About the Bellevue Virtual Academy
The Bellevue Virtual Academy (BVA) began as an online learning option to support K-12 students who were unable to access in-person learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Courses are taught by Washington State Certificated teachers using the online learning platform, Edgenuity. This partnership provides a fully online learning opportunity to maintain the health and safety of our students.
“From the day it started, we can see that things got more comfortable. He’s able to write and learn something new every day. I would like to thank the entire Bellevue Virtual Academy team.” -Leela, BVA Parent
Providing Social and Emotional Learning and Supports
BSD staff serve as teacher-mentors to elementary school students, where they supplement the Edgenuity curriculum by providing live support and social and emotional learning.

“We were really brought in to be the face, and the teachers, and the live interaction. We do clubs and have that fun, social part of school that is missing with the Edgenuity platform. These kids really needed some teachers, so it’s nice that we have a strong team that volunteered to be here for them.” -Siena Traverso, BVA Teacher-Mentor
Flexible Learning
Online learning with BVA allows students to learn at their own pace. Requests to work ahead or add classes can be accommodated depending on student need. Additionally, families may choose if/when to have their student(s) return to in-person learning. BVA expects some families to return to in-person learning as a result of elementary-aged children becoming eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. At its peak, BVA served 650 students and now has 535 students enrolled.

“I am very much an advocate for students who are needing services in various ways. And when their parents need to reach out and connect with someone like a counselor, or a multi-language facilitator or special education teacher, then I am that person to connect them with their home school and try to put pieces in place.” -Cassandra Shanklin, BVA Teacher-Mentor
Hear from the BVA Students
Stay tuned for the next installment in our BVA series, where students will share, firsthand, their experiences with online learning.