How much does it cost to attend iUniversity Prep?

iUniversity Prep  is a tuition-free, Texas  Education Agency accredited, choice online public school offered by Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.

Is iUniversity Prep only for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD students?

iUniversity Prep is open to any student in Texas in grades 6 – 10.  Please note special enrollment criteria as follows:  A Texas student is eligible to enroll in iUniversity Prep if:



     a. is a dependent of a member of the United States military;

     b.  was previously enrolled in high school in this state; and
     c. no longer resides in this state as a result of a military deployment or transfer.

Are there any fees or additional costs to attend iUniversity Prep?

Some courses may require additional supplies or materials to be purchased for labs, art supplies, or supplemental reading for Advanced Placement or Pre-AP classes.

My student is currently being home schooled, how may I enroll my student in iUniversity Prep?

The student must provide evidence of prior public school enrollment during the 2012-2013 school year.

My student has previously been homeschooled, will you honor homeschool credits?

Families will need to submit student work samples, along with the curriculum utilized.  Students may be assessed to determine course competency.  Credits will be determined accordingly.

Will students have to take the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams?

Yes.  iUniversity Prep is a Texas public school; therefore, all students will be required to take the STAAR exams.

What grade levels will iUniversity Prep serve?

For the 2013-2014 school year, the school will serve grades 6 through 11. Additional grade levels may be opened based on enrollment demand. Therefore, if you are in a grade other than 6th through 11th, please complete the enrollment process. You will be notified when additional grade levels are added.

Will iUniversity Prep offer a high school diploma?

Yes.  Each year the school will expand grade levels to eventually offer 3rd through 12th grade.  A Grapevine-Colleyville ISD diploma will be awarded to graduating seniors.

What if I get stuck or need to talk to a teacher?

Students have access to teachers and support staff through phone, email, virtual conferencing, Skype and instant messaging.  Students will have the opportunities to meet with teachers during classes, office hours, one-on-one sessions and small group tutorials.

What is online learning?

Online learning refers to courses and programs offered via the Internet. The main difference between online and traditional courses is the delivery format--not the content. All courses offered at iUniversity Prep have gone through and been approved by a rigorous approval process conducted by the Texas Virtual School Network.  All courses are 100% aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL).  These courses are taught by experienced, highly qualified Grapevine-Colleyville ISD instructors. Here are a few highlights of online learning:



Is online learning right for me?

People learn in different ways and at different rates. Some students enjoy listening to lectures; others enjoy working in small groups. Students who are visual learners tend to do best in online courses. Online learning offers flexibility and individualized instruction. However, it may not be the right mode of learning for you.
Online learning is ideal for:



What is the term “Learning Coach”?

The term “Learning Coach” is used to represent the role that the enrolling parent or guardian plays in the student’s educational experience. The enrolling parent or guardian serves as the Learning Coach and works closely with the teacher to ensure assignments are completed, schedules are met and students are engaged and motivated. The parent or guardian may designate another trusted adult to act as a Learning Coach by completing the Designated Learning Coach form, which is included in the student’s Enrollment Packet.

If I enroll my student in iUniversity Prep will my student be able to log in at anytime to do school work or only during normal school hours?

You will have access to the learning management system at any time of the day including weekends and holiday breaks. This level of flexibility helps you to design a learning day that works best for your family. High school students have a more defined schedule and are required to log in to the learning management system at specific times during the day to attend live lessons and participate in course activities.

What is the secret to success at iUniveristy Prep?

As with any school, the number one rule is communication. If you experience any problems along the way, contact us immediately. The staff members at iUniversity Prep make student success a top priority and will be there to help. Communication is key throughout your entire experience with iUniversity Prep.  We are here to support you and ensure that you receive an exemplary education.

Can iUniversity Prep request my student's previous school records rather than have the parents supply them?

In order to enroll your student in a timely manner we need the parent to submit previous school records.  iUniversity Prep will request the records for verification and to notify the previous school that the student is enrolled in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.

How do I obtain copies of my student's records from their previous school?

As a parent or legal guardian, you may request copies of the student's most recent report card or unofficial transcript, IEP documentation and birth certificate from their file. DO NOT withdraw from your current school prior to completing the enrollment process and receiving notification that your file is complete and you are ready for enrollment.

Why does it take longer than a traditional school to process enrollment documentation?

When we receive your enrollment papers and documentation, we must go through all of your items to make sure that everything you have provided is sufficient to meet the school’s state regulations. Generally, delays occur when we receive incorrect documents and must spend additional time following up with families to obtain those documents. The process is completed only after all complete and accurate documentation are submitted. It is during this phase that we also determine the appropriate courses and grade level for your student.

What courses will be offered to students at iUniversity Prep?

Middle school students will take similar courses offered in any other GCISD school (ELA, history, math, science, art, technology, health, and physical education).  Languages other than English will also be offered.  High School students may review the course offerings list.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

The student-to-teacher ratio at iUniversity Prep is approximately 40:1 in grades 3–8. In high school, the sections are approximately 30:1. Students will have interaction with teachers on a weekly basis along with progress meetings, parent/teacher workshops, emails and other contact with the teachers.

Can you meet the needs of gifted and talented students?

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and iUniversity Prep understand gifted students don’t fit into a box – whether it is a classroom or a one-size-fits-all education program.  We believe that teaching gifted students is about challenging their young and talented minds while allowing them freedom, an individualized learning approach and an exceptional and engaging curriculum.

Will students have physical education classes?

Yes. At iUniversity Prep, we offer PE classes in addition to the core subject areas and other courses based on grade level.

How do you accommodate students with special needs?

Depending on a student’s IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan, we can tailor our curriculum to meet the student’s needs.  Please contact the school in advance to determine if virtual learning is the least restrictive environment for your student.

How do iUniversity Prep students interact socially?

Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school events or field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos). Events will be organized where large clusters of families are located.  We also will work with families to organize on their own to get together in their area on a regular basis. We are continually exploring new ways to interact socially using the powerful tools of the Internet. With online opportunities, new types of communities can be formed that are based not on geography and place, but on shared interests.

Will the school come into my home?

This school was created and opened to allow your student the opportunity to earn an exemplary college prep education.  Home visits are not a part of iUniversity Prep as it is an online school.  All interactions between parents/students and their teacher are conducted remotely via an online school, phone or other communication medium.

How much time does a student spend on the computer?

We expect that the amount of time students will spend on the computer will vary by grade level. We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide effective assessment, planning and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful tools that can motivate, stimulate and inform children about the world around them. They do not, however, replace a solid education; rather, they help facilitate one. That's why we use a unique multimedia approach that also includes a great deal of well-written and designed textbooks, workbooks, and hands-on instructional materials.

Do I need to own a computer to attend?

Yes.   Each student must have a computer system that meets the minimum specifications necessary to access the online learning management system.

Do I need Internet in order to attend iUniversity Prep?

Yes.  Families must have Internet access in order to participate in the school.  Proof of Internet is a required for enrollment.  Each family will need to secure their own Internet service provider.  High speed Internet is required.

What computer skills are required?

The student and parent/guardian need   to have at least basic computer skills. Use of the computer is an important part of the program.

What hardware and software do I need to access the iUniversity Prep educational management system?

There are some specific software requirements necessary to use our educational management system. Please refer to our system requirements for complete details.

Can my child attend the program part-time or during the summer?

iUniversity Prep is a Texas online public school and is offered only on a full-time basis.

Is iUniversity Prep a homeschooling program?

No.  Although iUniversity Prep and homeschooling have some similar attributes, iUniversity Prep is not homeschooling.  It is an online Texas public school offered by Grapevine-Colleyville ISD to students in Texas.   All iUniversity Prep students are required to take the STAAR exams.