Schools > Charter > Texas Virtual Academy At Southwest

Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest in Houston, Texas

Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest Detail

(866) 360-0161
104 Industrial Boulevard
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Levels: 3-8
District: Southwest School


Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
White, non-Hispanic:53.1% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:13.4% (2008)
Hispanic:17.2% (2008)
American Indian/Alaskan Native:1.1% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:15.3% (2008)

Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating5
Average Safety Rating5

Texas Virtual Academy at Southwest Reviews

Txva has a challenging curriculum that works well for my third grader!
This review was posted by a parent.

I begin TXVA in 2008 when we enrolled my son in 7th grade. I have to say it was a rough year. Our materials were late and it took us a while to get things started. Everything eventually fell in place. This year 2009-2010 my son is in the 8th grade. Things are much better that last year. Our materials were sent way ahead of time. They was a new 10-day orientation introduction to TXVA for all new students/learning coaches. Not only do you have yourself as a learning coach, but you have a homeroom teacher, who is real helpful throughout the year. I also have my daughter enrolled now and both of my children really enjoy it. The've mentioned many times that they are learning a lot more than they had learned in a regular public school.
This review was posted by a parent.

I enrolled my daughter last April for the 2009-2010 school year. We received our materials at the beginning of august as promised. We were able to access all her class work on August 17th. Although we could have started school that day we were strongly encouraged to wait! The school has an EXCELLENT introduction to online learning that we go through which took 10 days. It slowly introduces the school and how it works. The teacher/help desk/everyone we have spoken to have been overly helpful!!! I strongly recommend this school to anyone who wants to have something to do with their childs education and not drop them off for a horrible principal to raise! I want to be involved in my childs life and hope that more people decide to follow this and get involved! The teachers and staff are at this school to help you along the way!
This review was posted by a parent.

We've had an excellent, seamless start: materials delivered ahead of time great communication from the school, & even some hand-holding to help us get acclimated. My son says 'online school is more exciting than regular school' - meaning the curriculum is more engaging & holds his interest, which is something coming from a one w/ ADHD. You can adapt the lessons to weak/strong areas in order to ensure mastery. There is a lot more hand-on esp w/ Science, and the variety of interactive materials really allow for individual development. The language program is really unique, effective & actually fun! Community involvement is important as TXVA organizes community field trips about once a month & encourages interaction. Online clubs are also a bonus. Great school and a wonderful opportunity to help my child grow.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school is one of the best tools for my children's education at home. The curriculum is great and seeing my kids test scores reinforces how much they are learning. The atmosphere and community is great for those who want to educate at home but do not think they can. TXVA makes it easy and enjoyable.
This review was posted by a parent.

We are finishing up our first year with TXVA, 6th grade. We've been very pleased with our daughters progress. The curriculum is outstanding as are the extra curricular activities that are offered. Our daughter has enjoyed the enrichment of Art, Music and foreign language. This school does not teach to the TAKS test but they did offer extra help to get ready for the tests. Our daughters education has been well rounded. The teachers are highly experienced and have been available to help with any issues or questions that have come up. They have been available by email and phone and we have a lot more parent teacher conferences than regular schools. For the first time I truly feel we are parents in my child's education. Best of all though, our child is doing well and feels confident and good about herself.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am greatly offended by the comments about teacher quality in TXVA. I am a teacher with this school and I can tell you, I am more than qualified to teach in this type of environment. Personally, I have over 20 years of teaching experience in the traditional brick and mortar school and I am currently finishing my master's degree. Many of our teachers have their master's degrees and also have many years of teaching experience under their belt. Yes, it is nice to be able to do the job we love from our homes, but that does not mean we are not qualified to teach your children. Most of us got out of traditional schools for the same reason you decided to take your own children out. We were tired of teaching to the TAKS test,and dealing with discipline problems that prevented us from teaching.
This review was posted by a teacher.

This school is better than regular public school for these reasons: the focus is on your child and not on the discipline of 25 other students; the teachers ARE experienced and highly qualified; and TAKS is not taught year round. TXVA is a public school from home so TAKS is mandatory, the students do have to take it, but it is not forced down your throat all year.
This review was posted by a parent.

We were excited and ready for a change from public school. With loads of distractions in pulbic school among other things. Our first year was 2008-09 school year. Yes, confusing in the beginning. Yes, to date (April 24th 2009) we still do not have all the text books, but still I feel this is a good structured way to learn. But, I do have to agree with other parents, too much time spent on TAKS and not enough regular studies. Some of the teachers do not take this job seriously; an at home job,yes, but you are dealing with real people here in a virtual setting, and a real life future for the child. I think they could up the standards for teachers. Can the teachers pass a TAKS test???
This review was posted by a parent.

I have not been pleased with the school overall. The initial texts were late. My child's grades have not been right on a report card yet, although the teacher does reissue corrected grades. The amount of work is unbelieveable. I started this school with the intention of working quickly though the curriculum, and then adding my own enrichment that my child wasn't able to receive in public school. Unfortunately, this hasn't happened. We spend far too much time getting through the lessons, that there isn't any time for additional enrichment. We won't be attending next year.
This review was posted by a parent.

We began TXVA in 2008 when the enrollment numbers were increased allowing my sons to join. In the beginning there was a lot of stress and frustration as we acclimated to this new system but now, well into our school year, we have adjusted and made this curriculum and organization work for our needs. My sons enjoy the flexibility and the well-rounded subjects. We find ways to reduce the busy work but still master the lessons in different ways and move on. A learning coach can take the time to focus on the subjects that need focus but not so much on subjects that come easy. We have fun with the flexibility, use the curriculum for our students needs, and have grown to have pride in our virtual school. The teachers and administration are fantastic. We get the right level of support and benefit from having a framework to work within.
This review was posted by a parent.

Our daughter really enjoyed 6th grade with TXVA. She is in 7th grade now, and TXVA is still wonderful. The teacher assigned to her is in constant communication with us. She is a sweet, smart person who genuinely cares and wants our daughter to succeed. If you are considering homeschooling, TXVA is the perfect soluion to a well rounded education.
This review was posted by a parent.

For a first timer doing this online public school, it's all right, however, I must agree w/ the WAY delayed shipments of materials. We still haven't recieved quite a bit of materials yet. I don't think 'study hall' is a burden, but I think it should be done everyday just because myself as a parent/learning coach, I can only do so much to help my 6th grader. I'm not in the teaching profession. I know I encouraged my 6th grader to ask questions that I couldn't answer during study hall, however, no response was even given. After going through all the stress/frustration starting this online public/homeschooling, yes, we'll finish this year, but I don't think I'll do this unless my 6th grader really wants to continue.
This review was posted by a parent.

My son started this school year at TXVA. I like the fact that he can work at his own pace. I Hate the delayed shipments of materials as well as burdensome requirements such as 'study hall'. We're now in our 5th week of school and still lack texts in some subjects. You're bombarded with mindless emails. We'll finish this year, but that's enough for me at that point.
This review was posted by a parent.

TXVA is a great match for our family. My 9 yr old son was in a private school that couldn't meet his needs. He is extremly happy and enjoys the lessons (especially science). We did have issues getting materials, however, you need to take into consideration that a week before school started, the State government approved to double TXVA's enrollment. A good problem to have, but an administrative nightmare. Everyone I have talked to in the TXVA or K12 offices have been extremely helpful. This type of schooling works great for us, but as with any major decision, you should do research to make sure it is a right fit for your family.
This review was posted by a parent.

The school was confusing but we completed the lessons and noticed that the materials were shipping late so this isn't the best school i've seen.
This review was posted by a parent.

I'm a parent who tried the school out but was greatly disappointed. Instead of extension and great learning experiences, our days were filled with endless mounds of worksheets and massive requirements. The staff cares more about 'staying in compliance' than if your child is flourishing in their school.
This review was posted by a parent.