Frequently Asked Questions

1.      Will going to this school give me the same education as a traditional high school?

Yes. Online courses must meet the same Michigan Merit Curriculum Standards as a traditional district school.

2.       Do I have to take the GED at the end or do I just graduate with a high school diploma from VLA?

You will graduate with a diploma.

3.       Who does the Virtual Learning Academy accept for students?

Any student between the ages of 16–19 who has dropped out for more than 30 days from their home school and any expelled students within the St. Clair County lines.

4.       How expensive is it to go to this school?

It is free.

5.       I am really far behind on credits and I don’t even know what I need to graduate. Who will help me determine what I need?

Our enrollment specialist will help you chart your best map for success. Your transcripts will be analyzed to see what you will need to graduate and your classes will be assigned to you based on that information. 

6.       Are online courses easier than traditional courses?

Yes and no. Just like in the traditional classroom, there are positives and negatives about learning online. Some students initially express frustration about getting used to technology or having to read “every little thing.” Overall, they report that it is nice to work at their own pace and not have to deal with distractions of a traditional school experience.

7.       I’m not a computer expert. Will that be a problem?

As with any new experience, you may be frustrated at first. Students quickly gain confidence and knowledge in terms of both academics and computer skills.

8.       What if I don’t have a computer at home?

We will provide you with a computer to take home. Students and/or their guardians are responsible for the care of any loaned out VLA equipment and will be expected to pay for any and all damage to the computer or if the computer is lost or stolen.  There are no exceptions.

9.       I have my own laptop. May I use it at the VLA instead of a school-supplied computer?

Yes, but any Internet sites accessed on the VLA campus must be in accordance with our school-appropriate use policy. 

10.   How many hours a week will I spend at the VLA?

You will be required to come in for a minimum of 5 hours a week in order to take tests, receive academic support and generally stay engaged in the online learning process.

11.   How many total hours a week should I expect to spend on my courses?

Individual times may vary, but you should anticipate spending 16–20 hours a week (3–5 hours a day). Of those 16–20 hours, at least 5 hours will be spent at the VLA building.

12.   Who will help me if I get stuck and don’t know how to doing something in my courses?

We have certified teachers and counselors that are here to support you and do “whatever it takes,” whether it be emotional, technical or academic support. You can expect them to be in close contact. 

13.   What time is the building open? 

The building is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exceptions of a few holidays.

14.   Who schedules my time in the computer lab?

You do. With only some exceptions, your time in the computer lab is scheduled around whatever is convenient for you and your family needs.

15.   What do I do if I can’t make it in when I’m scheduled to be there?

Simply call and reschedule for later in the week. The minimum attendance requirements can generally be met by all students.

16.   What about snow days and inclement weather?

The RESA campus is responsible for supplying services to multiple district schools and businesses, so we are very rarely closed and even more rarely do we declare a “snow day.” In the case of inclement weather, we would never ask students to put themselves at risk by driving on dangerous roads. If a snow day occurs on a day when you were scheduled to come in, a quick phone call to us to reschedule for another day that week is acceptable. You can also still log in from home and work on your classes, even if it is storming outside.

17.   So is the VLA building ever closed?

The building is closed for a few holidays throughout the year. You will always be told in advance if the building will be closed so that you can plan accordingly. However, students will still be expected to complete their hours on the other days that week the building would be open. 

18.   I don’t have a license. Is there any type of ride-share assistance?

Students are allowed to independently arrange their own rides with fellow classmates. Also, the Blue Water Area Transit Dial-A-Ride system is fast and inexpensive, and financial aid for bus tickets is available to those interested.

19.   Is there a cafeteria on campus?

From September to June, students have the option of purchasing sandwiches and daily lunch specials provided by the St. Clair County Technical Education Center's Hospitality Academy. Students may only take a break after they have completed two hours in the lab, so students must plan accordingly. A student is always welcome to have beverages or a snack in the lab, as long as they are working on school work.

20.   What about if I’m interested in joining the workforce or going to college after I graduate. Is there anyone there who can help me with all the paperwork?

Absolutely. Our staff is here to do “whatever it takes” to help you succeed in the future. We have access to many programs and career building services to help you in the next step after you earn your diploma.

21.   What if I don’t pass my class?

If a student fails to pass a class, they will not earn credit. However, our goal is to create a learning environment where you'll be successful. We will work with you to plan for success.