Enrollment and Attendance FAQs
Who is eligible to attend Missouri Digital Academy (MODA)?
Any student in grades K–12 who resides in Missouri is eligible.
How many of my children can I enroll?
Because MODA provides the lesson plans and materials needed for grades K–12, many parents find it easy to enroll multiple children in the program.
What does it cost to attend MODA?
Because MODA is a public school program, there is no tuition. Qualified families may receive a loaner computer and printer. These computer systems are instructional property and must be returned when the student leaves MODA. Students and families are responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.
Can our family take a vacation during the school year?
The school calendar includes school holidays or vacation time. Whenever possible, family vacations should align with school vacation days. Parents are encouraged to contact their student’s teacher if they plan a vacation that does not coordinate with the school calendar. Extended family travel, except during normal school vacation periods, requires written notification and vacation contract approval by the head of school or designee. This should be completed at least one week before the extended absence.
If a student is provided one option for online learning, is that enough?
The Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP) law requires the state provide multiple virtual learning options. Students may enroll in the MOCAP course or program of their choosing. School districts and charter schools are required by law to inform parents of their child’s right to participate in MOCAP courses or programs through, at a minimum, the parent handbook and registration documents featured on the home page of the school district or charter school’s website. Students enroll directly with the MOCAP program and do not enroll through their local school district.
Do MODA students need to withdraw from their resident district or charter school?
No, MODA students should not withdraw from their local district school. They should first apply to MODA for enrollment. If a student is approved for enrollment, MODA will notify the state that the student is enrolled in MODA and is no longer enrolled in a school within the student’s local school district.
When students enroll in MODA, do they transfer to Laquey R-V School District?
Yes, due to a change in state law for School Year 2022–2023, MODA students will now be considered a student of the Laquey R-V School District. If a student withdraws from MODA, the student then returns to the local school district.
If a student has an IEP, who provides those services?
Due to a change in state law for School Year 2022–2023, MODA students will now be considered a student of Laquey R-V School District. All eligible MODA students with disabilities will receive a free and appropriate public education, and MODA will follow federal and state laws in the development and implementation of an Individual Education Plan or 504 Plan (also known as an education services plan), including the provision of services set forth in the plan.
How do I apply to enroll my student in MODA?
MODA will provide each interested parent access to the program’s student enrollment application for completion and submission to the MODA program for consideration for approval.
If you have any questions about the enrollment process, please contact MODA’s enrollment team for assistance.
Does my school district need to approve of my student’s enrollment into MODA?
Due to a change in state law for School Year 2022–2023, local school districts no longer play that role. Applications for enrollment are filled out online with MODA, and MODA then reaches out to the local school district to see if the district wants to collaborate on the enrollment or offer any input, but MODA will make the decision whether the student is enrolled, based on MODA’s state enrollment policy.
How can I appeal a denial?
MODA determines, as part of the enrollment process, whether the program can successfully meet the needs of each student applicant. If MODA does not believe it can meet those needs, it will then deny enrollment and provide written notification. A parent has the right to appeal that enrollment decision by submitting an appeal within ten (10) business days to the Executive Director of MODA. The parent can provide relevant information to the Executive Director for consideration. The Executive Director will render a decision within three (3) business days. The Executive Director’s decision is final.