Skip To Main Content

Secondary FAQs

What is BVA?

Bethel Virtual Academy is a highly independent and self paced K-12 online program, taught by Bethel School District’s certificated teachers. The majority of the students attending BVA will be considered full-time students, however students enrolled in Running Start or Pierce County Skill Center can take the classes they need outside those programs with BVA. 

BVA is split into two categories: K-5, and 6-12 to better meet the unique needs of each group.

What does it mean to be a full-time online student with BVA?

Students in grades 9-12 should plan on approximately 70 minutes per class per day devoted to school work and will take 5 classes per trimester for a total of 28 hours per week. Students in grades 6-8 should plan on approximately 60 minutes per class per day devoted to school work and will take 6 classes per trimester for a total of 28 hours per week. Students in grades K-5 should plan on approximately 330 minutes per day devoted to school work in a variety of subject areas for a total of 28 hours per week.

Each student will have a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP), and is expected to progress on pace with that plan, students are required to engage in Weekly Academic Contact (WAC’s) with their teachers. Teachers will provide Monthly Academic Progress (MAP’s). Students may at any time reach out to teachers to schedule a time for intervention 1 on 1.

Students can expect the option to communicate with their teachers in a variety of ways. Some examples: 1 on 1 virtual feedback on assignments, recorded video instruction, or small group instruction.  

Taking courses through BVA is an option and a privilege. Students who are consistently not making WAC, satisfactory MAP, or who have not had any contact with the school or their teacher for 20 consecutive days, may be unenrolled and transferred back to their “home” school. Students will be checked out a district iPad to access their online classes if they do not already have one checked out to them.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I enroll my student/s at BVA?

A:

  • In- District families: The first step to starting the process of enrolling your student at BVA is to complete the BVA enrollment application at https://www.bethelsd.org/domain/5486.
  • Out of District families: The first step to starting the enrollment process is to complete the out-of-district application at https://www.bethelsd.org/Page/6810 and under Option #3 choose
    Elementary (K-5) or Secondary (6-12) depending on your student's grade level. Once that form is complete, you will need to also complete the BVA-specific application at, https://www.bethelsd.org/domain/5486.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please call the BVA office at 253-800-3100 or email at bva_registration@bethelsd.org.
 

Q: I completed the form for BVA. Am I signed up?

A: Please call our main office for information on your registration status. 

Phone: (253)-800-3100

Email: ctrummert@bethelsd.org 
 

Q: How will BVA work for students with IEPs?

A: BVA is a highly independent and self-paced online program. We are planning to have special education supports as a part of BVA, but the supports will be different than what is available at your resident school. Parents that are concerned about the more self-directed aspects of BVA (even with limited IEP-related support) should highly consider remaining at their resident school to start the year. 
 

Q: Can BVA students attend school for extracurricular activities, music classes, and JROTC?

A:  Yes, a BVA student will be allowed to participate in these activities at their resident school as they are available.
 

Q: If I enroll my student in BVA, does the school provide everything my student needs to learn or will I need to be the one that has to plan what to teach her?

A: Currently every student in the Bethel School District has an iPad, and that will continue for BVA. We are also looking into what other technology needs our students might need to be successful, with 100% online learning. If you are out of district, you need to provide a device and wifi for your student. 

A secondary student will need the support of their parent/ guardians to help them establish a routine for school and monitor their engagement. However, teachers will provide all the instruction necessary for a student to excel. An online curriculum (that is currently being used in established online schools in the state) is being purchased and will support the work of the student and teacher. 

At the elementary level, younger students will need to work in partnership with their parents. A classroom teacher will be available and providing instruction for the student and parent. A kindergarten student will need a great deal of parent involvement to be successful in BVA. The need for parent involvement will decrease for older elementary students.
 

Q: How do I withdraw my student/s from BVA and back to their neighborhood school?

A: The first step is to call the BVA office at 253-800-3100 or email at bva_registration@bethelsd.org and let her know you want your child to return to their neighborhood school.  She will take your student's information and she will let BVA's administration know of your request as your student's enrollment at BVA is a year-long commitment.  

Have a question that's not listed here? Please email:

Middle and High School Students
ctrummert@bethelsd.org