How it Works

Who Can Attend?

Southern University Laboratory Virtual School (SULVS) serves students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who reside in the state of Louisiana.

Is there a cost to enroll?

As a public, tuition-free virtual school, SULVS offers Louisiana-certified teachers and high-quality instructional materials. Families are responsible for some basic household supplies, like printer paper and ink. Students will need a computer that meets the minimum technical requirements and reliable internet access.

What is my role as a parent?

Parents and guardians play a vital role as Learning Coaches, helping to guide and support their child’s educational journey. While the level of involvement varies by grade level—from hands-on daily support in elementary to oversight and encouragement in high school—it remains essential at every stage. See below for a detailed breakdown of what to expect at each level.

• Elementary School (Grades K–5)

  As a parent or Learning Coach, your daily involvement is essential to your child’s success.

  • In Grades K–2, expect to spend 4–6 hours per day, with about 10–15% of that time online.

  • In Grades 3–5, students become more independent, but you’ll still be involved in 70–80% of their school time, with 15–25% online.
    During the first 4–8 weeks, your support is especially important as your child adjusts to routines and builds learning habits.

• Middle School (Grades 6–8)

  • Middle school students begin to take greater responsibility for their learning, but parent involvement continues to play a vital role.
    As a Learning Coach, you’ll help keep your student on track, ensure attendance is recorded, and monitor academic progress.
    Expect to spend about 20 hours per week, with 50–60% of this time online.

• High School (Grades 9–12)

  • High school students are expected to take full ownership of their learning and manage their schedules more independently. However, the role of the parent or Learning Coach remains important for academic success.

    • Parent/Learning Coach Involvement: Acts as a mentor and guide, helping students stay organized, meet deadlines, and prepare for graduation and post-secondary plans.

    • Estimated Time Commitment: Approximately 1–3 hours per day, depending on the student’s needs.

    • Key Responsibilities: Monitor course progress, support goal setting, encourage communication with teachers, and stay informed about important academic milestones like ACT testing and college applications.

    • Support Focus: Academic accountability, time management, and planning for college or career readiness.

How much time will my child need to spend on schoolwork each day?

Attendance is tracked Monday through Friday, but your child can also make academic progress on the weekends if needed. Time expectations vary by grade level:

• Elementary School (Grades K–5):

  • Students in elementary grades typically spend 4–7 hours per school day on schoolwork.

    • Grades K–2: Plan for about 4–5 hours per weekday.

    • Grades 3–5: Plan for about 5–7 hours per weekday.

• Middle School (Grades 6–8):

  • Middle school students should plan to spend 4–7 hours per day on schoolwork.

    • Attendance is logged Monday through Friday, with the flexibility to continue progress on weekends if needed.

  • High School (Grades 9–12):

  • High schoolers are expected to dedicate about 6 hours per week per course. For example, if a student takes 5 courses, that’s about 30 hours of schoolwork each week.

Does my child need to participate in state testing?

Yes. All students enrolled at SULVS are required to participate in state-mandated testing. These assessments help us measure your child’s academic progress and ensure we’re meeting Louisiana’s educational standards. We’ll provide all the details you need—dates, times, and what to expect—well in advance.