FAQ-General
What is Omaha Virtual School?
The Omaha Virtual School began in the 2016-17 school year as the first, K-8th grade, virtual school in the State of Nebraska. OVS is a program within Omaha Public Schools that will now serve grades Kindergarten-12th grade in fall 2020. Since we are a unique learning environment, we have gathered some frequently asked questions that are intended to help interested families understand our program to help determine if OVS is a good fit for their family and their learner.
What is blended learning?
Omaha Virtual School is unlike other virtual schools. In that students will participate in blended learning, rather than 100% online learning. This allows students and families to connect and engage in a supportive learning community. In a blended learning model, students complete online coursework at home, with the guidance of their parents (learning coaches). To enrich online learning and focus on skills, students participate in an engaging, face-to-face class at least once per week. These activities will include labs, guest speakers, cooperative learning opportunities, and much more! In addition to the weekly scheduled classes, our teachers offer work days to allow students to receive face-to-face help or virtual help sessions.
Is there a cost to attend?
Omaha Virtual School is a free program within Omaha Public Schools. We provide a device and all the materials student need to be successful in the program. Families do need to provide consistent high speed internet service at home.
Who is eligible to enroll?
Any student who resides in the state of Nebraska is eligible to apply. Not all applicants are accepted into the program. Enrollment in the program is dependent on meeting program eligibility requirements.
Do you have options for my Pre-K student?
No, we do not have a Pre-K class within our program.
Can I enroll my Kindergarten student who is too young according to the date set by the state?
Students must be 5 years old by July 31, 2020 to be eligible for Kindergarten according to the state guidelines we are required to follow. Due to Covid-19 closures, there is currently not a way for students to complete early entrance testing with the district. At this time, we are unable to enroll any students with birth dates that fall after that deadline. We will update the website if this changes.
Do you accept students who have been expelled from other schools/programs?
OVS is not able to accept students who have been expelled from other schools/programs.
How would my child benefit from attending Omaha Virtual School?
Your child will be given an unprecedented degree of accessibility, flexibility and efficiency so that he or she has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education to become future ready, today. This means your child will receive a great deal of personal attention from teachers and YOU in order to learn in a safe environment.
What is my role as parent/guardian in my child's learning experience in your program?
A parent/guardian or other individual close to the student, will serve as a learning coach. The learning coach is highly active and engaged in their student's education. Learning coaches are expected to learn how to navigate the online learning system in order to monitor student progress at home to ensure the student is on-task and engaged in the course content. Learning coaches are required to be in regular communication with OVS to ensure a strong school to home partnership. Additionally, learning coaches are responsible for providing transportation to face-to-face learning sessions and any other required in-person meetings, such as required state testing.
Is the program accredited?
Yes, this is an accredited program offered through Omaha Public Schools.
What are the backgrounds of the teachers?
All Omaha Virtual School teachers are Nebraska-certified and highly qualified in their content area. They are hired by Omaha Public Schools and meet the same requirements as all OPS teachers.
Where will the face-to-face sessions take place?
We are located on the 4th floor of Omaha Public Schools Teacher Administrator Center at 3215 Cuming Street in Omaha.
Who is responsible for the transportation of my child to the face-to-face enrichment activities?
The parent/guardian is responsible for transporting the child to face-to-face sessions and any additional required sessions, such as state testing. We are unable to provide transportation or vouchers for transportation.
My family travels quite a bit. Are the face-to-face learning activities mandatory?
Yes, face-to-face sessions are required. Students who miss more than 5 required in-person sessions may be removed from the program. We follow the Omaha Public Schools calendar, so may families can plan their travel around breaks that are built into the calendar.
My student has medical issues and can not attend school. Is OVS a solution for this?
Face-to-face sessions are a requirement of our blended program. All students need to be able to physically attend our learning center class at least once per week.
My child does not have access to a computer. How will he/she be able to participate?
Omaha Public Schools will provide a device to all students enrolled in the program for free. This is their device may be used for the duration of their enrollment in the program. This device must be returned within 2 weeks of withdraw from the program, and at the end of each school year. Families must provide their own internet access at home.
We do not have Internet access in our home. How will my child participate in online learning?
Stable, high speed internet is required for our program. Hot spots do not meet this requirement. If you do not have access, there are options available through Cox Communications with the Connect to Compete program. This program offers families low-cost Internet access, if they are eligible. Click here for more information.
What if my child is not computer literate? Can he/she still participate? Is there support?
Students do not need to have an extensive knowledge of computers to be successful. Our trained staff has the ability to walk students through problems they may encounter using their new device. During orientation we will help families and students set up their device. PLEASE NOTE: The learning coach should be comfortable and willing to assist learners at home with technology.
What curriculum do you use?
K12.com is our content/curriculum provider and learning management system provider.
How will my child's progress be monitored?
We provide a positive and caring support system. The parent representative/learning coach helps facilitate the student's daily progress. We will frequently measure students’ mastery of concepts in order to personalize learning. In addition, the Omaha Virtual School has an instructional facilitator on staff who will provide feedback and is available to answer questions for both the learning coach and the student if any questions or concerns arise.
How will my child socialize in your program?
We will offer various field trips and family socials throughout the year, as well as various collaborative opportunities during face-to-face sessions. Learners also have opportunities to come in to do open art sessions, or take part in extracurricular activities such as our award winning robotics program. In addition, we will interact with students and experts in our community and throughout the world using Skype in the classroom.
Are students required to participate in state testing?
Students are required to take state assessments and required to come on an additional day on state testing weeks to complete to the test in our learning center.
Will the Omaha Virtual School be able to accommodate students with an IEP?
OVS can provide Tier 1 (up to 3 hours per week) special education services. These services are provided virtually.
Will I have to provide an immunization record for my student(s) to participate in the virtual school?
Yes, meeting the schedule for immunizations is a requirement for all Omaha Public School students, including OVS students. The only exception to this is a medical or religious waiver which can be obtained from the school.
My high school student is missing credits, can they be made up at Omaha Virtual School?
Omaha Virtual School does not have credit recovery. High school students entering our program must be on track to graduate on schedule. If a student is not credit sufficient for our program, they may make the credits needed through an accredited program and reapply the next semester.
Below are the OPS credits needed to be on track for each grade level. Please note, credit calculations vary depending on the district. If you have questions whether your student would be credit eligible, please contact us at virtualschool@ops.org.
Below are the OPS credits needed to be on track for each grade level. Please note, credit calculations vary depending on the district. If you have questions whether your student would be credit eligible, please contact us at virtualschool@ops.org.
Where is the school located?
Omaha Public Schools Teacher and Administrator Center (TAC) 4th floor:
3215 Cuming Street
Omaha, NE 68131
3215 Cuming Street
Omaha, NE 68131
How can I contact Omaha Virtual School if I have more questions?
Phone: 531-299-0269
Email: virtualschool@ops.org
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Twitter: @OPS_Virtual
Facebook: facebook.com/OPSVirtualSchool
Email: virtualschool@ops.org
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Twitter: @OPS_Virtual
Facebook: facebook.com/OPSVirtualSchool
