal relationships established through classes, teachers, and their academic coach.
Launch Virtual Academy is a Course-Based Independent Study School using a blended learning pedagogical approach designed for the student and family that wants a flexible program that maximizes choice. It is open to any 7th – 12th grade student that wants their education primarily online. It provides Choice, Flexibility, Personalized Learning, Online and On-Site Activities, Certified Teachers, Engaging Curriculum, Access to On-Site enrichment programs (as conditions allow and safety protocols are in place) including Sports, Visual and Performing Arts, Career Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).
Launch Virtual Academy is an online school. It is not Distance Learning. Launch Academy is an independent study program where student attendance is based on satisfactory course progress, not seat time. There is teacher online instruction (LIVE Academic Sessions) and student collaboration, but less frequent than what students experienced during Distance learning. In regular school the teacher paces the class for all students to be on the same curriculum topics. At Launch Academy students have access to the course content 24/7 and can move faster through the curriculum than regular school. Students at Launch move independently through the course content while teacher monitors, evaluates, and provides support. Launch offers personalized and flexible education for each student.
We operate on a quarter system. Within each quarter, students will take 3 classes (credits). Each quarter class is equivalent to a semester-based class at a comprehensive school. By the end of the academic year students will complete 12 credits (classes) just as they would at a traditional site. Opportunities for advanced credit completion are also available within our quarter system.
