Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to enroll?
We are a free online public school.
What is an average school day?
Enjoy the flexibility of virtual learning! Teachers offer optional daily live lessons. Sign up for your
teachers’ one-on-one or small group tutoring to review coursework and make new friends at
our student clubs.
How do students access coursework?
We use BrightThinker curriculum. The BrightThinker overview provides information about
student navigation, features, and tools available in the app.
What are the attendance requirements?
We comply with all state attendance laws. Students are expected to log in and complete coursework.
How can I view the school calendar?
Review the 2025-26 Academic Calendar.
What are the technology requirements?
For virtual learning, you'll mainly need a computer meeting system requirements and reliable internet access. All courses and materials are online, requiring skills in web navigation, online meetings, presentation software, document writing, and basic typing. This format promotes independent learning, problem-solving, and adaptability, preparing you for future careers.
How is your virtual school different from traditional school?
You can be you! Students have the flexibility to complete their coursework at their own pace and have access to courses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Working asynchronously, students school on a daily schedule that fits individual needs.
How do I know virtual learning is a good match for our family?
Any student who wants an alternative to a brick-and-mortar school can find success at Iowa Virtual School! We are a public virtual school through the Red Oak Community School District. We support and welcome aspiring college students, advanced learners, tech-savvy students, career-focused teens, explorers, and passion-fueled children! All students looking for a change of pace will find an engaging learning experience at Iowa Virtual School.
How can I get help?
Submit a help ticket on our website for our Customer Care team to assist you as quickly as possible.
Iowa Leads Q&A
Iowa Virtual School is a brand new online program in Iowa. We are so excited to meet you! Below are some common questions and answers to help you “get a feel” for our program:
Q: Is Iowa Virtual School an accredited program?
A: Yes, we are fully accredited. We are a public virtual school through the Red Oak Community School District. Students that graduate with us will receive a fully accredited high school diploma from the Red Oak Community School District. Also, we accept credits from other schools and our credits will transfer to different schools should you choose to go a different route.
Q: Can my student still play sports or participate in other extracurricular activities?
A: Yes! Students can participate in up to two approved co-curricular/extracurricular activities with the school district they live in each year. This could look like an activity for first semester and another for second semester, or a total of two in either semester. Please be sure to check with your local district to see which activities are acceptable.
Q: Is Iowa Virtual School something my student can do at their own pace?
A: Although our program is asynchronous (a student can log in and complete their assigned lessons at any time of the day), we do need to follow the state’s attendance requirements. This means that students must complete their assigned lessons daily so they won’t be marked as absent. We are required to report student attendance to the state and follow through with truancy/chronic absenteeism.
Q: Does Iowa Virtual School have teachers available to help?
A: Yes, Iowa Virtual School has a full staff of Iowa licensed teachers. They will be happy to help whenever they are needed!
Q: Can students with IEPs (special education) enroll?
A: Yes, we do have a special education program – however, per the state’s rule, we must hold a review to determine if we can meet a special education student’s needs in an online setting. This determination is based on specifics in the IEP. If we can’t meet a student’s needs, the district will need to deny.
Q: If online school isn’t a good fit for my student, can he/she enroll somewhere else?
A: Yes - a student’s open enrollment can be rescinded at any time, at which point they may re-enroll with their resident school district. If a student wants to return to a school they were previously open enrolled to or a private school, the decision will be with the school they wish to return to.
