How to Prepare for School
Complete each item below to ensure your student is ready to start school.
We’re happy to help! To have an expert walk you through the process, contact Customer Support or call us at 800‑200‑6869.

We’re happy to help! To have an expert walk you through the process, contact Customer Support or call us at 800‑200‑6869.
Important Reminders
Please review this section to see anything you may have missed.
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Note for Parents of New Students
If your child hasn't already created an SIS login, they will need to do so. They should have received an invite to do this when you created their SIS child account, so please have them check their email inbox. If you can't find it, don't forget to check your spam folder. Once they have an SIS login and you have registered them for classes, our system will automatically generate a Canvas account for them. On or after the course publish date (the Monday before classes begin), students will be notified and able to log into Canvas using the same username and password they created for SIS.
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School of Record Registration
Be sure to follow your school of record's process for registration to ensure funding.
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Time Zone Difference
All Williamsburg Academy live courses are in the Mountain Standard Time Zone. This is because our headquarters are in this time zone. Please adjust your schedule accordingly if you live outside this time zone.
Perform a Technology Check
Please review this section to ensure your child has all the technology tools and skills they need to succeed in our online classroom.
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What Technology Does My Child Need?
Strong Internet Connection
We recommend download speed no less than 10 MBPS (megabits per second).
A Dependable Computer
Because students need access to a computer for several hours a day (depending on course load), we recommend that students have their own computer. This can be any of the following:
- A PC running Windows 10 or newer and no more than three years old.
- A Mac laptop or desktop no more than four years old.
- A Chromebook, with one note: Some tech elective courses will not work on Chromebooks. See the “Required Materials” section under each course description to be sure.
Webcam & Mic
Many computers come with a built-in webcam and mic. These are sufficient if your student’s computer has good video and sound quality.
In case of poor video or sound quality, we suggest purchasing a separate webcam and/or headset.
Some Essential Software
This includes the following:
- A major web browser: We recommend Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. We do NOT recommend using Internet Explorer or Edge.
- The Google productivity suite: Students will need a Google account and access to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to complete assignments. For students under 13, please follow these steps to set up an account.
- Up-to-date software: Make sure automatic updates are enabled on your operating system, browser(s), and anti-virus software.
- Rosetta Stone: If you’re planning on taking a foreign language course, please review Rosetta Stone’s system requirements .
A Distraction-Free Workspace
Your student’s computer should be in a quiet area, free from visual distractions and ambient noise. These things can distract not only your student but also other students and teachers during class.
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What Technology Skills Does My Child Need?
What to Expect in Grades 6-8
Middle school students may require technical assistance from a parent during their first weeks at Williamsburg. They will need help if this is their first time using a headset or webcam and microphone, internet browser, site logins, uploading files, receiving email on a near-daily basis, etc. We recommend students take our Typing and Tech Course if they have not yet learned these skills.
What to Expect in Grades 9-12
High school students should have a rudimentary understanding of computers, how to use a browser, how to email, etc. Students should know proper typing techniques and be able to type over 30 words per minute to work efficiently. Those lacking these skills should take the Typing and Tech Course or another form of instruction in typing techniques.
Resourcefulness is Key
Your student needs to be technologically resourceful (hint: Google will become their new best friend). Here are a couple of tips we recommend:
- Students should know how to find quick answers when they need them. Whether they’re unsure how to copy and paste or save a document in PDF format, they will need to seek out new instructions for using their technology. A quick Google search will usually turn up loads of helpful info.
- We encourage students to seek out ways to simplify things they will often do. For example, they’ll use certain websites, like Canvas (our learning management system), daily. They can bookmark these sites in their web browser, so they don’t have to search each time they need to access them.
- Remember, there’s no such thing as a “dumb” question. Don’t feel bad if you or your student can’t find the instructions for a tech question through Google or a help guide. They can always reach out to their peers, mentors, or our Student Success Team.
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What Technology Systems Does Williamsburg Use?
SIS
SIS is our administration and registration system. Here’s how it works for both students and parents:
For Students: Students typically use SIS to view their transcript and contact administrative staff members (technical support, registrar, academic coach, etc.). They can also use SIS messaging to communicate with mentors, although most student communication with mentors takes place in Canvas.
For Parents: SIS is your primary tool at Williamsburg. You’ll use SIS to register for courses, handle finances, view student progress, access transcripts and grades for completed courses, and message faculty and staff.Canvas
Canvas is our learning management system (LMS). Here’s how it helps students and parents:
For Students: Canvas is where students will receive and submit assignments, complete some of their studies, collaborate with classmates, and access their course syllabi and assignments.
For Parents: By default, parents do not have their own Canvas accounts, but you can create one here and then create an “Observer” link to view your student’s account, assignments, syllabi, etc.Zoom
Zoom is our online classroom. Here are a few tips for getting started with Zoom:
- Your student can join a Zoom test meeting to become familiar with Zoom and test their microphone and speakers before joining a Zoom meeting. Follow these instructions to learn more and join a test meeting.
- Your student can get a free Zoom room for study groups and other online meetings by going to www.zoom.us and sign up for a free account. Once Zoom is installed on their computer, it’s super easy for them to log into class.
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What Technology Tips Do You Have for Parents?
Though computers provided by Williamsburg will come with filtering software pre-installed, please note that no filter is 100% effective. We encourage parents to regularly communicate with students about internet safety and the types of websites and content students are allowed to view. The goal is for students to learn to self-govern online because parents cannot always control access.
Google’s SafeSearch and many other services offer search options that remove (most) adult content. Here are a couple of other free resources:- Google BIA Family Guide – The Be Internet Awesome Family Guide gives families the tools and resources to learn about online safety and citizenship at home.
- Safewise Internet Safety Guide – SafeWise has identified the top online threats to kids and tips for keeping kids safe. Includes link to “The Best Parental Control Apps and Software”.
Purchase Your Child’s Books & Materials
Parents are responsible for ordering all required student books and materials.
Please click below for instructions on how to view your child’s booklist.
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Books & Materials Ordering Instructions
You can find a full list of your student's required books and materials in SIS under My Students > Classes. From there, in the top left corner, click on the booklist for the upcoming semester.
For each required book or material listed, click the red ISBN link in SIS. These links should automatically take you to Amazon so you can order from there if you’d like.
For the fall and winter semesters, booklists are updated and published annually on June 15th. The booklist for summer semester is available on February 28th each year.
Review Grade Scale & Transcript Info
This section covers how grades are calculated at Williamsburg and how to request your student’s Williamsburg transcript.
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What Is Williamsburg Academy’s Grade Scale?
The following grade scale shows how Williamsburg letter grades translate into points, which are then calculated on students’ transcripts towards their overall Grade Point Average (GPA).
Note: High school honors courses are measured on a 4.5 GPA scale instead of the standard 4.0 GPA scale. This ensures a student’s GPA will accurately reflect the difficulty of these courses. To calculate the GPA value of letter grades for high school honors courses, simply add 0.5 to the default GPA value.
Letter Description GPA Weighted GPA Min % Max % Affects GPA A 4 4.5 94 100 Yes A- 3.7 4.2 90 93 Yes B+ 3.3 3.8 87 89 Yes B 3 3.5 84 86 Yes B- 2.7 3.2 80 83 Yes C+ 2.3 2.8 77 79 Yes C 2 2.5 74 76 Yes C- 1.7 2.2 70 73 Yes P Pass 0 0 No F 0 0 0 69 Yes I Incomplete 0 0 No W Withdrawal 0 0 No UW Undeclared W 0 0 Yes -
How Can I View or Access My Student’s Williamsburg Transcript?
Parents and students can access Williamsburg transcripts through SIS.
- Students: Click on My Transcript.
- Parents: Click on My Students, then the name of the student, then Transcript.
You can view or print the transcript page in SIS as an unofficial transcript.
Note: Your student's school of record can provide their official (non-Williamsburg) transcript.
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What Is Williamsburg Academy’s Grade Scale?
The following grade scale shows how Williamsburg letter grades translate into points, which are then calculated on students’ transcripts towards their overall Grade Point Average (GPA).
Note: High school honors courses are measured on a 4.5 GPA scale instead of the standard 4.0 GPA scale. This ensures a student’s GPA will accurately reflect the difficulty of these courses. To calculate the GPA value of letter grades for high school honors courses, simply add 0.5 to the default GPA value.
Letter Description GPA Weighted GPA Min % Max % Affects GPA A 4 4.5 94 100 Yes A- 3.7 4.2 90 93 Yes B+ 3.3 3.8 87 89 Yes B 3 3.5 84 86 Yes B- 2.7 3.2 80 83 Yes C+ 2.3 2.8 77 79 Yes C 2 2.5 74 76 Yes C- 1.7 2.2 70 73 Yes P Pass 0 0 No F 0 0 0 69 Yes I Incomplete 0 0 No W Withdrawal 0 0 No UW Undeclared W 0 0 Yes -
How Can I View or Access My Student’s Transcript?
Parents and students can access transcripts through SIS.
- Students: Click on My Transcript.
- Parents: Click on My Students, then the name of the student, then Transcript.
You can view or print the transcript page in SIS as an unofficial transcript, or click on Order Official Transcript to have one mailed, emailed, or faxed to you or another specified recipient. Official transcripts are $5 per copy. We respond to requests for transcripts and other records within 3 business days.
- Students: Click on My Transcript.
Complete Orientation
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All Students: Bookmark & Log Into Canvas
Course details, including student orientation assignments, will be published and available to view in Canvas on the Monday before classes begin each semester. That week, please log in and bookmark the Canvas link.
Once in Canvas, your student can customize and style their course menu, if they wish.
Note for Parents of New Students: If your child hasn't already created an SIS login, they will need to do so. They should have received an invite to do this when you created their SIS child account, so please have them check their school inbox. Once they have an SIS login and you have registered them for classes, our system will automatically generate a Canvas account for them. On or after the course publish date (the Monday before classes begin), students will be notified and able to log into Canvas using the same username and password they created for SIS.
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New Students: Complete Orientation Assignments in Canvas
If your student is new to Williamsburg, they will have access to a New Student Orientation course inside Canvas. This course includes a series of short assignments to familiarize your student with our online classroom and tech systems. Students should plan to complete these assignments before the first day of regular classes. These assignments will be available in Canvas the Monday before classes begin.
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New & Returning Parents: Watch Our On-Demand Parent Orientation Videos
We've created a series of short, 2-3 minute training videos to help you and your student navigate online learning. Please visit our On-Demand Parent Orientation page and watch each video before the start of the semester.
These videos will be available on our website throughout the year—come back and watch them anytime you need a refresher!
Questions?
If you need any other help to prepare for the first day of class, please contact us at 800-200-6869 or support@williamsburglearning.com.
Williamsburg Academy via Public Education Partners
Business Info
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm MST
Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MST
Closed weekends and holidays
P. 800-200-6869 F. 435-215-7699
782 S River Rd. #16
Saint George, Utah 84790