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CVA 101 and FAQs

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Banner image showing students with overlay text reading Cobb Virtual Academy

Cobb Virtual Academy

Class. Virtually. Anywhere.

CVA is a long-standing, rigorous online learning program serving grades 6–12. In partnership with local schools, CVA connects students to highly qualified instructors, engaging curriculum, and flexible learning options that equip them to be independent, lifelong learners. Whether a student needs a course not offered at their home school, more flexibility in their schedule, or a different path to graduation, CVA is built to meet them where they are.

60+

Courses offered, including core academics, Advanced Placement, Health & PE, and CTAE.

5,400+

Students enrolled during the 2024–25 school year.

7,760+

Courses completed during the 2024–25 school year.

Partnership between CVA, schools, and families
CVA is not a replacement for school. Students remain connected to their home schools while gaining access to flexible, rigorous course options. They build the independence, confidence, and skills they need to graduate ready for what comes next.

A Partnership

CVA works alongside local schools — not in place of them. School counselors help students and families determine whether a CVA course is the right fit and facilitate the enrollment process. Once enrolled, CVA provides the online instruction, highly qualified teachers, and Georgia/CCSD-aligned curriculum. The home school remains the student’s foundation, while CVA provides flexible options to support their academic path.


Who CVA Serves

CVA gives students flexible options when a traditional schedule does not meet every need. Some students use CVA to access a course that may not fit into their local school schedule, while others use it to stay on track for graduation, make room for specialized programs, or balance school with outside commitments. CVA gives students another path for completing coursework when online learning is the right fit. Whether a student is a competitive athlete managing a demanding practice schedule, a working artist balancing professional commitments with academics, or simply someone who learns better outside a traditional classroom, CVA is designed to meet them where they are. Online learning at CVA is not a shortcut. It is a rigorous, structured alternative that holds students to the same high standards.


Viable & Proven

The program continues to grow because it works and because families, schools, and students have come to trust it as a reliable path to learn and grow. CVA is a mainstream, evidence-backed instructional model with more than two decades of experience serving Cobb County students. Research consistently shows that online learning is as effective as in-person instruction when courses are intentionally designed, standards-aligned, and supported by trained teachers who communicate frequently with students. Strong online learning depends on clear course design, teacher responsiveness, student engagement, structured pacing, and the right academic support, and CVA delivers on all of these. The program continues to grow because it works, and because students, families, and schools have come to trust it as a reliable path to learn, grow, and graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about CVA? Find answers to the most common questions from students, families, and schools below. Use the search bar to jump directly to a topic, or browse all questions by scrolling through the list. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to your home school counselor or visit the Contact Us  page to directly reach out to CVA.

Search Keywords

✕ Clear

How do I enroll in a CVA course?

Before You Register

Have This Information Ready

Before beginning registration, make sure you have the information below available. This will help the registration process go more smoothly.

All Students

Before beginning registration, make sure you have the following information ready.

Student Email Address

Students must have an email account for use with their CVA courses. Use your CCSD student email account and be sure to check it regularly.

Parent Email Address

The primary mode of communication is email. Parents/guardians should use an active email address that is checked regularly. Parent email addresses must be different from the student’s email account.

CVA Course Information

Students should know the course name, such as American Literature, and the section: A, B, or Y. Check the CVA Course Catalog on the CVA Registration Hub for available courses.

CCSD Students

CCSD Student ID Number

You will need your 7-digit Cobb County School District student ID number, also known as your lunch number.

Rising 9th-Graders

For summer-term registration between 8th and 9th grade, choose your current grade level and middle school.

Check the Register page for additional registration information.

Important Notes

Note to Parents: CVA highly recommends that students, not parents, complete the registration process as part of their online learning experience.

Note to All Registrants: Some browsers may autofill incorrect information into the registration form. Please review all information carefully before submitting.

Deadlines: Students registering past CCSD’s last day for schedule changes in a semester may have their CVA course registrations denied. Please speak with your counselor before registering.

Will my CVA course grade appear on my transcript?

CVA Grades

Does My CVA Grade Count?

Yes. Your CVA course grade goes on your permanent academic record, just like any class taken at your home school.

What This Means

Grading Scale

CVA grades follow the same grading scale and are reported on the same schedule as other CCSD courses.

GPA and Eligibility

Your CVA grade counts toward your GPA and affects graduation requirements, college admission, and athletic eligibility. All CVA courses meet NCAA eligibility.

Transcripts

CVA courses appear on a student’s transcript just like other CCSD courses. They are not labeled as online courses or marked as CVA courses.

ParentVUE and StudentVUE

Grades are visible to students and parents through the standard parent portal.

Are CVA courses easier than in-person classes?

CVA Courses

Are CVA Courses Easier?

No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about online courses. A CVA course is not easier because it is online.

What This Means

Same Academic Content

CVA courses cover the same academic content as face-to-face courses.

Same Standards

Students are held to the same standards as they would be in the face-to-face version of the course.

Different Learning Environment

Students are also learning how to navigate an online course environment, which can make the course feel more demanding at first.

Self-Directed Learning

Online learning can feel more demanding for students who are not prepared to manage their time, follow directions carefully, and complete work independently.

How much time should I expect to spend on a CVA course each week?

CVA Courses

How Much Time Should I Spend?

Students should expect to spend the equivalent of a regular class period on their CVA course each day that it is scheduled. CVA offers flexibility, but flexibility does not mean less time. Students should treat their CVA course like a regular class and plan for it each scheduled day.

What This Means

Plan for 60 to 90 Minutes

Most students should plan to spend about 60 to 90 minutes on their CVA course each scheduled day.

Same Time Commitment

The online format requires the same time commitment as an in-person course.

More Flexibility

The online format requires the same time commitment as an in-person course. It simply gives students more flexibility in when and where that time is spent.

Stay on Schedule

Students are most successful when they set aside regular time for their CVA course and avoid waiting until the last minute.

What if I have an IEP or 504 Plan?

Student Support

Are IEP and 504 Plans Supported?

Yes. Students with an IEP or 504 Plan are fully supported in CVA courses. Speak with your guidance counselor or reach out to CVA Student Support to learn more.

Can I take a CVA course while also attending my home school?

CVA Enrollment

Do I Stay Enrolled at My Home School?

Yes. Most CVA students remain enrolled at their home school and take one or more CVA courses to supplement their regular schedule. CVA does not replace the home school experience for most students. Instead, it works with the home school to support the student’s academic plan.

How CVA Fits Into Your Schedule

CVA is designed to work alongside a student’s existing coursework.

It gives students another way to take needed courses, create flexibility in their schedule, or supplement the classes they are already taking at their home school.

What technology do I need to take a CVA course?

Technology Support

Technology Requirements

Before you start your CVA course, make sure you have the right device, software, and internet connection. All CCSD students are eligible to receive a district-supported laptop. Contact your local school for information on how to opt in to the student laptop program. Having the right setup from the beginning will help you avoid issues and stay focused on your work.

What You Need

Recommended Setup

Students need access to a Windows PC or Mac computer. A district-supported laptop or device is recommended for the best CVA course experience. Mobile devices may not be compatible with all CVA coursework.

Software Access

As a Cobb County student, you already have access to Microsoft 365 at no cost. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other tools you will use throughout your course. You can install it on your personal computer using your school login.

Internet Access

Students need reliable internet access to view course materials, complete assignments, and communicate with their teacher.

Class. Virtually. Anywhere.