High School Academics
How Online High School Works
Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) knows success is not a single destination, and the journey can take many turns. But no matter the path, we believe in unlocking every learner's potential by meeting them where they are and helping them reach their goals.
Explore Our Courses
As students move through middle school and into high school, their work becomes increasingly independent. High school courses are designed for students targeting a four-year university, a local community college, or an immediate career.
Many high school courses are offered at three levels: on-level, honors, and Advanced Placement® (AP®).
In all three course levels, students:
Learn grade-level content
Complete coursework that might require writing or research projects
Tackle problems that require analytical thinking
In honors courses, students also:
Evaluate and synthesize information
Demonstrate more advanced writing skills
Participate in honors projects
In AP® courses, students prepare to take the AP® exam in a particular subject. Their AP® exam score may allow them to receive college credit, as determined by the college.
We also offer credit recovery courses for students who need to catch up.
Preparing High School Students for College and Career
Your teen can gain a competitive edge for the future—whether that includes college, a career, or both. Our students can explore career options and participate in specialized, career-related experiences. Students can choose from a broad range of courses in these career fields:
- Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
- Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
- Business, Management & Administration
- Finance
- Curriculum & Career Guidance
- Family & Consumer Sciences
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Information Technology
- Marketing, Sales & Services
They can also prepare to take industry-recognized certification exams upon graduation.**
Get Ahead with Dual Enrollment Courses
It's never too early to start thinking about life after high school. And at ARVA, qualified high schoolers can get a head start on their future goals by taking advantage of dual enrollment opportunities. That means your student can be enrolled in courses that will count toward their diploma, plus earn them college credits they'll be able to apply toward a degree. It's double credit for the same work, which saves students time, giving them the chance to earn a degree faster. It's even possible for students to earn an associate's degree by the time they graduate high school.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is dual credit?
Dual credit, also known as concurrent credit, offers students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. This can benefit those who wish to graduate early, experience the college environment prior to graduation, earn certificates, or even earn an associate's degree by the time they graduate high school.
How much does dual credit cost?
In general, tuition costs range from $125-150 per course and the family of the enrolling student is responsible for these costs. Some colleges do offer scholarships that reduce or cover the full cost of tuition.
How many college credits can my student earn while in high school?
There is no mandated limit on how many college credits a student can earn while in high school. Some students earn credits equivalent to a full year of college, or have even earned an associate’s degree by the time they graduate high school.
From which colleges can students earn credit?
Dual credit can be earned through over 20 colleges and universities. See a list of all dual credit granting institutions here.
How do I enroll my student in dual credit with ARVA?
First, you will need to enroll your student in ARVA. Next, your student will be asked to submit a form to the school counselor indicating basic information regarding what types of courses they are looking to take through dual credit. After that, the counselor will review the form, meet with your student, and will recommend the college they think is the best fit. Your student will then choose and apply directly to the college.
*The K12 high school catalog is a complete list of the high school courses K12 provides. While ARVA offers a comprehensive selection of courses, not every K12 high school course is available to ARVA students. Information on specific courses of study and available electives are provided upon enrollment. For details, please speak to an enrollment consultant during the enrollment process.
**Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
