Synchronous Program

Synchronous Program 

Our Synchronous Program is designed for students in grades K-6 who thrive with daily structure, live instruction, and consistent interaction with teachers and classmates. Students participate in real-time virtual classes led by experienced IUSD teachers while learning from home. This model closely mirrors the rhythm and curriculum of a traditional school day while offering the unique benefits of a virtual learning environment. Students participate in daily live Zoom lessons where teachers deliver instruction, guide discussions, and provide real-time feedback.

Key features include:

  • Daily live Zoom instruction

  • Direct teaching from an experienced IUSD credentialed teacher

  • Real-time interaction with classmates

  • Immediate feedback and clarification of questions

  • A structured daily schedule similar to a traditional school day

  • Emphasis on IUSD Essential Standards

This structure provides a supportive learning environment where students stay engaged and connected.

 

Before enrolling:

  1. Families should notify their current school and discuss the reason for requesting IVA.

  2. Families must speak with the IVA front office or program coordinator to determine fit.

  3. Inter-district transfers must be initiated through the student’s current district.

    • Requirements vary by district.

    • Families should begin with their home district.

If a student has an IEP or 504 Plan:

  • The IEP or 504 team must recommend IVA as a “change of placement.”

  • The team must determine that IVA can provide required services and accommodations.

  • Enrollment cannot proceed without this recommendation.

Upon enrollment:

  • Families must visit College Park Elementary to pick up materials

  • Sign our Master Agreement for Independent Study which outlines the agreements of our program

    • Students who trigger re-engagement are breaking the Master Agreement, and it is our responsibility to ensure success for our students. Re-engagement is triggered by:

      • A student is not generating attendance for more than three school days or 60 percent of the instructional days per week.
      • A student fails to complete three assignments.
      • A student agrees to uphold all other agreements listed in the Master Agreement.

Once enrolled, families participate in an onboarding process that introduces:

  • Program expectations

  • Technology platforms

  • Daily schedules

  • Communication systems

Students follow a structured daily schedule that reflects the flow of a typical school day. This structure helps students remain engaged and supported throughout their learning. Our classes start live, on camera at 8:15am and students remain on camera on and off the day, depending on the schedule and teacher-led instructions. You can view a more specific "bell schedule" for the grade level you are interested in, here.

Throughout the day students will participate in:

  • Live teacher-led instruction

  • Small group learning opportunities

  • Collaborative activities with peers

  • Independent practice and assignments

  • Opportunities for teacher support

Because instruction occurs in real time, students benefit from:

  • Immediate clarification when questions arise

  • Ongoing teacher guidance

  • Active participation with classmates

  • Live instruction for Music, Art, Science Lab and Library time, all virtually

Families receive everything necessary for successful participation:

  • Textbooks and novels

  • Printed materials

  • Chromebook

  • Document camera

This model is ideal for students who want the structure and connection of a traditional classroom experience while learning from home. Students who thrive in this environment typically:

  • Benefit from a structured daily schedule

  • Enjoy learning through live instruction and discussion

  • Value regular interaction with teachers and peers

  • Are comfortable participating in a virtual classroom setting

  • Are able to attend scheduled live classes throughout the school day

  • Have a parent or guardian at home throughout the entire day to be an on-demand support

Students in the synchronous program regularly interact with their peers through live instruction and collaborative learning activities.  We offer built-in social/emotional learning to our curriculum. In addition, students have opportunities to participate in:

OpportunityFormatFrequencyPurpose
Live Class InstructionVirtualDailyAcademic learning and peer interaction
Collaborative Learning ActivitiesVirtualOngoingGroup discussions, partner work, and shared projects
Fun Community Activities- Lunch Bunch or Fun FridaysVirtualDaily/WeeklyTeacher-led events that build class community
Monthly On-Campus ActivitiesIn-person (College Park Elementary)Once per month (optional)Social interaction, collaboration, and community building
Weekly Student Leadership - Friday VideosVirtualOnce per weekStudents in grades 4-6 are selected to join our student leadership called Team Thunder and create our weekly Friday videos shared school-wide.

 

Students will physically occupy the residence as stated on the IUSD residency affidavit within IUSD boundaries 7 days per week, unless they have prior Inter-District Transfer approval.

If a student is temporarily away from the residence due to travel, vacation, personal necessity, etc, parent/guardian must notify the school in advance.

  • A student who requires independent study for this reason only may contact the school for a short-term agreement not to exceed 15 days.
  • In accordance with AR 6158, short-term independent study contracts may be approved for up to 15 school days prior to the start of the temporary absence.
  • Students who are physically away from the residence for more than 15 school days, three weeks maximum at a time, while school is in session, will be subject to withdrawal.