Start Dates
GA Virtual School realizes that students look to online courses for a variety of reasons. One of these is flexibility. For this reason, the start dates for each semester are flexible and students are given a range of time during which they can start their course.
Once a student is registered and enrolled for a course, he or she will be put into a student orientation course. At the successful completion of the student orientation course, students will be placed into class. (This may take up to 24 hours after completion of orientation).
The student will choose the length which they would like their course to last based upon the available start dates. He or she will indicate this to the course instructor by taking a survey at the beginning of the course.
- For fall and spring, students can choose to have their course be 12, 14, 16, or 18 weeks long.
- For fall and spring, Advanced Placement students can choose to have their course be 14, 16, or 18 weeks long.
- For summer, students can choose to have their course be 5 or 6 weeks long.
Students who need more time or are taking a heavier course load are certainly encouraged to select the longer course lengths. The shorter course lengths do NOT have condensed content. All of the same content is covered but at a faster pace. Students in AP courses should select the longest course length possible for their schedules. All courses end on the same date each semester regardless of start date.
Scheduling
GAVS courses can be scheduled as a part of the regular school day or outside of the school day. Some schools may choose to schedule a course on the student's regular school schedule but then allow that course to be taken on the student's own time outside of the school building.
There are many options for course scheduling. In addition, there are many options in terms of scheduling and course start dates.
Georgia Virtual School offers a variety of options when it comes to participating in GAVS courses. Please see the information on session choices below to help you select the option that is best for you. Please note that session choices are only available in Fall and Spring.
Sessions
Main Session/Session 1
The main session (session 1) is a semester long session during which students can take up to 6 half units or 3 full units with FTE funding. Students will have between 12-18 weeks to complete their course work depending on their start date. Advanced Placement students will have between 14-18 weeks to complete their course work depending on their start date.
Summer Session
During summer semester, there is only one session to choose from during which students can take courses. Students will have between 5 and 6 weeks to complete their course work depending upon their start date.