Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roughrider Virtual Academy, and how does virtual learning work?
Roughrider Virtual Academy is a public virtual school serving students in grades 3-8, combining the flexibility of online learning with meaningful teacher connection. Students participate in live, daily instruction in Math and ELA, while completing Social Studies, Science, and PE through independent learning. Our biggest benefit is that students aren’t learning alone; they have daily access to teachers, instruction, and support.

What does a typical school day look like for a student?
The school day begins at 8:30 am, with the end time varying by grade level. Students participate in daily Math, ELA, and Advisory, with small group-support available for student who qualify. 

How much flexibility do students and families have with their daily schedule?
Live classes follow a set daily schedule, providing students with consistency and connection with their teachers and classmates. Independent work can be completed throughout the week at the student’s own pace, as long as assignments are completed by the end of the week or due date. 

Will my child have opportunities to socialize and build daily relationships with other students?
Absolutely! Students connect with their classmates through breakout rooms, advisory, Learning Lab opportunities, and our in-person Discovery Days. Advisory provides opportunities for social-emotional conversations, helping students build relationships, feel connected, and know they are part of a school community. 

What are Discovery Days, and are they required?
Discovery Days are mandatory, monthly in-person learning experiences where students step away from the screen and engage in hands-on activities such as art, STEM, and more. In partnership with Dickinson State University, the CTE Academy, and other community organizations, students have opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with their community. 

How do students receive support and help from their teachers?
Students have multiple ways to connect with their teachers and receive support, including live classes, small group instruction, messaging, and Learning Lab opportunities. Our goal is to make sure every student has the support they need to feel confident and successful. 

What is Learning Lab?
Learning Lab is an in-person support opportunity held Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30-12:15 p.m. at Dickinson Middle School with our paraprofessional. Students continue attending their scheduled virtual classes while having the option to attend in-person boost classes for math or reading (if qualified), or an enrolled elective. Students will also receive help organizing their work to get back on track with their assignments. Students must be approved by staff to join these days and space is limited to 10 students per week. 

How are students held accountable for attendance, assignments, and academic progress?
Students are expected to attend their scheduled live classes and stay on track with their independent work. Teachers monitor attendance, assignment completion, and academic progress, communicating with families when additional support is needed. Students who fall behind may be placed on academic probation with a plan to help them get back on track. Students on academic probation are required to come in to our Learning Lab days until back on track. 

Can my Middle School student still be involved in sports at DMS?
Yes! Roughrider Virtual Academy students can still be connected to Dickinson Middle School through sports and other school opportunities. Students may also participate in Math and/or Reading Boost if the student qualifies, receive specialized services with their case manager, and sign up for available DMS electives. Elementary students may participate in Music and/or PE at Roosevelt Elementary School, as long as it does not interfere with regularly schedule online classes. 

Can my student take in-person elective classes?
Students have opportunities to participate in additional learning experiences beyond their virtual coursework. Middle school students may be enrolled in reading or math boost, if needed, electives if available. Elementary students can participate in PE and Music at Roosevelt Elementary; families should contact the teacher and the respective school for available options and scheduling. 

How involved do parents need to be in their child’s education?
Parents serve as their students Learning Coach and play an important role in helping them be successful. Learning Coaches help students organize their day, understand what needs to be completed each week, stay organized in their work space, and make sure they are attending their scheduled classes and staying on track with independent work. 

How do we enroll, and what happens after we apply? 
Families begin by completing an online application through the Roughrider Virtual Academy website. After applying, the coordinator connects with the student’s previous school and family to determine if Roughrider Virtual Academy is a good fit, gather additional information, and schedule onboarding before the student begins. If a student has an IEP or is in the Next Step Program, an in-person meeting with the case manager may be required before approval into the program.