About Greater Ohio Virtual School

Thank you for your interest in learning more about the Greater Ohio Virtual School.

 The Greater Ohio Virtual School is a free, public, on-line high school (grades 7-12) chartered by the Ohio Department of Education. The Greater Ohio Virtual School serves students whose parents or legal guardians reside anywhere in the State of Ohio. 

This school is established under Ohio Charter School Law and provides a virtual educational program at no cost to the student or parent. The school is operated under the direction of school superintendent, John Lazares, and is sponsored by the Warren County Educational Service Center.

Mission Statement
Greater Ohio Virtual School's mission is to provide students with a highly personal and continuous education to learning through an online based education.  The school deems that this quality instructional alternative will serve individual needs and prepare the student to transition into their next phase of life, be it entering the work force, military or continuing their education.

Program Description
The Greater Ohio Virtual School is unlike most traditional public school in that the students move through the curriculum via the internet in a structured environment. We are a local presence offering a superior program tailored to the needs of students. This distance learning or virtual program is designed for students in grades 7-12. Students will be serviced by certified teachers. The calendar and operation time is 24/7 education on demand. Students who are able to move at a quicker pace will be allowed to do so, and students who require more time to acquire the foundation needed to meet state standards will be provide with supported extensions to meet the course objectives.

Parental Involvement
Parents are invited and expected to participate in their child's learning experiences at the Greater Ohio Virtual School. Closely monitoring student progress is imperative to making sure that the student adapts to this new learning venue and meets time managed requirements. We will work hand-in-hand with parents to ensure the best learning environment for all students.

Student Expectations
In order to be successful in the virtual learning environment, students must set up a virtual classroom that is conducive to learning. Time management skills will be of utmost importance in their success. The student is expected to keep a current calendar of assignments, due dates, and to maintain a required pace for the course. The communication of students with teachers and school personnel will be on going throughout the year. Students are required to adhere to the rules and regulations as prescribed in the handbook.

Attendance
The attendance policy of the Greater Ohio Virtual School will monitor participation and hold students accountable to the state guidelines, while at the same time allowing them to progress at their prescribed rate of progress. Students must meet educational timelines and have regular communication with their teachers. A detailed attendance policy is available in the student handbook.

School Calendar
Since a Virtual School is operated on a completely different design than a site based school, the calendar may appear a bit different. Students may access their lessons 24/7 and have access to their teacher's responses daily. Certain dates have been set aside for the OGT (Ohio Graduation Test).

Curriculum
The curriculum of the Greater Ohio Virtual School will be aligned with state standards and delivered using an internet based platform. The school will be using the highly interactive resources of the accredited Learning Springs Curriculum version Aurora 7. To find out more about our curriculum use the link: www.learningsprings.com

Costs/ Requirements
The Greater Ohio Virtual School is a public school run by state tax dollars and therefore does not charge tuition to full time students. Full time students will be furnished a computer, access to internet service, and the needed software/license to connect with their prescribed courses. Students who wish to enroll in specific courses on a part time basis will be charged on a course fee schedule. To enroll on a part time basis the student must get prior approval from their school's counselor.

GOVS Board Meetings
All board meetings are held at 11:00 PM in the Board room at the Warren County Educational Service Center (1879 Deerfield Road, Lebanon, OH 45036). The schedule for remaining board meetings in 2013 is as follows: 

We encourage and welcome your input. If you wish to make a comment, suggestion or to ask a question, please send email to: govs@warrencountyesc.com.