FAQs
Online School FAQs
What grades are offered by Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA)?
AZVA offers full-time enrollment for grades K–12.
What subjects will my child study?
English/language arts, math, science, history, music, and art are the required courses for grades K–8. Students may take a world language elective in addition to these courses if they wish. No formal physical education course is offered in these grades; however, 30 minutes of physical activity is recommended for all students. Students in grades K–2 are also required to participate in a world language experience—a short course intended to introduce students to a world language and culture. Also, students seeking additional support can access a variety of credit recovery courses through Insight School of Arizona. Visit our elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum pages for more details.
What does it cost to attend the AZVA?
Because AZVA is a public charter school program, there is no tuition. We provide Arizona-certified teachers and instructional materials. Families are responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.
Does AZVA provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes. We provide textbooks and instructional materials. These books and materials are dependent on the student’s grade level and the courses they’re enrolled in. High school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle school students.
Can my child work at their own pace?
The elementary program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law. Middle school and high school students complete lessons in synchronous and asynchronous sessions and are expected to complete quizzes, tests, and other assignments in a timely manner.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
We expect that students will spend no more than 15 to 30 percent of their school time on the computer in grades K–5, 50 to 70 percent in grades 6–8, and 80+ percent in grades 9–12. We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide you with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful teaching 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 traditional books, workbooks, and instructional materials.
Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?
Depending on a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), we can tailor learning to meet your student’s needs. To discuss your child’s needs, please contact our office and we’ll put you in touch with our special education team.
Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my gifted/talented child?
The beauty of our K–8 program is that it is flexible enough to meet children where they are in any given subject and take them where they want to go. Grade placement assessments, completed as part of the enrollment process, allow us to place your student in the appropriate level of curriculum. So, for example, if your fourth grader is doing math on a sixth-grade level and reading on a fourth-grade level, we can tailor lesson plans to meet your student’s abilities. High school students have the opportunity to take more advanced courses, including concurrent enrollment for college credit and honors classes. For more information about opportunities for our advanced learners, read about our RISE-Gifted program.
How do students interact socially?
Throughout the year, students will be invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. Local groups of students and parents can get together on their own. And K12 online national clubs help connect students with like interests and passions.
Will my child have the same graduation opportunities as students in traditional public schools?
Yes. AZVA students are public school students, and they earn a high school diploma identical to any other diploma awarded by public schools in the state of Arizona. Our graduates have the same rights and privileges extended to them as any other Arizona graduates when applying for opportunities at our state and nation’s colleges and universities.
AZVA high school students are required to meet the same graduation expectations as all enrolled students in the state of Arizona. Graduation requirements include earning at least 22 credits in specific subject areas during a student’s years in high school. Our school academic counselors work with students annually to review credits earned and still needed so families remain informed about credit requirements toward earning a high school diploma.
Can students do extracurricular activities in their resident district?
This decision is made on a district-by-district basis.
What is AZVA’s policy on bullying?
AZVA is committed to a safe education environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Read our AZVA policy on bullying [PDF].
How does AZVA’s Title I program help my student academically?
AZVA receives funding from Title I, the largest federal assistance program for our nation’s schools, through Arizona’s Department of Education. The funding allows schools to hire additional teachers to develop reduced class sizes, purchase supplemental materials and educational programs, conduct parent activities and workshops, and provide for professional development for staff. In our schoolwide program, our certified teachers can provide instructional levels based on student data, re-teach sessions based on student performance, and offer multi-tiered levels of support based on assessments as well as English Learner support and more.
How can I view AZVA’s annual financial report?
Visit the Arizona Department of Education’s website and select “Portable Practical Educational Preparation, Inc. (PPEP, Inc.) (108796000)” from the drop-down list.
How long does AZVA keep student records?
AZVA follows the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records retention schedule. Special education records (including placement records, referrals, evaluations, testing data, and other related records) are destroyed four years after the fiscal year of final enrollment in the program. To obtain copies of records for students who have attended AZVA, please call our office at 602.476.1320. Requests for records may also be faxed to 602.595.6874.