How It Works
How Online Education Works
With online learning, your child can learn at home or wherever there’s an internet connection while enjoying the benefits and support of Heron Virtual Academy of South Carolina’s (HVASC) school program. They’ll complete a mix of online lessons and offline activities, using K12-provided books and materials.* State-certified teachers provide instruction in virtual sessions called “Class Connects.”
Connecting and preparing for the school year through impactful Professional Development sessions with our staff! Here’s a glimpse of our teams embodying this year’s motto: We Are Connected!
What to Expect
HVASC Programs
HVASC uses quality curriculum from K12 designed to let students find the learning style that works best for them, enabling them to find their own path to success. Each online classroom offers engaging and relevant lessons that build real-world skills based on your child’s interests and abilities. We also have a career and college prep program to help high school students prepare for life after graduation.
What’s my role as a parent?
As Learning Coach, you’ll be able to take an active and vital role in your child’s education. Plan to:
- Provide academic support, motivation, and guidance throughout the school year
- Ensure your child is on track with assignments and coursework
- Communicate with teachers
- Report daily attendance
If you or your child’s legal guardian cannot fill this role, you may choose a family member, friend, or another trusted adult to serve as Learning Coach.
Student Support Team
The Student Support Team empowers students to overcome challenges—be they academic, social, emotional, medical, or otherwise—to succeed in school and beyond. This holistic approach includes early intervention, support services, and linking families to school and community-based resources. Team members and teachers work with families to provide the extra help needed to enable students to stay motivated and on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to attend HVASC?
Any student in grades 8–12 who resides in South Carolina is eligible for full-time enrollment.
HVASC is ideal for students who have had challenges reaching academic success and could benefit from a supportive, team-oriented approach to earning a high school diploma. We offer options to adjust school schedules to the lifestyle needs of our students, accelerated pathways to support credit recovery, and postsecondary preparation.
What does it cost to attend HVASC?
Because HVASC is part of the public school system, it’s tuition-free. We provide South Carolina-certified teachers and instructional materials.* Students and families will be responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Our enrollment consultants can help address your technology and computer questions and needs.
My student has life circumstances that require an additional level of flexibility. Can HVASC accommodate their needs?
HVASC staff can work with individual students to tailor coursework, live class requirements, and other assignments as reasonable to fit into a schedule that sets up the student for success.
My student is significantly behind academically. How will HVASC help them graduate?
HVASC has a robust, accelerated credit recovery program designed to help students catch up academically, even those significantly behind on high school credits. Our wrap-around support services can also help students develop alternative pathways to graduation based on their needs.
Can my student enroll if they were expelled and are not currently attending school?
HVASC enrollment is open to students not currently attending school, including those expelled or dropped out.
How much time will my child spend online?
In high school, much of the school day is online. HVASC staff works with students individually to create a schedule, including live class session requirements, tailored to their needs to help set them up for success.
How do students interact socially?
Students spend time with classmates online and through school outings, field trips, and other activities. In addition to school-based clubs, K12 online national clubs help connect students with like interests and passions.
*Course materials vary by course. Please check with HVASC staff to see what offline course materials are provided.