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California Virtual Academy (CAVA) and the K12 Program

by Victoria
(Palm Springs, CA)

CAVA + An Independent Learner = Not a Good Fit

CAVA + An Independent Learner = Not a Good Fit

My daughter used California Virtual Academy (CAVA), and the K12 program, for 7th grade. She is extremely gifted, and was very bored with the hours of what she called busy-work on the computer. She didn't feel like she learned anything during the year, and didn't enjoy doing her schoolwork at all. It was completely free, but we had to box-up and return all of the school materials after the year was over, which was kind of an ordeal. CAVA is great for a child who needs structure, but for an independent learner, it is likely to not be a good fit.

Thanks for sharing your CAVA/K12 experience, Victoria! I appreciate your input and am sure others will find it helpful. Blessings, Heather :)

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Comments for
California Virtual Academy (CAVA) and the K12 Program

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Aug 06, 2010
 Try the K12 program without the public school option
by: Shari

I have begun using K12 for my son this summer, and the program is great. I chose the independent study program, rather than the teacher-led programs after I missed the deadline for submitting a piece of paper to the VAVA program. That situation really ticked me off, and I was pretty certain I was going to put aside the whole K12 program idea, but I ended up coming back to it. I learned that the virtual academies are still run my the public school system, so you have to conform to their rules. If, however, you use the program on your own, you can choose the courses that you want to use for your child. You can also change courses mid-semester, if your child finishes a class early. I also use the unit assessments to see if it's a lesson that my child might be able to skip in instances where the lesson material if familiar to him. I find the program helps me to organize, but leaves me as the amster of our fates. You might want to try it for your child.
Aug 14, 2010
 CAVA is flexible....
by: Anonymous

The CAVA program is more flexible than described here. It is ok to skip to the assessment if you think your child already knows the material. You don't have to do everything - only the things that you feel your child needs in order to learn the material. Different activities are offered for the lessons, but you don't have to do every work sheet or project. You are supposed to pick the ones that your child needs. I think it is a very flexible program that has a good structure so you are sure that your child is getting to everything. The teacher can help you figure out what to skip and what is important.
Sep 10, 2010
 THE BEST A KID CAN GET
by: c.overton

Cava is not as bad as some would say. I have encountered a few frustrations with the enrollment process, but once we tackled it, it was smooth sailing...When I look at the progress my girls are making and how far they were behind on some subjects, it just makes me feel grateful for them offering an interactive learning program. I am pushing for my girls to graduate as early as possible from high school. Hopefully, Cava will take them past their limitations and beyond the future of learning. CAVA IS THE FUTURE OF INDIVIDUALIZED,PRODUCTIVE LEARNING.
Dec 05, 2010
 CAVA wasn't for us
by: Anonymous

Unfortunately we decided to enroll my daughter in CAVA for her 9th grade year, with the hopes she could breeze through her homework and complete credits rapidly, we soon learned that it was a slow and boring pace. No teacher support until her grades were struggling- her homeroom teacher was no where to be found to work with kids or even get to know them. We did our part but as for any 1 on 1 relationship; CAVA failed. I believe your program is lacking and would not recommend it to anyone I know. My daughter is now back in public school and 1/2 year behind. What a disappointment....
Mar 28, 2011
 homeschooling with a bang
by: Anonymous

Hi, I have two children in (Cava)7th and 10th grader, they both love it and find it challenging. In public school they kept late hours because of sports and other outside activities and were up doing homework all night. Now they can focus on their education and have time to travel more and still do sports and go to the movies in the middle of the day. They talk about what they learn everyday instead of what people are wearing. They are excited everyday when they finish their lesson because they have the rest of the day to do something they enjoy.
Cava has turned them into independent leaners who now focus on education with out peer pressure.






Apr 27, 2011
 CAVA High School and the CHSPE exam
by: Anonymous

My daughter was in CAVA from 3rd grade through 9th. She was feeling like she was missing out on the "high school experience" (mostly due to comments from relatives and other adults), so she begged us to go to one of the local high schools. She got tired of the drugs, profanity, apathy in students and some teachers, and mostly the jail-like atmosphere. She ended up taking the California High School Proficiency Exam(CHSPE)last summer, passed, and is now finishing up her first year at our local jr. college. She will complete next year then will be off to University two years ahead of her peers. She is so happy. We think the CHSPE exam is the state's best kept secret.
May 13, 2011
 CAVA High school not so flexible
by: Anonymous

CAVA high school is not completely flexible as was described above. Every student must take every assessment in order to not get a zero on that assignment. The vast majority of students fail at least one of their courses. Many fail all their courses. CAVA's test scores are dropping hundreds of points every year, which indicates that students are not learning enough.
Jul 27, 2011
 We Love it!
by: Anonymous

CAVA structure helps keep the kids focused,the teacher that is assigned to you is always available to help, lots of oppurtunitys for field trips, all curriculm is sent to you and a computer to use, and students are held accountable for work and effort. Its great!
Jul 31, 2011
 Amazing -k12 ROCKS
by: waldenmom

This school year I will have all three of my boys in this program K, 1st and 6th. I first started with my oldest son in the middle of 4th grade year. We put him in this program because the learning in a brick and Mortar school was no more than 3 hours and I’m sorry that was not okay with us. We pulled him out of the previous school in the middle of the year so he had to start the 4th grade year from starch with Cava. It was really an eye opener for me because he didn’t know half the stuff from the k12 program and it really made me and my husband know that we made the best choice. We started January and he had to take the state test in May which is only 5 months with k12, we compared previous year test results and the proof was in the pudding. He was able to score above State level in reading and at state level for math when the previous year he was in the 300 range (very low)…To be honest, it was hard and frustrating the first time because I had to get him and I acclimated to being homeschooled (quitting my job of 10 years). Once I got a schedule down that better fit him I really saw him start to love the program and his subjects. I love k12 because I get so much support and I am able to do so much outside the home with my boys. With this program you as a parent have to be VERY involved and if you’re not willing to do that please don’t bother.
Aug 24, 2011
 4th and final year
by: Anonymous

Wow, i think this program is by far the best! After the 1st semester where my son (Grade 9) thought he could just goof off, he worked hard thru xmas vacation and made up all the work and has been on honor roll since. This is his final year (12th) and then off to college. He has become an independent learner and has been taught how to seek out answers and ask lots of questions. All his teachers have been fantastic and have always responded immediately to any question or problem he may have. I am not sure I understand why parents think this is not a good program. The courses are Exactly what is offered at a traditional school. The instructors make the class engaging and fun. Although he does breeze through some classes (just like normal school), he does have quizzes and assignments every day that does log his work. If he doesn't complete it, he does have some flexibility to finish it up. The instructors are accommodating and I think that learning this way is the future. How can teachers teach with 30+ students in their class? Most of the day is crowd control and if you are not an "A" student, they tend not to be able to provide their time to help the "C" student? CAVA has integrated technology and a great product for the kids. Social? Well, quite frankly, drugs, sex, alcohol, cutting, cursing.....i would rather NOT have my kids exposed to this. And I do have a daughter who does attend a traditional school (charter) setting, but if she does not maintain her grades or i see negative behavior, she will be switched. The last 2 summers my son was chosen for Junior counselors at a camp, he volunteers in our community, at food banks and is completely social.
Oct 23, 2011
 Fabulous if you're not lazy.. WE LOVE IT
by: Santa Clarita Mom

I enrolled my 3rd grader this year. I held two seats on PTA, was in school 2-3 times a week helping out everywhere. I knew teachers,students & principal well.I tell you this because it's important to understand we loved the people@ For my husband it was an easy decision. For me, not so easy. I loved my pedicure time hated the stressed out teachers. Our son received top grades in his classes, met every goal and achivement set forth for him. The problem, he was bored when finished with work and the teachers are so overwhelmed they hardly have the time to find extra curriculum. So, he would talk and get in trouble.(Ridiculous)I repeatly requested more work with a reward system.. Nope, no dice! They want every child to fit in a box, and don't you dare think outside of it!
We love K-12! NO, you can't sit your child down and expect them to teach themselves, nor can you leave them unattended on the virtual classes .. they need the parent (learning coach) to be involved. But, we can do as much as we want of the lessons and if he get's it, he get's it! We move on and tackle something else. I love the literature and the compostition books. All the lessons are tied together so it is reinforced learning. I can tell you that he is already writing 3 paragraphs and his buddies in school are still doing oral reports. Anyone that says this is a rotten program, etc. is obviously not very involved with their student. You can't "home school" and not be involved. You might as well go back to the public school setting. They are ignored daily there! Honestly, the more I learn about the "school house" learning system the more sad I have become for the children that are left there daily for a learning experience with baby sitters.If you really want to see you child flourish with learning, this is a wonderful program.My son will tell you, no homework but lots of reading and writing. It's a great basis if you really are driving your childs education. We vacation at the beach and practice vowel sounds for spelling words in the sand. He loves it!Don't get me wrong, I have my moments,but just listening to his vocabulary grow that his history lessons and geography is "sticking." He's getting it! The other day he told me he knew who the "Mona Lisa" was.. I was amazed he learned that at his old school. That was when he told me he see's her all the time on Scooby Do! It was a precious moment that was all mine... not a strangers! Don't pass this program up because of a handful of lazy parents whom didn't have the discipline and drive to watch their child accelerate! It's time we take our education back to the old school ways. School was never suppose to be political! Good Luck and be passionate! If we love teaching it.. they love learning it!
Oct 23, 2011
 Fabulous if you're not lazy.. WE LOVE IT
by: Santa Clarita Mom

I enrolled my 3rd grader this year. I held two seats on PTA, was in school 2-3 times a week helping out everywhere. I knew teachers,students & principal well.I tell you this because it's important to understand we loved the people@ For my husband it was an easy decision. For me, not so easy. I loved my pedicure time hated the stressed out teachers. Our son received top grades in his classes, met every goal and achivement set forth for him. The problem, he was bored when finished with work and the teachers are so overwhelmed they hardly have the time to find extra curriculum. So, he would talk and get in trouble.(Ridiculous)I repeatly requested more work with a reward system.. Nope, no dice! They want every child to fit in a box, and don't you dare think outside of it!
We love K-12! NO, you can't sit your child down and expect them to teach themselves, nor can you leave them unattended on the virtual classes .. they need the parent (learning coach) to be involved. But, we can do as much as we want of the lessons and if he get's it, he get's it! We move on and tackle something else. I love the literature and the compostition books. All the lessons are tied together so it is reinforced learning. I can tell you that he is already writing 3 paragraphs and his buddies in school are still doing oral reports. Anyone that says this is a rotten program, etc. is obviously not very involved with their student. You can't "home school" and not be involved. You might as well go back to the public school setting. They are ignored daily there! Honestly, the more I learn about the "school house" learning system the more sad I have become for the children that are left there daily for a learning experience with baby sitters.If you really want to see you child flourish with learning, this is a wonderful program.My son will tell you, no homework but lots of reading and writing. It's a great basis if you really are driving your childs education. We vacation at the beach and practice vowel sounds for spelling words in the sand. He loves it!Don't get me wrong, I have my moments,but just listening to his vocabulary grow that his history lessons and geography is "sticking." He's getting it! The other day he told me he knew who the "Mona Lisa" was.. I was amazed he learned that at his old school. That was when he told me he see's her all the time on Scooby Do! It was a precious moment that was all mine... not a strangers! Don't pass this program up because of a handful of lazy parents whom didn't have the discipline and drive to watch their child accelerate! It's time we take our education back to the old school ways. School was never suppose to be political! Good Luck and be passionate! If we love teaching it.. they love learning it!
Oct 23, 2011
 Fabulous if you're not lazy.. WE LOVE IT
by: Santa Clarita Mom

I enrolled my 3rd grader this year. I held two seats on PTA, was in school 2-3 times a week helping out everywhere. I knew teachers,students & principal well.I tell you this because it's important to understand we loved the people@ For my husband it was an easy decision. For me, not so easy. I loved my pedicure time hated the stressed out teachers. Our son received top grades in his classes, met every goal and achivement set forth for him. The problem, he was bored when finished with work and the teachers are so overwhelmed they hardly have the time to find extra curriculum. So, he would talk and get in trouble.(Ridiculous)I repeatly requested more work with a reward system.. Nope, no dice! They want every child to fit in a box, and don't you dare think outside of it!
We love K-12! NO, you can't sit your child down and expect them to teach themselves, nor can you leave them unattended on the virtual classes .. they need the parent (learning coach) to be involved. But, we can do as much as we want of the lessons and if he get's it, he get's it! We move on and tackle something else. I love the literature and the compostition books. All the lessons are tied together so it is reinforced learning. I can tell you that he is already writing 3 paragraphs and his buddies in school are still doing oral reports. Anyone that says this is a rotten program, etc. is obviously not very involved with their student. You can't "home school" and not be involved. You might as well go back to the public school setting. They are ignored daily there! Honestly, the more I learn about the "school house" learning system the more sad I have become for the children that are left there daily for a learning experience with baby sitters.If you really want to see you child flourish with learning, this is a wonderful program.My son will tell you, no homework but lots of reading and writing. It's a great basis if you really are driving your childs education. We vacation at the beach and practice vowel sounds for spelling words in the sand. He loves it!Don't get me wrong, I have my moments,but just listening to his vocabulary grow that his history lessons and geography is "sticking." He's getting it! The other day he told me he knew who the "Mona Lisa" was.. I was amazed he learned that at his old school. That was when he told me he see's her all the time on Scooby Do! It was a precious moment that was all mine... not a strangers! Don't pass this program up because of a handful of lazy parents whom didn't have the discipline and drive to watch their child accelerate! It's time we take our education back to the old school ways. School was never suppose to be political! Good Luck and be passionate! If we love teaching it.. they love learning it!
Dec 13, 2011
 It was the right decision!
by: Anonymous

After a few frustrating years in elementary school, with teachers, and inconsistencies in policy, and principals dictating their agenda, I choose CAVA and K12 for my now 13 year old son.

The public school system was to him boring, and he was frustrated with the everyday homework, and school, and felt bad about asking questions in class in from of 30 others. My child is very kinesthetic as well, loving and caring and very centered but you cannot lock him in a class room for 6 hours and expect him to function.

Looking at K12 it seemed at the time to be an option as we went into middle school this year. I toiled about if this would work, was it the right decision, and talked to family and friend about it last year, while I thought about the possibilities. The answer didn't come quickly or easily. I finally made the decision to move forward, & to try it out this year.

It was, in fact, the right decision! Today, he will do his class online, and complete the book work with guidance by both of us (parents). He participates with online classes, and reads to other, and completes math problems live on line using their elluminate (spelled with an E) online live session class. He is doing extremely well.

The kit we were sent was all new material, books, and science projects, and reading material. He attends 2 online classes every day, and has book work and sheets to fill out, and on line questions / test on the subject everyday to verify comprehension. He calls his teacher about once a week, to check in and shows her art projects, or they have a live on line session when he has questions on a math subject. We have to hand in work every 8-12 weeks, and meet with the teacher.

He starts his day at 7am and school about 9am. It�s all completed by 2pm, which includes lunches, and the miscellaneous breaks. He is no longer stressed out, and we do the work at whatever pace we want to for the day. Sometimes we do extra work and then go to sea world, or another activity.

I see a lot of talk about socialization; K12 has meetings, clubs, and activities. My son attends outings, field trips and has met new friends that have school in common. He plays Football, Baseball, and we are very constantly active in sports. The fact is that my son socializes more now than ever before with friends and team members and is active in the community.

We are attending a food can drive today, while others are at school, we have time to make donations for this holiday season. I believe that K12 has helped us as parents show him that there is more to life.

K12 was the right decision, I wouldn't change a thing.

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