Why would a student take an online course through NUVHS?
National University Virtual High School (NUVHS) offers a wide range of options for students. At NUVHS, students can complete a semester course in as little as four weeks or as many as 18 weeks. Students can catch up on missed credits, take a subject not offered at their traditional school, improve their technology skills, solve a scheduling conflict, try a different method of learning, or supplement their learning activities if they are homeschooled or temporarily home bound. Full-time students at NUVHS can focus on a few subjects at a time – while still covering the classes they need in the school year. NUVHS is also a convenient option for amateur athletes and actors who need to complete their education in a flexible environment in order to meet demanding schedules.
Are NUVHS courses for credit?
Yes. All NUVHS courses are completed for credit and evidence of such can be provided in the form of an academic transcript. Five credits are awarded for each NUVHS course, the equivalent to a traditional high school semester-length class. Full-time NUVHS students earn credit towards their diploma by following the graduation requirements as stated in the Student/Parent Handbook. The NUVHS Student Services Team will assist part-time students and their parents in completing the transfer of credit from NUVHS to the student’s primary high school. However, it is strongly recommended that students obtain written approval from their primary high school before beginning an NUVHS course since each district or school sets their own policies for course transfer.
Is NUVHS accredited?
Yes. Committed to the provision of quality programs for students, NUVHS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and AdvancEd. NUVHS has also received approval from the University of California (UC) as an online course provider and has numerous individual course approvals for “a-g” college entrance requirements. All core courses and the diploma are approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Do students take the courses on their own time or school time?
By taking online courses students can study where, how and when they want. Courses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The typical NUVHS student spends between 12 and 15 hours per week to complete a variety of lectures, assignments, discussion boards, quizzes and projects. While work can be completed in a flexible format, all required work must be completed on or before the published term end date.
What are course preparation requirements?
All NUVHS courses are academically rigorous and considered college preparatory and will cover an entire semester’s worth of material. As such, it is important that students understand the need to set aside time to not only engage with their instructor but complete all of the required assignments. A complete summary of Student Participation Expectations is available as a downloadable document.
Do students need a computer at home?
NUVHS highly recommends that students have continuous access to a computer with Internet access, preferably in the home. If students don't have a computer with reliable internet access at home, they can use computers at their primary high school, public library, internet cafes and community centers.
Is there a teacher for every class?
Yes. California credentialed teachers work closely with students in each course to provide guidance and frequent feedback as students’ progress through the curriculum. NUVHS teachers are content area experts in the fields that they teach and many are classroom teachers during the day. Teachers are available by email when students have questions or they can arrange a time for a live phone conference or online chat. Emails are generally returned within 24-48 hours.
Will students need to be online at the same time as the instructor?
The majority of NUVHS courses are conducted asynchronously, allowing students to participate at any time of the day. With teachers and students all around the world, it is next to impossible to have students and teachers online at the same time so we afford both groups to work in the online environment when it is most convenient for their schedules. Some Advanced Placement (AP) courses do require that students attend live chat sessions with their instructor and/or classmates. Times and dates are determined by the instructor. If a student cannot attend that session it will be posted in the course for them to review when they are available. Teachers can be reached by email when students have questions or they can arrange a time for a live phone conference or online chat. Emails are generally returned within 24-48 hours.
What is the difference between "asynchronous" and "synchronous" discussions?
Asynchronous discussions, or "threaded discussions," are intended for students to post messages at their leisure, or as otherwise instructed by their teacher. Synchronous discussions, or online "chats" are intended for all students and their instructor to be present to communicate in "real time."
What about assignments, quizzes and tests?
NUVHS courses all have assignments that students turn in via a digital dropbox housed right in the course. These assignments are received, graded and returned to the student by the teacher who also posts the student’s grade to an online gradebook. Courses also contain quizzes, tests, discussion boards and a culminating project.
Can a student use NUVHS courses to meet graduation requirements?
Many students enroll with NUVHS as part-time students, hoping to complete one or two courses to raise a low grade or complete a course that is not available onsite at their primary high school. Courses completed with NUVHS meet California and national standards and can often be transferred from NUVHS to the student’s primary high school for credit. In order to see if your student’s high school accepts NUVHS courses in transfer, please meet with a counselor at the primary high school to have the Course Transferability Verification form completed. This form is available here.
Do NUVHS courses meet UC “a-g” entrance requirements?
As an online high school NUVHS completed a two-step process for UC approval of “a-g” coursework. The school was first approved as an online course provider in 2008, allowing part time students to complete coursework with NUVHS and transfer courses to their primary high schools in order to meet “a-g” requirements. The second step involved submitting each individual course for approval. NUVHS has received “a-g” approval for 39 semester courses and has re-submitted coursework each year for additional approvals. Meeting “a-g” requirements ensures that students are academically prepared for college level coursework and have a strong foundation across all subject areas. To view NUVHS’ “a-g” approved courses please see the Course Approval chart on the right hand side of this page.
Can a student complete courses online if they are applying for initial eligibility through the NCAA?
NUVHS received approval for all core courses from the NCAA in early 2009, allowing student athletes to meet initial eligibility requirements for participation in college athletics. NUVHS was approved for all core courses and the diploma. To view the list of NCAA approved courses, please visit the page for NCAA approved courses.
How many NUVHS courses can students take at one time?
Part-time students usually take only one to two courses at any given time, depending on their current academic schedule at their primary school and their extracurricular commitments. On average, a full-time NUVHS student will take twelve courses per academic year in order to meet graduation requirements. Full-time student schedules are determined on an individual basis and may vary. Students should be cognizant of the high level of work required in NUVHS courses as well as the term end date when choosing courses to complete.
Can a student complete online courses with NUVHS if they have a learning disability?
Yes, accommodations can be made to meet the student’s learning needs. NUVHS requires that students who have a documented disability submit their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan to the Associate Director of Education for review prior to their enrollment.
What is the cost for NUVHS courses?
NUVHS is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Unlike public schools, NUVHS receives no government funding. NUVHS is a tuition-based institution dedicated to providing a quality education to all students. Tuition ranges from $295 to $375 per course depending on the format. NUVHS offers scholarships for individual students. For current tuition rates and scholarship opportunities please click here.
What if a student needs to withdraw from a course?
The student or their parent/guardian must notify an NUVHS administrator of the student's intent to withdraw via email or telephone. Instructors cannot process student withdrawals. The NUVHS administrative staff and instructors are available to assist students and their parent/guardian in exploring alternatives that may allow the student to successfully complete the course in lieu of withdrawing. Refund calculations are based on the date and time a parent/guardian informs NUVHS of their intent to withdraw his/her student from an NUVHS class. More information regarding the NUVHS refund policy may be found here.
Who can a student contact if he/she is having trouble with an online courses?
If the trouble is related to course content, students should contact their instructor via email using the “Email” tab at the top of their course homepage. Instructors respond within 24-48 hours. If the trouble seems to be technical, students may contact the online help desk at (877) 252-7715 or via e-mail at helpdesk@myonlinelogin.com. The online help desk services are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. All other questions should be directed to our administrative offices at 866-366-8847 or info@nuvhs.org.
How do students create/receive their student ID numbers and passwords?
Upon enrollment at NUVHS, each student will be assigned a unique nine-digit student ID number and six-digit password. Students have the ability to change their passwords but cannot change the student ID. This will serve as their unique identifier throughout their enrollment with NUVHS. Students who are having problems with their passwords can contact the administrative offices at (866) 366-8847 or via e-mail at info@nuvhs.org.
Where do students go to log into their classes?
For convenience, there is a "Login" button on the NUVHS homepage. Students may also access their classes from any page on the website by clicking on "Login" located in the top right of each website page. Students also receive this link in their first day of enrollment and NUVHS recommends bookmarking this page for future reference.
Who should students contact when having trouble logging into their courses?
If a student cannot log into an online course, she or he should contact the NUVHS help desk directly at (877) 252-7715 or via email at helpdesk@myonlinelogin.com. The help desk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students may also contact NUVHS student services at (866) 366-8847 or via e-mail at info@nuvhs.org between 7am and 12 midnight PST every day.
How does a student order his/her textbooks?
Early registration is strongly encouraged so that students are able to begin their classes with the appropriate textbooks and materials; this is particularly important due to the accelerated format of NUVHS courses. However, limited materials have been uploaded into the online course so that students can begin working until their books arrive. Visit the Student Bookstore page to learn more.
