FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maize Virtual Preparatory School?
MVPS is a virtual education program that serves students in grades K–9 who are Kansas residents. The school is based out of the Maize Unified School District 266. It is a tuition-free program that utilizes the Calvert curriculum. MVPS values family partnerships, excellence in education, college preparation, rigor, performance, community and relationships. Excellence at every level!
What are the eligibility requirements?
The Maize Virtual Preparatory School is a program of the Maize Unified School District 266 and follows the Kansas State Department of Education guidelines for enrollment. This includes being a Kansas resident and agreement to MVPS operating procedures as defined by the school.
In order to be eligible for Kindergarten, your student must be 5 by August 31, 2012.
In order to be eligible for 1st Grade, your student must be 6 by August 31, 2012.
How do I enroll or register for Maize Virtual Preparatory School?
Thank you for your interest in MVPS.
Enrollment is currently open. Visit the Enroll page to begin the enrollment process.
We want to keep you informed about what’s happening at the school, as well as future opportunities for enrollment. Please complete our interest form and we will send news about upcoming events and upcoming enrollment dates.
Can my student be enrolled in two schools?
Yes, Kansas does allow for dual enrollment. MVPS will allow dual enrollment on a case by case basis.
Do I have to participate in state testing?
Yes. Schools that receive public funding are required to have their students participate in annual state assessments. Students in 3rd through 9th grades will need to sit for reading and math state-standardized tests. Additional subject area testing may be required depending on grade level and will be announced by the state in September 2012.
How much does it cost?
The Maize Virtual Preparatory School is a program of the Maize Unified School District 266. There is no tuition, though there will be an annual one-time instructional materials fee of $75 per student.
Do I need internet access?
Yes, the Maize Virtual Preparatory School offers a blend of traditional and online instructional elements.
Do I need a computer?
Computers with internet access are required to complete a portion of the curriculum, as the Maize Virtual Preparatory School is a blended curriculum program. Enrolled families are eligible to receive one computer per student on loan from MVPS. These computers are available on an as needed basis for use with schooling activities.
How much time will be required online, per day, per week?
The Calvert curriculum is a blended program. At MVPS we believe the parent should control the lessons in partnership with our educational support team. Students may access the lessons and complete some activities online. The amount of time online will vary depending on the student, grade and the lesson for that day as the content is parent driven, not computer driven. Other activities, such as reading texts, novels, completing worksheets, labs, and some projects will be done off-line. Auto-graded lesson checkpoints will be completed online to show that the student completed and understood the main ideas for each lesson. Students and their Learning Guides will be encouraged to attend live, virtual or in-person sessions throughout the year.
Is this school right for me?
MVPS is a model dedicated to achieving excellence in education. We use the Calvert curriculum. It blends tradition, innovation, and technology as well as an integrated course experience focusing on the development of executive function. Since 1906 Calvert has educated more than 600,000 students from around the world! MVPS makes this curriculum available to you, within your own state, tuition-free, and provides you with the extra support of a teacher and education support team within the community of a local, public school in Kansas.
The Maize Virtual Preparatory School allows for home based education led by the parent, affording many of the benefits of homeschooling, while providing a tuition-free full-curriculum, school community, and the support of a teacher. The teacher provides experienced support as a professional educator. They can provide families answers to specific curriculum questions, alternative teaching strategies and other practical advice to assist families in achieving their academic goals through the year.
What subjects does my student study?
The Maize Virtual Preparatory School provides a well-rounded curriculum. The subjects studied include Math, Language Arts, Science, and History, (Art, Music, and Technology are thematically integrated throughout the curriculum). The curriculum and materials are provided for you, though some common household items may be required. Additional enrichment activities will be available, as well.
Do I need to be “tech savvy” with a lot of computer skills?
No, the program is easy to use. The curriculum is a blended program of online, textbook and other forms of study. There will be orientation prior to the start of school that will provide you with all the information you will need to be successful!
What subjects does my student study?
Maize Virtual Preparatory School provides a well-rounded curriculum. The subjects studied include Math, Language Arts, Science, History, Art and Music.
Is there curriculum for gifted and advanced grade students?
The level of curriculum is determined by the optional Calvert Placement Exam. Students who can handle the challenge may place at an advanced level. The individual Navigator learning map may also allow for enrichment and accelerated pacing.
How do the parents participate?
Commitment to your child’s education is essential to success in this program. Parent or adult participation is a requirement to be involved in a virtual program in the state of Kansas. No one knows your child better than you, and that’s why your role as the Learning Guide is so important. On a daily basis you will review learning objectives with your child, prepare materials for the day’s lessons, monitor task completion and pacing and provide direction and assistance as needed. Most importantly, you will work with your child, the teacher, and education support team to make certain that the program is meeting the precise academic needs of your child.
The curriculum is challenging, requiring many hours of learning guide and student interaction. Throughout the curriculum and school year, there will be learning guide and teacher conferences by phone or Elluminate to discuss the student’s progress. Students are also required to participate in annual state testing, which will require parent-provided transportation to convenient, local, testing locations as directed by the school.
Can you tell me more about the teacher?
The Maize Virtual Preparatory School provides a teacher for every student. The certified teacher has special skills and experience working with families in virtual environments. MVPS provides an additional layer of support through our educational support team. Student and learning guide will also have access to them through email, chat and phone. As part of a virtual school, you will not be required to meet with the teacher or support team in-person, or inside your home. They are available for questions, special assistance, and optional group teaching activities providing multiple forums in which you and your student can participate. The teachers provide experienced support as professional educators, answers to specific curriculum questions, alternative teaching strategies and other practical advice.
Is there an opportunity for my student to gather with classmates?
There will be many opportunities throughout the school year and summer to interact both with Maize Virtual Preparatory School students and Calvert curriculum users around the world either virtually or at in-person events.
Click here to view our scheduled events!
When can we expect to receive materials?
As the school year draws near, and the student enrollment and optional placement process is complete, the curriculum will be shipped in a timely manner so that the learning guide and student can be prepared for the school year.
What are the technical requirements for this school?
- 2GHz or faster processor
- Microsoft® Windows® XP Home or later
- Internet Explorer 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox 3.5
- 2GB of RAM
- 60 GB of available hard-disk space
- 1,024×768 screen resolution
- DVD-ROM drive
- Audio card
- Printer and Scanner, or combination
Software Requirements:
- Latest Version of Adobe Flash Player
- Latest Version of Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Office 2003 or later
- Adobe Acrobat Standard 9.0
Optional
- Headset or speakers and microphone
- Web camera
- Bamboo Pen Tablet or equivalent
Do you have more questions? No problem! Contact Us today and we will be glad to help you!
