How It Works

Myths About Online Learning

MYTH: Students who attend online schools lack socialization and social skills.

FACT: Students at Tennessee Virtual Academy (TNVA) can participate in academic and social outings. In the past, these outings and activities have included trips to museums, skate parks, zoos, etc.


MYTH: My student will spend all day staring at a computer.

FACT: While attendance, planning, and assessment are all recorded online, students are involved in activities offline as well, including using textbooks, art supplies, science materials, etc. As students move through the curriculum each year, more of their instruction is delivered online.


MYTH: Attending TNVA is a part-time job.

FACT: Students will need to spend about six hours on schoolwork each day and the Learning Coach or mentor needs to be available during that time to help guide and support the student.


MYTH: Online schools don’t meet requirements for public schools.

FACT: TNVA is a public education program that operates outside of a traditional classroom. As participants in a public school program, your children will be expected to spend a certain amount of time each day engaged in schoolwork. They will also be required to take standardized tests mandated by the state of Tennessee.