MVA Parent, Debbie H. 

A Fresh Start 

When we first started exploring virtual school options, we honestly weren’t sure what to expect. Our daughter was entering her junior year in high school, and while she had always been a bright, curious learner, something just wasn’t clicking in her traditional school environment. She was feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and—frankly—a little lost in the shuffle. We knew we had to make a change. 

After doing a lot of research and talking with other families, we found Manhattan Virtual Academy (MVA)—and everything started to fall into place. 

What Drew Us to MVA 

From the very beginning, MVA felt different. 

The communication was clear and welcoming. I remember how responsive the staff was, answering our questions thoroughly and kindly. We were impressed by the way MVA combines strong academics with meaningful support for students and families. It didn’t feel like just another online program—it felt like a true school community. 

We were especially drawn to the personalized learning approach and the flexibility MVA offers. With a busy family schedule and a child who thrives with a little more independence, we knew this model would give her the structure she needed—without the stress of a traditional school day. 

Our Experience So Far 

Now that we’ve been with MVA for a while, I can say with confidence that this has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our daughter’s education. 

Her teachers are not only qualified and knowledgeable—they’re present. They know her by name, they reach out regularly, and they truly care. It’s clear that relationships matter at MVA. 

She’s become more confident and engaged in her learning. She’s asking questions again, setting goals for herself, and even attending optional virtual clubs and enrichment sessions. Watching her rediscover a love of learning has been such a gift to our whole family. 

What Makes MVA Stand Out 

What I appreciate most about MVA is that it offers the best of both worlds: academic rigor and emotional support. The teachers and support staff are consistently proactive, encouraging, and willing to go the extra mile. 

The technology is easy to navigate, and the learning platform is well-organized—something I know other virtual schools sometimes struggle with. 

We also love how MVA supports the whole child. It’s not just about grades—it’s about helping students grow in confidence, responsibility, and character. 

What I’d Say to Another Parent 

If you’re considering virtual, or online, school and wondering if it’s the right fit, I’d encourage you to take a close look at MVA. 

It’s not always easy to make a big change, but if your child needs a learning environment that is more flexible, personalized, and caring, MVA is a fantastic option. 

Our daughter is thriving—not just academically, but as a person—and that’s more than we could’ve hoped for. 

A Grateful Parent 

We’re proud to be part of the MVA community. It’s more than just a school—it’s a place where our child is seen, supported, and celebrated. 

And for that, we’re incredibly thankful. 

Of course that is the answer when I ask my 12-year-old, a 7th grader at Manhattan Virtual Academy, what he learned in math class this morning. Class is at 8:30, so we have tea and, on special occasions, donuts afterwards and visit about what he’s been learning. I’ve been awake for a few hours, working from home, so the break is nice for both of us. But sometimes getting him to talk about his classes is hard—though no harder than it was for his older siblings, who attended a brick-and-mortar school for junior high. 

  I try again. “What did the kids who were paying attention learn?” I ask. He is a good-natured, respectful child, so he laughs instead of rolling his eyes. 

“We all learned about area of different shapes, especially irregular shapes, like ones that aren’t a rectangle or a triangle but are, like, composed of them. So you have to identify the familiar shapes and calculate the area of each one of those, then add them up.” 

“Oh, that’s a really helpful skill to have,” I start, ready to launch into a dozen examples of how he'll use the formulas he’s studying: figuring out how much paint he will need to paint his bedroom with its nooks and crannies, how many shingles to repair the asymmetrical roof of the garden shed, how many bags of mulch for the bed underneath the lilacs by the front porch where we eat lunch when the weather is nice like this day in early April.  

But he is already on to something else. He shows me his math notebook. Well, the front of it says “Math,” but the picture he is showing me is a sketch of a Murphy bed he has designed for our dog Lizzie.  

“See?” he says, pointing to the hinge that will allow the bed to drop from the wall. “We can mount it on the wall by my desk, so she can be at the perfect height for me to pet her while I’m in class.” He has marked the length and width of each piece of wood he’ll need, plus the yardage of fabric necessary to make her a little pillow. “I know the size of the wood,” he says, “but I’ll need help figuring out how strong the hinges and the bracket will have to be to hold her up. How much does she weigh?” 

“She weighs 17 pounds,” I say, “but I think you’re avoiding a more important question: Do you need to pet the dog while you’re in class?” The answer is obviously “No.” Kids in brick-and-mortar schools go all day without petting their dogs. Dogs go all day without their people at home to pet them.  

“I’m just trying to be efficient,” he says, knowing how much I love that word. “This way, when I’m done with class, I’ll be able to get right to homework or reading or going for a walk or unloading the dishwasher since I will have already spent time that morning petting her.” I am not snookered, but I am charmed. He at least knows what his priorities are supposed to be. 

“I have to get back to work,” I say, starting to tidy up our mugs. “Finish your math homework.” 

“Could I get started on the Murphy bed without you?” he asks, hopeful that, this time, I’ll say yes to him using the skillsaw without adult supervision.  

“Since you already calculated the dimensions of the wood you need," I say, handing him the tape measure we keep in the kitchen junk drawer, “head to the garage to see if we have the right size scrap wood. If we don’t, note what we do have and figure out if your design could be re-configured to use it.” He gives me a hopeful grin. “No tools until Dad or I can help.” The grin fades a little, but he knew what the answer was going to be so can’t be too disappointed. “And first, do your math homework.” 

He sighs, then agrees. “Okay,” he says. “But only because it’s stuff I’m actually going to use today.” 

An hour later, his math homework is done. He’s also been rethinking his design for the Murphy bed and wants to show me his new blueprints. For a kid who learned "nothing" in math today, he’s eager to practice some math that, last week, he didn’t know at all.  

MVA works for our family for dozens of reasons, including: 

• calmer mornings, without the stress of a line of drop-off traffic, missing shoes, or forgotten lunchboxes. 

• the consistency, since there are no snow days and few sick days—both because he’s never bringing home a virus to share with the rest of the family and because, on the rare occasions he is sick, as long as he feels well enough to learn virtually, he attends class. This means that my work schedule is not interrupted with unexpected (or even scheduled) changes to the school schedule.  

• the chance to see what he’s learning and watch him engage with his peers and teachers, so I can be a more informed supporter of his education. 

• the focused learning, which allows him to delve deeply into a topic. As a middle schooler, he attends only one or two live sessions Monday through Thursday and is able to reserve his Fridays for project-based learning driven by his interests. Right now, that’s inventing (and patenting) his Murphy bed for dogs, but other weeks it’s building a computer from scratch, coding, or figuring out how each machine at the gym works and how that contributes to his workout. 

• the individual attention, since his class sizes are small and his teachers offer regular one-on-one sessions if he needs more help. 

• the experienced, warm teachers, who hold students to a high academic standard while developing a sense of community, especially since they teach across the grades, so they get to see him develop over the years. 

• the kindness of his classmates and the peaceful classroom, which allows teachers to devote their attention to student learning. 

• the maturity and internal motivation that online school fosters in him, as he must manage his time and energy for schoolwork without constant reminders from teachers and a bell schedule. 

But, most of all, MVA is our choice because he learns so much. MVA gives us enough time in our day to explore what he’s learning at school in a way that makes the lessons all the more meaningful. We love MVA because we believe that education matters, and MVA shows us how it matters beyond the walls of a building.  

I am AW's mom, we are new with MVA and attended New Student Orientation last night. I just want to say thank you to you and all of your staff for helping the enrollment process be as seamless at possible; Fani, Harlee, and Ms. Simkin have all been wonderful. During orientation last night,  Mrs. Kirchoff was so patient, kind, and helpful, she did a wonderful job at explaining things and helping the students one by one get their accounts set up and understanding their schedules.  I greatly appreciate the assistance of you and all your staff, I could not have navigated this process without them! To say I am overwhelmed with this new educational endeavor for my daughter is an understatement; I have has some experience as an educator but it is different as a parent, certainly humbling. Everyone at MVA has been more than helpful with the enrollment process and I am so appreciative. 

Wishing you a great school year!

Thank you

Christi W

Mrs. Dodson- When I first started middle school, I was worried about math. I had never been super good at it, and it was my weakest subject. You have helped me understand, made it fun, and overall, have just been a great teacher. Thank you!

Ms. Rice- I had been struggling on my English, but you helped me! You pushed me to levels that I thought I could never reach. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Mrs. Kirchoff- I had started science struggling. I was confused, and a bit worried. But after I reached out to you, you helped me understand, and made it make more sense. I'm so glad I had you as a teacher for science, AND advisory! Thank you!

I would also like to thank the rest of the staff members, our school counselor, Mrs. Simkins, and principle, Mrs. Blank.

I wish Mrs. Blank and Mr. Leddy the best of luck on this new and exciting chapter. Have a great retirement!

Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome to middle school!

sincerely,

Olivia Conser.

Note for Leddy: As I congratulate you on your new ventures to take on, I will definitely be sad to say the least. I see lots of gardening, family time, and goat tending in your future! Thanks for lighting up the room with your humor and joy! :)

Note for Mrs. Blanck: You have been a wonderful principal and have set such a great place for the next one to take. You have listened to and cared about all your students. Additionally, you're very well thought of in my family's eyes. Thank you for being a great family friend! Congratulations!

- Lauren C., 11th Grade