What are the admission requirements?
Students must be in grades 9-12. Students and parents must also sign the MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy Student/Parent Contract.
Can students take self-paced classes?
Yes, students take classes that can be completed in any setting or environment. Students can establish schedules that allow them to spend as much time as they need to complete their lessons. However, it is recommended that parents and their students develop a plan with MCVA staff that will ensure pacing equal to that of a student enrolled in the traditional brick-and-mortar school setting. (12 or more credits earned per school year)
Can students living outside of LaPorte County enroll?
Yes, students living anywhere in Indiana, including outside of Michigan City/LaPorte County can apply. Students can access coursework 24 hours a day and complete their studies virtually.
How many students will be admitted to the MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy?
Currently, the MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy can serve up to 100 students.
How are students evaluated?
Students will be assessed using a variety of online methods, such as quizzes, essays, and multiple-choice exams. MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy adheres to Indiana state testing and assessment schedules. MCVA students are required to complete those tests in the same manner as students at traditional high schools. Specific testing dates and locations will be provided to students as applies.
Are AP courses available?
AP courses are advanced classes available to high school juniors and seniors in mathematics, language arts, and science. Students must show academic ability prior to enrollment into AP/Honors courses.
How much does the MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy cost?
MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy is operated by Michigan City Area Schools. It is an online program of our public school district, and it is tuition-free.
What is needed to be successful?
MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy students will need dependable internet service.
MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy students and parents need valid, working email addresses that are checked regularly.
MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy students will need a quiet study space with minimal disruption.
MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy students will need to commit to setting aside time five days a week to keep pace with a high school academic experience.
Will students be provided with a Chromebook?
A Chromebook will be issued to all MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy students. A parent/guardian must sign the Chromebook Consent Form.
Can credits be transferred if I decide to enroll in a traditional high school setting?
Yes, credits earned through the MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy can be transferred, as all courses offered meet or exceed State Standards. Because our highly-qualified staff infuses routine and rigor to the learning experience, parents/guardians can be assured that their students are advancing academically.
Is there an attendance requirement?
Students can establish schedules that allow them to spend as much time as they need to complete their lessons. However, they must stay on track to continue as an MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy student. They should plan to complete courses at the same pace as a student attending Michigan City High School (12 credits per year).
I dropped out of school. Can I enroll in the MCVA?
Yes! We want you back. MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy can help you be successful!
I was expelled. Can I attend MCVA?
No. MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy is a program of Michigan City High School and does not accept expelled students.
Can I start anytime during the school year?
Yes, although students are urged to enroll in the fall, at the same time as other MCHS students, to ensure they stay on track.
What is the difference between MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy and the Pathways to Graduation program at A. K. Smith?
There are several differences. Pathways is a program only for juniors and seniors, while MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy serves students in grades 9-12. Pathways students attend school at the A. K. Smith Career Center and receive both in-person instruction from teachers and online coursework. All MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy classes are completed online. The Pathways program also incorporates a career-tech, internship or co-op job placement. Visit the Pathways web page for more information.
Are MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy graduates eligible for the Michigan City Promise Scholarship?
Yes - MCAS Great Lakes Virtual Academy students are students of Michigan City High School, and are therefore eligible. Students must meet residency, GPA and all other requirements of the scholarship, as well. For more information visit the Promise Scholarship web site.
How do I enroll?
NEW STUDENTS (OUTSIDE THE MCAS DISTRICT) - CLICK HERE to enroll!
** Select "Michigan City High School" as the school where you wish to enroll, and then email Satrina Shepherd, sshepherd@mcas.k12.in.us or call (219) 873-2030, ext. 7510 to make an appointment to complete the enrollment process in person at the high school. **
CURRENT MCAS STUDENTS INTERESTED IN ENROLLING - Contact MCHS School Counseling Secretary Tava Bibb, t.bibb@mcas.k12.in.us, (219) 873-2044, ext. 4306.
