Is MVV-HCP a public school or a home school program?

MVV-HCP is a public school, not a home school program; yet our students' learning occurs under the supervision of a parent/guardian, very similarly to home schooling. The home-based instruction is often supplemented with classes at traditional public schools, co-ops, enrichment programs, tutors and/or online courses. While the level of parental involvement required to participate in MVV-HCP is the same as home schooling, families enrolled in MVV-HCP receive more support for their home-based learning than with home schooling under C.R.S. 22-33-104.5.

How is MVV-HCP different from other public schools?

The school is managed by Mesa Valley Vision, Inc., a Colorado non-profit corporation, which has entered into a partnership with the Mesa County Valley School District #51 (the District). The instructional program (Vision Individualized Learning Plans) of MVV-HCP is governed by Mesa Valley Vision, Inc., while the instructional programs of most other District schools are governed by the local Board of Education. Also, MVV-HCP has obtained waive from several state statutes pertaining to personnel matters. Unlike other District schools, MVV-HCP enrolled families are required to sign a Participation Agreement at the beginning of each school year. MVV-HCP does not re-enroll students from year-to-year who have not fulfilled the requirements of the Participation Agreement.

How is MVV-HCP similar to other public schools?

MVV-HCP is a non-religious, non-sectarian public school subject to the same level of accountability as all other publically funded schools. Since it is accredited through the District, it subscribes to the District's AIMS and participates in the same assessments. MVV-HCP also complies with the Colorado Basic Literacy Act and all requirements of the federally-mandated No Child Left Behind.

Who teaches my kids at MVV-HCP?

The parent/guardian is normally the primary teacher, yet it is possible for the parent/guardian to be in the role of merely structuring their student's time by using self-paced curriculum, tutors and online courses for actual teaching.

Can both parents work full-time and have their children enrolled in MVV-HCP?

That is generally discouraged. Families that take primary responsibility for structuring their child's learning normally find that it requires an average of 4 hours per day, 180 days per year, as well as provision of frequent transportation to and from various learning activities.

Do I have to have previous home school experience to enroll in MVV-HCP?

No. While the majority of our families have previously home schooled, a good number of them come directly from traditional classroom settings. Many in the latter group want to try home-based learning and find that MVV-HCP provides the support they need in order to do so.

Assessment

MVV-HCP students participate in the same assessment schedule as other District students.  The annual assessment schedule is as follows:

Spring:

• KPA (kindergarten proficiency) - grade K, required
• DRA2 (reading) - grades K-3, required
• NWEA (language arts, math & science) - grades 3-8, required
• Technology Literacy - grade 8, required
• ACT - grade 11, required
• CSAP - grades 3-10, required

Fall:

• KPA (kindergarten proficiency) - grade K, required
• DRA2 (reading) - grades K-3, new learners required; grades K-3 returning learners optional
• NWEA (language arts, math & science) - grade 3, required; grades 2, 4-10, optional 
• Explore (ACT preparation) - grade 8, recommended
• PLAN (ACT preparation) - grade 10, recommended

Assessment data is made available for consideration in the next Vision Individualized Learning Plan development cycle.

What kinds of support does MVV-HCP offer families?

Families enrolled in MVV-HCP work directly with a Resource Consultant (RC) who helps them develop a Vision Individualized Learning Plan for each child. Our RCs offer knowledge of curriculum, community resources, the Colorado Model Content Standards and guidance toward graduation. We employ Learning Specialists for language arts, math and science that appraise VILPs in their area of expertise, as well as a high school Guidance Counselor who helps high schoolers map out a pathway to graduation. Our Achievement Coordinator evaluates transferred-in high school credit and MVV-HCP earned credit, and also manages a transcript for each high schooler.  Our Assessment Coordinator facilitates assessments for all our students, K-12, and makes assessment data available for the next VILP development cycle.  Our Family Advocate compiles an extensive listing of mentors and other learning resources throughout the community, plans periodic outings for families and children and prepares a monthly newsletter. While the District provides all special education services for MVV-HCP students,our Special Education Liaison coordinates access to those services.  MVV-HCP also offers financial support in the amount of $2,000 per student, per year to be used for the implementation of the Vision Individualized Learning Plan (some restrictions apply).

How is the VILP funding dispersed?

Funding is dispersed in increments throughout the school year (35% October 1, 35% November 30 and 30% January 10), generally on a reimbursement basis.

I've heard my student will have to log hours, how many?

Students are required to log a minimum of 720 instruction hours between July 1 and May 31 each school year. As outlined in the Participation Agreement, instruction hours are logged every two weeks (except during break times) using our on-line student management system.

I've heard MVV-HCP requires a certain number of hours to be taught outside the home. Is this true?

That is untrue. There are no requirements for learning to occur outside the home.

Does MVV-HCP offer a part-time option?

The only part-time option available is for kindergarteners. Kindergarteners are required to log half the instruction hours (a minimum of 360) and they receive half the funding for their Vision Individualized Learning Plan ($1,000).

Does MVV-HCP dictate what curriculum I must use?

No, but our RCs are available to provide counsel on a variety of resources (including curriculum). We also have a library of curriculum examples available for our enrolled families to peruse.

What is the background of the RCs?

All of our RCs have been educators, either through private school, public school or home schooling. Some specialize in particular subject areas and several have backgrounds in special education.

Can my RC help with some of the teaching?

No. Their role is advisory.

Is there a tuition fee?

No. MVV-HCP is a free public school.

What are the MVV-HCP graduation requirements?

MVV-HCP offers an accredited diploma. Our graduation requirements are the same as those for all other District schools, which have been set by the local Board of Education. However, MVV-HCP is unique in that it allows for high school credits to be earned in a variety of ways (traditional Carnegie, work study, arts and life skills, transferred, portfolio, presentation/exhibit or assessed proficiency). Our students may begin working on high school credits as early as the eighth grade and as late as their 21st birthday.

My high school age child plans to take the GED test rather than pursue a diploma.
Can they enroll in MVV-HCP?

No. High schoolers enrolled in MVV-HCP must be working toward a diploma

Do MVV-HCP students have to take the CSAP assessment?

Yes. MVV-HCP adheres to all local, state and federal requirements regarding assessment for publically funded schools. All assessments are provided at no charge to enrolled students.

What if I enroll my child in MVV-HCP and later determine it isn't a good fit for my family?

Enrollment in MVV-HCP is by choice and students are free to exit at any time. Exiting students need to provide information on where they are headed next (back to traditional public school, home schooling). Capital items purchased using MVV-HCP funding (those exceeding $500) will need to be purchased back from MVV-HCP at fair market value, passed on to an enrolled sibling or returned to the program. Exiting students who wish to re-enter MVV-HCP at a later date will be placed at the end of the waiting list.

When is your open enrollment period?

MVV-HCP enrolls new students from May 1 to September 10 each year. Enrollment may be closed before September 10 if all open slots are filled. Space is limited, so a waiting list is established for students who we cannot accommodate in a given year.

How do I enroll my child in MVV-HCP?

Fill out one application form for each child and return it to the address on the form. Application forms are here » Download Application Form, or you can obtain one at our office at 1401 North 1st Street, Grand Junction. Upon review of your completed application(s), a representative from MVV-HCP will contact you for an enrollment consultation.