What Ohio Virtual Academy is and who can attend

Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) is a tuition-free online public school open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade who live in Ohio. It is chartered by the state and funded through Ohio's public education system, which means there is no cost to enroll. The school serves students across the entire state — you do not need to live in a particular district.

OHVA is operated by Connections Education, a company that runs virtual schools in multiple states. The curriculum is delivered entirely online, with students completing coursework from home on their own schedule within each term. Teachers are available for live instruction, office hours, and one-on-one support, but the day-to-day work happens asynchronously — meaning your student works through lessons and assignments when it fits your family's routine, rather than sitting in a classroom at set times.

Any Ohio resident in grades K–12 can enroll. There is no entrance exam, no prior academic performance requirement, and no process fee. The school year runs on a traditional calendar with fall and spring terms, plus optional summer courses.

Key Takeaways

  • OHVA is a free public online school for Ohio students in K–12, funded by the state and requiring no tuition or enrollment fees.
  • Coursework is completed online and asynchronously, meaning your student works through lessons on a flexible schedule rather than attending classes at set times.
  • Teachers provide live instruction, virtual office hours, and one-on-one support, but the bulk of learning happens through online modules and assignments.
  • Enrollment opens during specific windows each year, typically in spring for the fall term and in fall for the spring term, and seats can fill up.
  • Students must have reliable internet access and a computer, and families should expect to be involved in their child's learning even though school happens at home.

How the curriculum and daily learning work

OHVA uses an online curriculum organized by subject and grade level. Students log into a learning platform where they find lessons, videos, readings, quizzes, and assignments. Each course has a syllabus that outlines what students need to complete each week, but they can work through the material at their own pace within the term — some students move faster, others slower, and the school adjusts based on progress.

Teachers hold live class sessions, usually a few times per week per subject, where students can ask questions and participate in discussion. These sessions are recorded, so if a student cannot attend live, they can watch the recording later. Outside of live class, students email teachers, attend virtual office hours, or use the platform's messaging system to get help with specific assignments or concepts.

Elementary students typically have a homeroom teacher who oversees their overall progress and coordinates with subject specialists. Middle and high school students have separate teachers for each subject. All students receive regular progress reports and grades, and parents can log into the parent portal to see assignments, grades, and attendance at any time.

What you need to have in place before enrolling

Your household will need a reliable internet connection and a computer or device for your student to use. OHVA does not provide devices, though the school can sometimes direct families to resources that do. Internet speed should be stable enough to stream video and upload assignments without frequent disconnections — broadband is strongly recommended over satellite or mobile hotspot.

Your student will also need a quiet space to work, ideally a desk or table where they can focus during lessons and complete assignments. Because the school is asynchronous, your student is responsible for managing their own time and staying on track. This works well for self-motivated learners but can be challenging for students who need more structure or external accountability.

Parents or guardians should expect to be involved, especially for younger students. Elementary families typically spend time each week reviewing their child's work, checking the parent portal, and communicating with teachers about progress. As students get older, they take on more independence, but parental oversight remains important.

Enrollment timeline and how to start the process

OHVA opens enrollment during specific windows each school year. The main enrollment period for the fall term usually opens in the spring (dates vary by year), and enrollment for the spring term usually opens in the fall. The school accepts students on a rolling basis until capacity is reached, and popular grade levels can fill up quickly.

To begin, visit the OHVA website and look for the enrollment or admissions section. You will need to provide proof of Ohio residency (such as a utility bill or lease), proof of your student's identity and age (birth certificate), and immunization records. You will also complete a parent agreement that outlines expectations for participation and communication.

Once your enrollment is submitted and reviewed, you will receive confirmation and login credentials for the learning platform. The school typically provides an orientation period before the term officially starts, where students and parents can explore the platform, meet their teachers, and ask questions. The first official day of classes follows the school calendar.

Costs and what is and is not covered

Tuition is free — OHVA is funded by the state like any public school. There are no enrollment fees, no technology fees, and no required purchases of textbooks or materials. The school provides all curriculum content through its online platform at no cost to families.

However, some expenses may come up depending on your situation. If your household does not have internet access, you may need to pay for broadband installation or a monthly service plan. If you do not have a computer, you will need to purchase or borrow one. Some families use library computers or school-provided devices through other programs, but OHVA itself does not distribute equipment.

Optional costs include extracurricular activities, field trips, or summer courses, which may have fees. These are not required to attend the school. Families with financial need can sometimes access support through the school or through Ohio's broadband information programs, though availability varies.

How grades, transcripts, and graduation work

OHVA awards grades and credits just like a traditional public school. Students receive letter grades (A through F) for each course, and high school students earn credits toward graduation. A transcript is maintained in the student's file and can be requested by the student or parent at any time.

To graduate, high school students must complete the same state-required coursework as students in brick-and-mortar Ohio schools: four years of English, three years of math, three years of science, three years of social studies, and electives to reach a total of 22 credits. OHVA offers all required courses and a range of electives, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students who want college-level work.

Graduation ceremonies are held annually, and students receive a diploma from OHVA that is recognized by Ohio colleges and universities and employers nationwide. The diploma carries the same weight as a diploma from any other Ohio public school.

Strengths and challenges of learning with OHVA

OHVA works well for students who are self-directed, have reliable internet and a quiet workspace, and benefit from a flexible schedule. Some families choose it because a student has a medical condition, works part-time, pursues athletics or arts intensively, or learns better at their own pace. The one-on-one teacher support and recorded lessons also help students who need extra time to understand material or who miss live sessions.

The main challenges are isolation (students do not see classmates in person every day), the need for strong time management, and the requirement for parental involvement. Some students struggle with the lack of structure or miss the social aspects of a physical school. Technical problems with internet or the learning platform can disrupt learning. And because the school is online-only, there are no school sports, in-person clubs, or extracurricular activities run by the school itself — though students can join community programs outside of school.

It is also important to know that virtual school requires a different kind of engagement from both student and parent. A student cannot straightforward log in and passively watch videos; they must actively complete assignments, ask for help when stuck, and stay organized. Parents need to monitor progress and communicate with teachers regularly, especially early on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my student take classes part-time or attend OHVA while also going to a traditional school?

OHVA is designed as a full-time school, and students are expected to enroll in a full course load. However, some students do take a course or two through OHVA while attending another school part-time. You should contact OHVA directly to discuss your specific situation, as policies may vary and your home school district may have rules about dual enrollment.

What happens if my student falls behind or is not keeping up?

Teachers monitor progress through the learning platform and reach out if a student is missing assignments or falling behind. The school offers tutoring, extra office hours, and sometimes course adjustments to help students catch up. If a student is significantly struggling, the school may recommend a different learning environment or suggest additional support services.

Does OHVA offer special education services or support for students with disabilities?

Yes, OHVA provides special education services and accommodations for students with documented disabilities, including IEPs and 504 plans. Services are delivered online and may include specialized instruction, assistive technology, and modified assignments. Families should discuss their student's needs during the enrollment process.

Can my student participate in sports or clubs through OHVA?

OHVA does not run sports teams or school clubs. However, students can join community sports leagues, local clubs, or online clubs outside of school. Some students also participate in activities through their home school district or community organizations.

What if we move out of Ohio or want to leave OHVA mid-year?

You can withdraw your student at any time by notifying the school. Transcripts and records will be sent to your new school. If you move out of state, you will no longer be able to attend OHVA, as enrollment is limited to Ohio residents.