How It Works
How Online High School Works
Teamwork makes the dream work! Our dedicated teachers often come together to share ideas, collaborate, and strategize on how to best serve our students.
Who can attend?
The Heron Virtual Academy of South Carolina (HVSAC) high school program serves students in grades 9–12 who reside in South Carolina.
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 are the costs?
Because HVASC is part of the public school system, it’s tuition-free. We provide South Carolina-certified teachers and instructional materials.* Our enrollment consultants can help address your technology and computer questions and needs.
Expectations for Completing Schoolwork
At HVASC, student learning and academic growth are paramount. While we offer a level of flexibility, we recognize the importance of classroom pacing and the need for students to complete their work based on set due dates.
Our high school program uses a semester-based approach where students are required to earn a passing grade on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.
Attending teacher-led, direct-instruction, online synchronous Class Connect sessions and completing coursework will help students succeed.
Working with Your Teacher
Teachers provide individual and small group assistance via online synchronous sessions called “Class Connects.” Students are expected to attend all required Class Connects and meet with their teacher to receive course assistance, tutoring, and instruction.
Time Commitment
Attendance is logged Monday through Friday; however, academic progress can be achieved during the weekends as well. High school students are expected to spend 6 hours per course per week. A student who takes 5 courses and spends 6 hours per week on each one devotes approximately 30 hours per week to their course work.
Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails on a daily basis.
State Testing
Families enrolling at HVASC must be willing to participate in all required areas of the program.
*Course materials vary by course. Please check with school staff to see what offline course materials are provided.