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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What types of students utilize virtual learning?Oxford Virtual Academy serves a diverse group of students with unique learning needs and goals. Our flexible learning options benefit: Students seeking more academic rigor through advanced coursework. Working students who need a schedule accommodating their job or passion, such as sports, acting, or mission work. Homeschool students looking for elective courses. Students who need individualized support to succeed. Students with medical needs or anxiety thrive in a flexible environment. Students who travel regularly and require a portable education. Families who want to "School at Home" with support from certified teachers. OVA provides multiple pathways to ensure that every student has the resources and flexibility to succeed in their education.
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What exactly does "virtual" learning look like?"While "virtual" is in our name, Oxford Virtual Academy offers multiple learning pathways beyond fully online coursework. All OVA courses align with the Michigan Merit Curriculum and Common Core Standards, ensuring students receive a high-quality, accredited education that meets state requirements. Students can complete their coursework anytime, from anywhere, with access to instructional materials—including text, video, and interactive activities—available at the start of each semester. This flexible model allows students to work at their own pace, spending more time on challenging concepts while progressing quickly through familiar material. For those who prefer a mix of online and in-person learning, OVA partners with Hybrid learning sites, where students can attend classes one to two days a week. These sites follow an Oxford Board of Education-approved curriculum and provide varied learning environments tailored to different educational styles. All OVA students are supported by certified Oxford teachers and assigned a mentor to provide guidance and monitor progress. Whether fully virtual or through hybrid experiences, OVA offers multiple pathways and robust support systems to help students thrive.
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Are OVA students eligible to play on Oxford sports teams?The short answer is, yes! However, there are requirements that must be met in order to comply with the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Please visit this link to view all of the details - https://bit.ly/ovamhsaa. If you have further questions, please contact the district athletic director, Tony Demare (tony.demare@oxfordschools.org).
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Is Oxford Virtual Academy an "alternative" school?While some associate "alternative" schools with reduced credit requirements, Oxford Virtual Academy provides a full, rigorous academic program requiring 24 credits for graduation—just like a traditional high school. What sets OVA apart is the flexibility we offer students through multiple learning pathways, allowing them to customize their education to fit their needs while maintaining high academic standards.
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Who can take courses through Oxford Virtual Academy?Oxford Virtual Academy is open to students in grades DK-12 who reside in Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Washtenaw, or Wayne County, allowing them to enroll tuition-free. Students outside of these counties may enroll on a tuition basis. Enrollment is subject to age eligibility requirements, which vary by grade level and individual circumstances. Enrollment through School of Choice is available during specific windows throughout the year and may have grade-level limitations. For details on School of Choice deadlines, age requirements, and other enrollment policies, please visit our Admissions page.
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I've heard that Oxford Virtual Academy utilizes online courses from several different providers. How do I know which one is right for my child?Oxford Virtual Academy partners with preferred vendors that offer high-quality online courses, each with unique instructional methods. Some providers focus on text-based instruction, while others emphasize video lessons, interactive activities, or project-based learning. Our guidance counselors work with families before course scheduling to help determine the best fit for each student. While some students prefer the consistency of using a single platform, many choose courses from multiple providers each semester to align with their learning styles and academic goals. To explore the available options, please click here for an overview of our current course providers.
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Does OVA offer any type of credit recovery course options?Yes! Students who were unsuccessful in a previous course can access credit recovery options through Oxford Virtual Academy. Oxford Community Schools also offers summer school as a credit recovery opportunity, allowing students to make up credits during the summer break. In these courses, students may have the option to test out of units they have already mastered, enabling them to focus on areas where they need the most support.
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Will my child ever need to come to Oxford?On-site attendance requirements vary by grade level: High School (Grades 9-12): Must take all final exams at our secondary learning lab Location: 775 W Drahner Rd., Oxford, MI 48371 Middle School: Final exam location may be flexible based on individual circumstances May be eligible to take finals at home Elementary School: No final exams required State Testing Requirements: All full-time students in grades 3-11 must participate in state-mandated testing Testing is conducted on-site per State of Michigan requirements
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Are the courses offered easier than at a "traditional" school?The courses are not easier or harder, they're just different. Since the content is delivered online, many classes require more reading and writing than the same courses offered at the traditional schools. A lot of the instruction is also done through videos. One benefit is that some students find it beneficial to pause and rewind a video or re-read some content to better understand it. They also have teachers that are readily available online or in-person at one of our learning labs for one-on-one support and instruction. Course Types Include: - Honors - Credit Recovery - Advanced Placement - Career and Technical - ACT/SAT Prep - Core and Electives
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In how many classes do students enroll each semester?Full-time Oxford Virtual Academy students are typically enrolled in six classes per semester: Four core classes (Science, Math, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts) Two electives Exceptions to this standard course load are made for: Students enrolled in dual enrollment courses Students participating in the Early College program
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If students need extra support from teachers or mentors, where do they meet in-person?Oxford Virtual Academy provides multiple support options to help students succeed: Virtual Support One-on-one Zoom sessions with teachers Live, face-to-face online meetings to review course content Immediate assistance through video conferencing In-Person Support Locations Oxford Education and Innovation Campus (OEIC): Learning centers for elementary and secondary students in Oxford, MI Hybrid Learning Locations: Various sites where students can attend in person several days per week These flexible support options ensure that students receive the help they need, whether online or in person.
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How much time each day do online classes require?Students should plan to spend approximately: One hour per course, per day (based on a 5-day week) For a typical schedule of 6 courses, this means about 6 hours of daily schoolwork Individual time requirements may vary based on: Course difficulty and content Student's learning pace Subject matter expertise Time management skills
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What happens if my child does not like a class?At Oxford Virtual Academy, we provide a 5-day add/drop period at the start of each semester. During this time: Students can change courses if they find a class isn't the right fit We strongly encourage students to begin coursework immediately to evaluate if the class meets their needs After the 5-day add/drop period ends, students must complete their enrolled courses, as we have a one-semester commitment policy.
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How can students earn college credits while in high school with OVA?Oxford Virtual Academy offers two pathways for earning college credits during high school: 1. Dual Enrollment Students can take college courses while still in high school Must maintain enrollment in at least one OVA high school course while taking college classes Click here to learn about eligibility requirements and enrollment process 2. Oxford Schools' Early College (OSEC) Many OSEC students combine their program with OVA virtual courses For complete program details, visit the OSEC website: earlycollege.oxfordschools.org
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How are assessments completed?Oxford Virtual Academy uses various assessment types throughout the academic year: Regular Coursework Assessments Include multiple-choice questions, written responses, and projects Assessment types vary by course and subject matter Most assessments are completed online Final Exams High School (Grades 9-12): All finals must be taken in person at our Oxford, MI lab Other grade levels may complete finals online State-Required Assessments Select assessments must be completed in person as the State of Michigan requires. Administered at our Oxford facility
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If I am connected with a homeschool group, what curriculum will my student be using?Students enrolled through a homeschool partnership with Oxford Virtual Academy will use an Oxford Board of Education-approved curriculum that aligns with Michigan Merit and Common Core Standards. The specific curriculum depends on the homeschool group’s partnership with OVA and may vary by subject or grade level. Each homeschool group has a unique instructional approach, but all courses are supported by Oxford-certified teachers and designed to provide a high-quality education. If you have specific curriculum questions, we encourage you to contact us or speak with your homeschool group coordinator.
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What are the requirements for a diploma from Oxford Virtual Academy?To earn a diploma from Oxford Virtual Academy, students must: Maintain full-time enrollment by taking 6 courses per semester, which typically include 4 core courses and 2 electives. Complete a total of 24 credits, including: Core Courses (Required academic subjects): English/Language Arts: 4 credits Mathematics: 4 credits Science: 3 credits Social Studies: 3 credits Additional Graduation Requirements: Physical Education/Health: 1 credit Visual, Performing, or Applied Arts: 1 credit World Languages: 2 credits Additional electives to meet the 24-credit requirement Core courses are the foundational academic subjects required for graduation, while electives allow students to explore personal interests and career pathways. These requirements align with the Michigan Merit Curriculum to ensure a well-rounded education.
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How much does it cost to attend Oxford Virtual Academy?Oxford Virtual Academy is tuition-free for full-time students. As a public school within Oxford Community Schools, OVA provides a high-quality education at no cost to Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Washtenaw, or Wayne County students. For part-time students taking courses at community vendor locations, additional fees, such as registration or material fees, may vary depending on the course and provider. Students residing outside of these counties may enroll on a tuition basis. For more details on tuition rates, potential fees, and eligibility, please visit our Admissions page or contact us.
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Who is eligible to attend Oxford Virtual Academy?Full-time students residing in Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties may enroll tuition-free at Oxford Virtual Academy. Depending on the course and provider, part-time students taking courses through community vendor locations may be responsible for registration or material fees. Students residing outside of these counties may enroll on a tuition basis. Please visit our Admissions page for more details on eligibility, tuition, and potential fees.
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Can students outside of Oxford attend OVA?Yes! If you live in Oakland County or a bordering county, you may apply for School of Choice enrollment during the designated enrollment window. Spring semester enrollment runs during the first two weeks of January. Fall semester enrollment opens mid-March through August. Exact dates may vary each year and will be posted on the Admissions page of our website.
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How can I find out more about the structure and content of the classes?Each course provider offers a unique learning experience, so we provide demo options to help families explore sample course content. These demos allow you to see different courses' structure, instructional methods, and format. To access available demo options, please request to speak with a counselor, who can guide you through the selections and recommend courses based on your child’s learning style.
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What are the enrollment windows for registering with Oxford Virtual Academy?Enrollment windows vary slightly each year. Fall Semester Enrollment: Open enrollment typically begins in early March. Pre-enrollment is completed digitally in PowerSchool at this link. Once all required documents are processed, parents will receive an email with course registration instructions. Spring Semester Enrollment: Enrollment usually opens in early January for a limited two-week window and may be restricted to certain grade levels. For the most up-to-date enrollment information, please visit our Admissions page.
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My child would like to take some classes in-person at the high school and others online, is that the hybrid pathway?No, this schedule—combining seated classes at the high school with online courses—is not considered the Hybrid Pathway at Oxford Virtual Academy. This option is called a blended schedule. OVA’s Hybrid Pathway consists of courses delivered entirely online and through books, with the option to attend scheduled in-person sessions once or twice per week at one of our Hybrid partner locations. If you want to create a schedule that includes both seated and virtual courses, please work with a counselor to explore the options and determine the best fit for your student.
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Are hybrid students considered full-time or part-time online students?Hybrid students are considered full-time online students at Oxford Virtual Academy. They are required to enroll in four core courses—Math, Science, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts—along with two elective courses through OVA.
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If OSEC students are interested in going fully online through OVA, what is the process?OSEC students interested in transferring to a fully online program through Oxford Virtual Academy should contact Mark Suckley for guidance on the process. 📧 Email: mark.suckley@oxfordschools.org Mark Suckley can provide details on transfer procedures, course options, and any necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition to OVA.
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My students are currently not students at Oxford Community Schools, but we're interested in enrolling them into OVA for the upcoming school year, what is the process to enroll?To begin the enrollment process, please visit our Admissions page for detailed information on eligibility, enrollment windows, and required documentation. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office for assistance.
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Does an in-district transfer affect sports eligibility at the high school level?No, an in-district transfer to Oxford Virtual Academy does not affect sports eligibility. OVA students are eligible to participate in all sports offered at any school within Oxford Community Schools, following the same guidelines as seated students.
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Will IEPs transfer with the students who move to OVA?Yes, all special education accommodations and services for in-district students will transfer to Oxford Virtual Academy. Once the transfer is initiated, your student's IEP team will likely convene a meeting to review and update the IEP as needed to support the virtual learning environment. For specific questions about your child’s IEP, please reach out to your student’s current caseload teacher.
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If my child transfers to OVA, is he still considered a Wildcat?YES! Transferring to Oxford Virtual Academy does not change your child’s status as a Wildcat. Since OVA is part of Oxford Community Schools, students remain fully enrolled in the district and continue to be part of the Wildcat community. They can still participate in school events, extracurricular activities, and other district opportunities.
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The transfer process states that I should contact my student's building principal to initiate the transfer. If my child was in elementary school last year and middle school this year, which principal do I contact?You should contact the school your child is scheduled to attend for the current school year to initiate the transfer: Elementary students moving to middle school – Contact the middle school counselor. Middle school students moving to high school – Contact the high school counselor. For elementary students remaining in elementary school, the building principal should be contacted. This ensures the transfer is processed correctly based on your child's current enrollment.
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How do we know if we are enrolled in OVA? I started the in-district transfer process but haven't heard anything.During different times of the school year, processing may take up to two weeks. Once your transfer is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. Our counselors will also reach out to families to assist with the next steps. If you have not received an update after two weeks, please contact your student’s current school to check on the transfer progress.
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What do I do if my student is already in the district but wants to transfer to OVA?To begin the transfer process, you must initiate the request with your student’s current school: Secondary students (grades 6-12): Contact your student’s school counselor to discuss the transfer and next steps. Elementary students (grades DK-5): Reach out to the building principal to begin the process. Your school staff will guide you through the necessary steps to complete the transfer to Oxford Virtual Academy.
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How often do special needs students have in-person teaching?The frequency of in-person instruction is determined based on each student's individual needs as outlined in their IEP. Some students may have in-person instruction scheduled several times per week, while others may receive support primarily through virtual services. The IEP team will work with families to ensure the appropriate level of support is provided.
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Is OVA equipped to handle the needs of special education students?Yes! All special education accommodations and services will transfer to Oxford Virtual Academy. OVA has dedicated elementary and secondary special education teachers and support staff, including a school psychologist, to ensure students receive the resources and assistance they need to succeed in a virtual learning environment.
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What types of devices does OVA provide?The majority of OVA courses are compatible with Chromebooks, which are the primary devices provided to students. However, depending on specific course requirements, some students may receive a Windows device instead. Families have the option to check out a device from OVA or use their own device if it meets the necessary specifications.
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We are interested in enrolling our four children full-time in OVA. Will we get one computer to share, or will we be provided with four computers?Families enrolling multiple children in full-time OVA are eligible to check out one computer per student, up to the total number of enrolled children. We encourage families to only check out the number of devices truly needed. Please note that families are responsible for covering any damage or replacement costs should a device be lost or damaged.
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When will OVA students receive their devices?Once your student is fully registered, you will receive detailed information about device distribution. The primary device distribution takes place in August during orientation and student pictures. Please watch for updates from OVA regarding pickup details.
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If we don't have a computer and/or an internet connection at home, can my children still enroll with Oxford Virtual Academy?Yes! Oxford Virtual Academy provides technology assistance for families in need. If your student requires a computer or internet access, please submit a request, and we will work to ensure they have the necessary tools to succeed in their courses.
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I'm interested in online courses for my children but I'm not very tech saavy. What happens if they have technical problems that I can't help them solve?No worries! Oxford Virtual Academy has a full-time technology support staff available to assist students with technical issues. If your child encounters any problems, our on-staff technician can help troubleshoot and resolve issues to ensure they can continue their coursework without interruption.
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