Prioritizing Wellness & Earning College Credits at MVCA  

Michigan Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA) isn’t just helping students get their high school diplomas; it’s helping them earn college credits and balance their mental health. Nyx, a current senior who is also taking dual-enrollment college courses, is benefiting from the flexibility and care of the MVCA staff.  

Nyx enrolled at MVCA during their junior year after experiencing frustrating situations at their traditional brick-and-mortar high school   

“Making the switch to MVCA was a positive decision that has helped improve my mental health and given me the opportunity to work outside of normal high school hours,” Nyx said. 

During their senior year, Nyx has found the time and energy to work at a coffee shop, attend virtual school and take several college courses – including intro to psychology, children’s literature and a public speaking class that meets in person once per week. 

After graduating in May 2026, Nyx is planning to attend Davenport University to study mental health and counseling in a combined bachelor’s and master’s program. Fortunately, this program allows Nyx to continue taking online classes and attend some in-person courses on campus.  

The Benefits of Flexible MVCA Coursework 

Nyx says attending virtual school has helped them create a schedule that works best for their learning style and daily responsibilities. Depending on their work schedule at the coffee shop, Nyx is able to balance both college and high school coursework throughout the day. The flexibility of MVCA coursework allows them to structure their schedule in a way that supports both academics and personal commitments. 

Turning Mental Health into a Profession 

Mental health has been an important focus for Nyx. Through the support they have received at MVCA they feel motivated to help others, which is why they have chosen to pursue a career in counseling via the Davenport University program.  

Through psychology courses at MVCA, they’ve learned to reflect on their own thought processes. Nyx wants to take that experience to the next level and help people who have had similar mental health struggles. 

Taking dual-enrollment classes, like the intro to psychology course, has prepared Nyx for the challenging transition from high school to college. By the time Nyx graduates from MVCA, they will have earned 24 college credits at no cost to their family. 

Most full-time college students take 12 to 15 credits per semester, meaning Nyx is on track to complete the equivalent of about a year of college before graduating from high school! Taking dual-enrollment classes has helped Nyx get several basic college requirements out of the way so they can enter college in the fall and start the courses toward their major.  

How MVCA Helps Students with Dual-Enrollment 

Throughout their experience at MVCA, Nyx has worked closely with Ms. Linda Cilla-Cooper, the dual-enrollment counselor. According to Nyx, Ms. Cilla-Cooper has been “a godsend.” Nyx relied on her to answer questions about dual enrollment, and she always found the answers and helpful resources.  

Nyx highly recommends the dual-enrollment program through Michigan Virtual Charter Academy. “It has been such a nice thing to do,” they said, and Ms. Cilla-Cooper has made the entire process easy and accessible. Even Nyx’s mother agrees, as she’s only had to sign a few forms, and now her child is finding success at the college level before graduating from high school. 

The dual-enrollment program at Michigan Virtual Charter Academy has helped Nyx earn high school credits, complete a year’s worth of college credits and maintain their mental health.  

Find Success and Balance at Michigan Virtual Charter Academy 

As they take that year of free college credits to Davenport University in the fall, Nyx is proof that students can find success in programs that give them flexibility and respect their unique needs. Nyx has been able to find their passion, and at Davenport University, they will learn to use that passion to help others.  

Students looking for a flexible schedule and a supportive learning environment can explore the academic programs at Michigan Virtual Charter Academy. Like Nyx, it’s possible to balance high school, college coursework and personal well-being. 

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