ASL Virtual Academy

What Reviewers Say

Simply Charlotte Mason recommends ASL Virtual Academy as an option for high school foreign language credit. A DC Urban Moms and Dads forum member taking the classes describes them as self-paced and well done, moving fast enough to be interesting while building in plenty of review, and calls the course a good value because it includes expressive ASL practice through video recording assignments and optional Zoom calls with native ASL speakers. The same poster notes that the course is not inexpensive, and because the live Zoom calls are optional, families who want scheduled live classes should look elsewhere.

How It Works

Students log into an online course to work through pre-recorded, interactive ASL video lessons on a self-paced or Guided Path schedule, with a hearing or Deaf Learning Facilitator who grades their signing and optional live Zoom practice with Deaf native signers. During a typical week, the student spends 3-5 hours watching instructional videos, practicing facial expressions, and recording themselves signing to submit for professional feedback. Parents primarily act as facilitators by providing a quiet space and a high-quality webcam for video assignments, as the academy handles all the specialized instruction and grading. Because the program is entirely visual, the 'kitchen table' experience involves a student focused on a screen, mimicking hand shapes and movements without the use of spoken English.

Switching to This?

ASL Virtual Academy does not offer a formal automated placement test; instead, they recommend that students with prior experience contact them for an informal video evaluation by an instructor to determine the correct level. Most families, even those who have used basic vocabulary apps, are encouraged to start at ASL 1 to ensure they master the unique 'voices-off' immersion technique and cultural nuances from the beginning. Self-paced courses allow enrollment at any time, while Guided Path courses have set start and finish dates, so families who want the Guided Path should enroll in late summer or early fall. Parents switching from text-heavy or app-based programs should be prepared for an initial period of frustration as the child adjusts to learning purely through visual observation without English translations.

Curriculum Details

Price

$117 - $697

Enrollment is a one-time fee per course: the ASL Exploratory course (ASL 1, no credit or grade) is $117, a high school credit course is $427, and a college or dual credit course is $697. ASL 1, 2 and 3 are separate courses, each one academic year of curriculum, and course access lasts 12 months from starting.

Grades

8 - 12

Available As

Digital Video Synchronous Live Internet required

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Foreign Language

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

0-10 min/day

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Secular

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: May 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Mango Languages, which uses a standard digital flashcard and audio-repetition format, ASL Virtual Academy is significantly more rigorous because it requires students to record themselves and receive critiques from human instructors. When weighed against Sign It! ASL, ASLVA is often seen as the more 'academic' choice for high schoolers because it is Cognia-accredited, assigns a teacher who grades signing assignments, and issues a grade certificate for high school credit or a York University transcript for its college credit option, whereas Sign It! is more of a self-contained video series. Parents choosing between ASLVA and local community college courses often find that ASLVA provides a safer, more age-appropriate environment for middle and high schoolers while still delivering the high-level expertise of native Deaf speakers.

Getting Started