Elementary FAQs

No, BU classes are known as asynchronous classes.  This means work is provided in advance and you work at your own pace within each weekly deadline.  However, BU is hoping to incorporate group based enrichment options for students (more info to come).

All teachers and mentors are available via email.  See our staff directory for contact information.  Mentors will often communicate to students and parents via texting applications.

The expectation is teachers respond to student emails in approximately 24 hours. Other emails are responded to in 48 hours. 

Students have flexibility to determine their own working schedule as long as students stay on pace.  We believe students who make daily schedules are the most successful.

Language Arts (Reading and Writing) = 90 minutes/day

Math = 60 minutes/day

Social Studies = 30 minutes/day

Science = 30 minutes/day

Due to BU being an asynchronous learning model, and thus, students work at their own pace, group work and projects are minimal.  BU is hopeful we will be able to offer group based enrichment activities for elementary students for the 2020-2021 school year.

Families who wish to take 2 classes at BU have the option to homeschool their child in 2 classes as well. We recommend taking LA (which consists of Reading and Writing) and Math at BU. Science and Social Studies, therefore, would be recommended for the homeschooling classes.

Please refer to BVSD Board Policy JEG-R for requirements of homeschooling. If you so desire to homeschool, please fill out this form. Know that all paperwork with the district needs to be approved and submitted before BU will consider a partial schedule.
Also, BVSD cannot provide resources or recommendations for homeschooled students. However, if you are wanting to know what the Colorado Content Standards are, use this site.

Please visit the Colorado Department of Education Homeschooling website for more information. 

 

No, Boulder Universal will continue to work on a 5 day a week schedule (holidays excluded) and students can expect a standard work load regardless what phase BVSD is in.

Generally, students are placed in grade level classes.  If students demonstrate the capacity to succeed, students can be placed in higher level classes.

No, we follow the same calendar as all BVSD schools.  Classes only start at the beginning of each semester.

No, however classes are designed to differentiate to meet student needs.  If math students show proficiency at a higher grade level, students will be put into the appropriate grade level for math.

Under current COVID circumstances, students are not required to attend.  However, students with attendance or academic concerns will be required to attend virtual lab hours with their teachers.

Students need a working computer (laptop or desktop).  BU can lend devices to students if needed.  There is a delay in getting devices lent to families. We will send this out when there is more information. Due to the large volume of work on the computer, students tend to want their own device if possible.  Tablets and phones are highly discouraged for daily school use.

There are no elective courses offered at BU at the elementary level.

Yes, the attendance policy looks different than at a brick and mortar school.  Generally, if a student submits completed work, that is the record of class attendance.  No submissions or poor submissions are considered absences.  See BU’s handbook for more information

Yes, in fact, if your student received the computer as part of the district's 1:Web program, they need to keep the device and a fee will be charged in accordance to the 1:Web program.

No, BU is a school within BVSD so there is no tuition. There are fees that are assessed in September. However, these fees are minimal compared to brick and mortar schools. 

A demo is found on the home page of our website and you can see sample content at  FLVS. 

Yes, but only if there is an approved request to homeschool the two other classes.

Yes, it is highly recommended parents regularly use their Schoology portal to have full access to their student's coursework, grades, and teacher feedback.

Absolutely! What is important is having a schedule that works for the family and the student to remain on track. There is no live teaching, so the schedule is flexible. 

There are virtual lab hours and we are looking into possible online enrichment activities. However, classes are NOT held in a live virtual session.

We are looking into the possibility of this. 

Not within the BVSD curriculum; only the core classes are available. Families can opt to enroll in other FLVS classes on their own and outside of the school system. 

All school based assessments are built into each online course. State required tests are determined by the Colorado Department of Education. 

There are no textbooks. All materials are available online. Some novels may want to be purchased to have a hard copy.

The transfer of enrollment will occur approximately 1-3 days after the BU Special Enrollment is submitted. Everything else is taken care of and the original home school is notified internally. 

If an out-of-district student wishes to leave, they can enter another district. If they wish to enter into another BVSD School, the family will need to submit an Administrative Transfer.

NO! Definitely do NOT do this. You will be charged a large fee. BU will enroll all students into FLVS. 

Yes, and it will be expected that some of it is off screen. We will attempt to give packets to families and there will be more to come on this. 

Yes! A student just cannot work behind as attendance/truancy issues can arise. However, once a semester class is over, all students will have to wait until the next semester starts.

Just like all BVSD Schools, students will start class (and have access to their online classes) on the first day of school. Students will have teachers assigned and be enrolled into their courses by August 24th. Students gain access to their class on the first day. Remember you don't need a traditional schedule since there are no periods and live sessions. Families and students create their own schedule. 

Yes. We take our lead based on district and state testing requirements. Tests historically have been required to be in person. Thus, BU's tests will be in person.

No, return to your brick and mortar school will occur regardless of the number of BU classes a student is enrolled in. 

Our hope is to have teachers meet all students and families either before school starts or shortly thereafter.