Canvas: A Parent Guide

Canvas is the GCPS online learning management system. Teachers will use Canvas to post course lessons, assignments, quizzes, discussions, and much more. As a parent of a Canvas user, you have the unique opportunity to create your own account to observe your child’s progress. Directions below will walk you through account creation and pairing.

canvas logo

Step 1 | Observer Account Creation

Parents can use a web browser on any device or use the Canvas parent app on a mobile device.

Using a web browser on any device

Canvas can be accessed by entering this URL directly: https://goochlandschools.instructure.com/login/canvas

Click the option in the upper right corner titled “Parent of a Canvas User? Click Here For an Account”.

canvas parent of a user button

Using the Canvas Parent app on your mobile device

Find the Canvas Parent App on your device

Canvas Parent app logo

Select Find School and find Goochland County

Canvas App with arrow to Find my school

Choose Create Account

Canvas App with Arrow pointing to Create Account

Creating Your Account

When you select the option to create your own account, you will be presented with a parent signup screen where you enter your information. To finish the process, your child needs to generate a “Student Pairing Code” from their account to provide to you.

Step 2 | Student Pairing Codes

Your child will first need to open their Canvas Student app and go to their Settings. In their settings, there will be a button called “Pair with Observer” which will prompt a QR code and a Pairing Code to display. This code is temporary and will reset after a period of time.

The video below shows how a Student using an iPad will find the Pairing Code.

Step 3 | Getting to Know Canvas

Visit the GCPS Parent Canvas page at https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/canvas for videos and tips to help make your transition to Canvas successful.