Neshaminy School District Virtual Academy
Introduction
In today's dynamic educational landscape, Neshaminy is proud to offer a comprehensive Virtual Academy that provides K-12 students with a flexible, high-quality learning experience tailored to the diverse needs of modern families. Our online school combines rigorous academic standards, personalized instruction, and cutting-edge digital technology to create an engaging educational environment where students can thrive. Whether your family seeks an alternative to traditional classroom learning, requires additional flexibility due to unique circumstances, or wants to leverage innovative digital learning tools, our Virtual Academy delivers a robust curriculum taught by certified teachers specially trained in online instruction. We understand that each student learns differently, and our program is designed to support individual learning needs, provide one-on-one academic support, and ensure that every student receives the attention and resources needed to achieve their full educational potential. By blending structured online classes, interactive digital content, and personalized academic guidance, Neshaminy’s Virtual Academy seeks to meet the needs of students and families seeking digital learning opportunities.
The Neshaminy School District believes students learn differently and have different needs when accessing their education. As such, families can choose an online learning option to meet their child(ren)’s needs.
The Neshaminy School District Virtual Academy (NSDVA) provides this online learning program for Neshaminy School District residents. NSDVA students remain a student of their Neshaminy School, and must adhere to Neshaminy Student Handbooks, which can be found HERE.
Neshaminy uses an online learning platform through the Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA), part of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. BVA’s Student Handbook can be found HERE. Additional information regarding BVA and its course offerings can be found HERE.
Online Learning Traits for Success
As online learning involves considerable independence, the decision to learn online takes careful thought and consideration, as well as commitment from both the student and the family. Success in an online learning environment fundamentally depends on the student's internal drive, self-management skills, and personal accountability. Virtual education removes many traditional classroom structures, which means students must develop robust self-motivation and discipline to excel. Unlike face-to-face learning, where teachers can directly monitor engagement, online learning requires students to participate proactively in their educational journey.
Motivation in an online setting goes beyond simply completing assignments. Students must cultivate an intrinsic desire to learn, set personal academic goals, and maintain consistent effort without the immediate physical presence of an instructor. Successful NSDVA students have strong time management skills, the ability to create and stick to a structured daily learning routine, and the self-awareness to recognize when they need additional support or clarification.
Self-advocacy becomes vital in virtual learning. Students must become comfortable contacting teachers, asking questions during sessions, sending emails for additional guidance, and seeking help when concepts become challenging. This skill involves communicating effectively, being transparent about learning difficulties, and taking initiative in their educational experience.
Discipline in online learning means:
• Establishing a dedicated study space
• Minimizing digital distractions
• Consistently logging into classes
• Meeting assignment deadlines
• Managing screen time effectively
• Maintaining a balanced approach to online and offline activities
Additionally, successful online students develop an understanding of their own learning processes, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, and actively developing strategies to improve. They learn to be independent learners who can navigate digital platforms, evaluate online resources critically, and take responsibility for their academic progress.
Parents play a crucial role in supporting these skills by helping students develop routines, creating accountability structures, and fostering a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Regular check-ins, assisting students to set realistic goals, and teaching time management techniques can significantly enhance a student's online learning success.
The virtual learning environment ultimately rewards self-motivated, disciplined, and willing students to advocate for their educational needs. These are not just academic skills but life skills that will serve students well beyond their online classroom experience, preparing them for higher education, professional environments, and personal growth.
Eligibility for Participation in Extracurricular Activities
Students participating in NSDVA are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities within their home school if they meet eligibility requirements. If interested in participating in extracurricular activities, please contact the school counselor of the students home school.
Attendance
Compulsory Attendance: The compulsory school attendance laws require the family or guardians of all school-aged children enrolled in school to ensure that their children attend an approved educational institution unless legally excused.
Due to the nature of NSDVA, students have great flexibility regarding participation in the academic program. In many cases, students will access the program beyond the traditional Monday-to-Friday academic schedule.
• Students are expected to log in and engage in the online learning environment daily, per the BVA school calendar. While no set amount of time is required to be successful, we recommend the following:
o Elementary level students are expected to spend approximately 45-60 minutes per content area, 90 minutes for ELA, and 30 minutes for specials.
o Middle and High school students are expected to spend approximately 45-60 minutes per class. These ranges of time are often appropriate to complete the assignments. However, additional time may be needed for some courses.
• Students who are not engaging in the online learning environment and are not achieving expected course progress may be required to participate in a meeting to review their current levels of engagement and success.
o This may include discussing whether online learning is the best learning environment for the student or whether in-person learning should be explored.
Discipline
Students must follow the Neshaminy School District and Brandywine Virtual Academy Codes of Conduct. Any infractions will result in the associated disciplinary actions.
Enrollment
If guardian(s)/parent(s) wish to enroll in NSDVA, they must sign and return the Family and Student Responsibilities Form. Email form here: [email protected]
Note: NSDVA follows a different school calendar than Neshaminy School District.
For students earning credits, transitioning Following Enrollment:
Unless notified otherwise, enrollment will proceed from the date the district receives Family and Student Responsibilities Form. Our Learning Coaches work with your child’s school to review educational records. They then work to order the necessary hardware. Once received you will be contacted to arrange an in-person meeting with your assigned Learning Coach to review the software and further discuss expectations. The process takes 7-10 business days.
NSDVA Liaison
Dr. Kevin Kane
Assistant to the Superintendent and Director of Pupil Services
[email protected]
Neshaminy Learning Coaches
Robert Blackwell
[email protected]
Diane Curtin
[email protected]
Neshaminy Resources
School Counseling, contact information is available HERE.
School Social Work and Home and School Visitor Services, contact information is available HERE.
Brandywine Virtual Academy
Student Advisor: Heather Beck: [email protected]
Student Support Liaison: Nadira Presley: [email protected]