Even though PVA is virtual, attendance is required daily in line with Pennsylvania’s compulsory education laws.

Here’s how it works:

• Attendance is tracked by logging into courses and meeting weekly time requirements
• Students must log in to all core courses every day
• Students must complete 27.5 hours per week (about 5.5 hours per day) of schoolwork
• Attendance is included in the weekly progress report and should be reviewed for accuracy

Although most of PVA is asynchronous (on your own schedule), some sessions are required.

• Daily Homeroom is mandatory and provides a space for announcements, peer connection, and grade-level community
• Other live (synchronous) sessions may be scheduled with teachers, counselors, or staff
• These moments help students stay connected and supported

PVA provides full emotional and academic counseling services for K–12 students.

• K–5: Emotional & behavioral counselors check in with students regularly
• 6–8 & 9–12: Academic counselors ensure students stay on track for graduation and are supported in planning for college or careers
• PVA also has a full-time SDP counselor and a full S.T.E.P Team to support students and families facing social or emotional challenges

Every family is assigned a Grade Level Advisor who serves as a consistent point of contact throughout the school year.

Advisors:

• Advocate for their students and help solve issues
• Host daily homeroom meetings for announcements and check-ins
• Answer questions about coursework, schedules, or tech issues

Mental Health Resources
For mental health resources and support services, visit the District’s Mental Health Resources page.

Health Services & Resources
To learn about immunizations, physicals, and wellness programs, go to the Student Health Services page.

Each PVA student needs a designated Home Learning Coach, typically a parent or guardian, who will guide and support their learning at home. This person plays a key role in the student’s daily success. A working phone number and regularly checked email are required.

Learning Coaches are responsible for:

• Ensuring students log in daily and follow their class schedule
• Monitoring attendance and reviewing weekly progress reports
• Communicating regularly with PVA staff and attending meetings
• Assisting with uploading assignments and completing reading logs

We want students to feel connected — even online. That’s why PVA offers a variety of virtual clubs, activities, and enrichment programs tailored to student interests.

Examples include:

• Chess Club
• Online Gaming Club
• Book Club
• Yearbook Committee
• And more, based on student input!

While PVA does not have its own sports teams, students can participate in athletics at their neighborhood or catchment schools through the School District of Philadelphia.

To join a team:

• Contact your neighborhood school for more info
• A completed sports physical form signed by a doctor is required

Chromebooks

• Grades K–5: All students will be issued a new Chromebook. Any currently issued devices must be exchanged at orientation.
• Grades 6–12: Students may continue using their existing SDP-issued Chromebook. If a device is not working or a new student is enrolling, a Chromebook will be provided.
• A full-time Computer Technology Specialist is available to assist with troubleshooting and device replacement.

Internet Access

• High-speed internet is required for success in the PVA program. If you don’t currently have internet access, visit the SDP website for setup support.
• PVA families are eligible for a $35/month reimbursement for internet service for each month of enrollment (one reimbursement per household, issued at the end of the year).

Each week, Learning Coaches receive a progress report that functions like a digital report card. It outlines the student’s academic performance, attendance, and engagement. Coaches should review it with their student and reach out to the Grade Level Advisor or teacher if any concerns arise.

• District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process

Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA

The School District of Philadelphia is required to annually notify parents and eligible students of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These rights include the right to inspect and review education records, request amendments, consent to disclosures, and file a complaint.

View the Annual FERPA Notice

For questions, please contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Students can access academic help in real-time through our Virtual Office, open weekdays from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

• Get one-on-one or small group support from your teachers
• Schedule one-on-one sessions in advance
• Drop in as needed for help with assignments, concepts, or tech

Our curriculum is aligned with Pennsylvania Department of Education Common Core standards and built to support students at various learning levels, styles, and abilities.

• Courses are available 24/7, so students can learn at their own pace
• Teachers provide regular feedback and assessments to support growth
• The learning experience is designed to be personalized and flexible

All instructional staff are PA State Certified and Highly Qualified. PVA’s K–12 program is taught by a combination of School District of Philadelphia teachers and educators from Brandywine Virtual Academy, through our partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

The School District of Philadelphia provides a variety of programs and services in many languages to support our multilingual families. Students whose first language is not English may qualify for ESOL services.

Need Help? Contact your school’s Bilingual Counseling Assistant

Programs & Services

• Multilingual Curriculum and Programs
  Learn more about the different programs and opportunities offered for multilingual students and families, and to get assistance with any District-related questions or processes.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Dual Language (Bilingual)
  • Newcomer Learner Academy (NLA)

• Language Access Support Services
  Learn more about accessing interpretation/translation services, including Bilingual Counseling Assistants (BCAs) assigned to your school, and other resources.
• Language Access Concern
  Your feedback is essential in helping us improve language access within our District. If you’ve encountered a language-related challenge, such as a communication barrier, translation issue, or interpretation challenge, your input helps us improve our services.

PVA is committed to providing specialized services to children in the least restrictive environment, as required by the law. Students receive accommodations and modifications as outlined in their Individualized Educational Program (IEP).

The District provides an extensive range of educational services and supports for students with diverse needs.

Learn more about Parent Information Sessions, Special Education Programs

All standardized tests will be scheduled to be taken from an approved school-based site that will be determined at a later date. Students and Parents will be notified ahead of time with specific dates, times and locations. Learn more by visiting the Student Assessments Page.

Visit the District Summer Programs site for additional opportunities for your student over the summer.