FAQ
We have a separate FAQ for general questions about Live Courses. Please see that FAQ for more Q&As. This section is specific to the Diploma Program.
1. Even though your child is enrolled in a private school, is it still possible that our state may require a homeschool notification?
Yes! Please check with your state laws to determine if you need to give a notice of intent to homeschool. Parents are ultimately responsible for ensuring all state laws are followed.
2. What are the yearly requirements for live classes, from grammar through high school?
For grammar students, Diploma students are required to take two live classes per year in 4th - 6th grade, with one live class over that time being a math class. For secondary students, the number of live classes required is dependent on the student’s Diploma track. Your student's Academic Advisor will assist in creating the right course plan with the correct number of live classes for your student. Grammar Course Overview and Secondary Course Overview
3. What are the benefits of the different tracks?
VSA’s diploma tracks are specific to each student and their individual goals. Because we are able to offer three Diploma track options, there is flexibility! Your student’s Academic Advisor can guide you and explain track differences. Our Associate track offers the most flexibility and is ideally suited for students who have considerable commitments to athletic training and other such responsibilities. The Associate track may also be a good fit for students entering the Diploma Program in their 9th or 10th-grade years with no prior classical school experience. The Standard track is college preparatory and is aligned to a similar classical Christian education course plan at a brick-and-mortar classical school. The Honors and Highest Honors tracks are the most rigorous and require planning early into the Logic years. It is best to work with your Academic Advisor and begin Honors and Highest Honors planning in 6th or 7th grade.
4. What support is offered to Diploma families throughout the year?
Our Diploma Service levels document explains the types of activities which a Diploma student can expect to receive from their Academic Advisor.
5. What if we need to change our live classes because of schedule conflicts after registering for them?
For students enrolled with premium level service, there is no fee to change from one live course or section to another. Your advisor will review the request with you and assist with making the agreed change. For students enrolled with our Classic service level, the change fee is outlined in our Terms and Conditions. For course changes, your advisor will review any such changes, and the Service Team will assist with making the change. For section changes, our Service Team will assist you.
6. Is it necessary to enroll in the Diploma Program from K? Are there any detriments or benefits to waiting a few years to enroll them (especially younger siblings)?
While we would love for your student to enroll in the Diploma Program from Kindergarten onward, there is no requirement to enroll at that early age. The greatest benefit at every level of your child’s education with us is expert advice paired with accountability for you and your student. Your advisor will ensure that your student has a plan to take them from the grade they enter Diploma through 12th grade. Your student’s courses will be selected to meet your family's academic goals and will be revised as needed. You have your own personal “trusted advisor” guiding you through the process. Additionally, even in Kindergarten, there are quarterly uploads to help you stay on track through the school year. For states requiring a report card or proof of work, this is often of assistance to our families. A detriment to be considered is your student potentially missing necessary courses along the way and, therefore, not being “on target” to enter the Diploma Program. Whichever path you choose, Veritas will surely work with your family to ensure the success of your student.
7. What is the difference, practically speaking, between diploma vs. part-time studies with VSA? The main differences between full-time Diploma and part-time non-Diploma students are the amount of assistance provided to tailor a graduation plan, and the ability to receive an accredited Diploma at graduation. Students in the full-time Diploma Program have step-by-step, individualized guidance from their academic advisor. Parents have the assurance that all graduation requirements are reviewed and accomplished. This oversight provides peace of mind that all requirements are met, and the student is ready for the next stage in life. There is a specific order in which courses should be taken (and how they are taken). Most classes in our Diploma Program are live in the Secondary years. There is more flexibility in the Grammar school years – live, self-paced, and you-teach courses are all utilized by Grammar school diploma students. Second, full-time Diploma students receive transcripting services and an accredited Diploma at graduation. VSA is accredited by the Middle States Association, a well-respected international accrediting body.
8. What are the expectations of parents for teaching and assisting their Diploma student, whether You Teach, Self-Paced, or live classes?
VSA is not a “hands-off” school option, per se. We require a level of parental involvement. The most successful VSA students have a parent available when needed during the course of the student’s education. In grammar school years, three options exist for a Diploma student. Each option calls for its own parental responsibilities. For example, Self-paced courses require a parent to ensure that lessons are being completed in a timely manner. Live courses require a parent to proctor tests, check homework, or perhaps assist with submissions. You-teach courses require a parent to actually teach the material and upload work samples quarterly.
9. What is the order of what classes to take if you want to wait to start the Diploma Program in 9th grade?
This will be different for every student and their educational background. The best way to prepare for enrolling in the Diploma Program at a later time is to have a free homeschool consultation. Graduation requirements begin in 7th grade. One of our family consultants can help you navigate those requirements and help create a plan to stay on track for Diploma enrollment in 9th grade. However, this is not a guarantee of a Diploma plan and acceptance to the Diploma Program until one applies for the Diploma Program and completes the Diploma admissions process. If your student has a goal of an Honors or Highest Honors diploma, acceptance into the Diploma Program in 6th or 7th grade is prudent. The student’s Academic Advisor will guide you with a plan to accomplish this goal.
10. Does my student need to have taken certain classes prior to other classes?
Each course listing will note what course prerequisites need to be taken prior to taking any given course and the age requirements for a class. If you are not in the Diploma Program and don’t work with a Family Consultant to choose classes for your students, it will be solely up to you to decide if your student is ready for a particular class, with the guidance of our online descriptions in the VSA course listing.
11. Will I be notified if my student is falling behind? Will I be notified that my student has a late assignment?
Teachers will reach out first to the student and then to the parent via Schoology messenger. Teachers systematically reach out in the middle of each quarter to parents, as well as proactively when they observe that a student is having difficulty. It is also crucial for parents to monitor their student’s progress in Schoology. Parents can view assignment submissions and grades online. Parents can also request a weekly or daily digest of all grades, submissions, and comments for their students.
12. Can I get detailed information on waitlists, transfers, and drops? What happens financially, and when?
Please see the Terms and Conditions for full details.
13. Is there a trial period?
There is no trial period offered for our live classes. We recommend looking at some of our live class samples that have been recorded so that parents can make well-informed decisions. This will give you a very good idea of what our classes look like. If you aren’t sure which classes to look at, request a free homeschool consultation, and our family consultants will be happy to assist!
14. What are the system requirements to do Veritas Scholars Academy’s Diploma Program?
You can view the system requirements in the VSA Technology Handbook.
15. Are there tutorials available on how the class platform works?
Yes, included in the VSA Technology Handbook, you will find tutorials on how to use and navigate Schoology, Adobe Connect, the account management site, and more!
16. Are there ways to save on books and self-paced classes?
Watch your email regularly! Sales promotions often happen at VSA for Self-Paced Courses. However, books rarely go on sale. Also, Veritas Press offers an optional Rewards Club. In addition, your Academic Advisor can assist you in creating a book quote that may be able to utilize Complete Grade package discounts - at a 20% savings!
17. The reason for weighting the GPA with Omnibus' score
Like many high schools, Veritas Scholars Academy provides a higher GPA weighting for Honors courses. Honors classes are more difficult than non-Honors classes. Therefore the grades earned in honors courses are on a five-point scale. The honors scale is: A = 5 points, B = 4 points, and C = 3 points. Participating in Honors courses further substantiates VSA students’ academic ability. All levels of Omnibus I - VI are considered Honors courses.
