ARVA’s NCAA Approval Creates New Pathways for Student-Athletes

When Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) received NCAA approval for its credit-bearing high school courses in March 2025, it opened new possibilities for student-athletes like 17-year-old Jabari.

The Forrest City senior, who maintains a 3.8 GPA while playing Class 4A basketball, now has access to courses that meet the NCAA’s rigorous academic standards for college athletic eligibility.

Jabari has attended ARVA since 4th grade, finding the virtual learning environment better suited to his needs than traditional classroom settings. His mother, Alicia, an educator herself, made the switch after noticing that Jabari struggled with attention issues in traditional schools but thrived when working at home.

She said the decision to enroll him in ARVA through K12’s virtual learning program proved transformative.

“That’s been the best thing since sliced bread,” she said.

Academics, Athletics & Flexibility

ARVA’s flexible scheduling has been crucial for Jabari’s student-athlete success. Participating in the school’s flex program, he completes his coursework in the morning, leaving afternoons free for training and basketball practice with his team, the Forrest City High School Mustangs.

“I wake up around 8 a.m., do my work, and then I finish by 10 a.m.,” Jabari said. “I either go to the gym with my dad before I go to practice, or I just wait and then go to practice.”

This flexibility became especially valuable when Jabari faced health challenges. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, he needed aquatic therapy and medical treatments during traditional school hours. ARVA’s accommodating schedule allowed him to maintain academic progress while prioritizing his health and recovery.

Academic Rigor

The quality of ARVA’s curriculum became evident in 7th grade, when Jabari began playing basketball at another school. Alicia noticed he was consistently ahead of his peers academically.

“A lot of the materials and stuff that they were going over and the things that they were doing, Jabari was like, ‘Mama I did this last year,’ or ‘I did this the year before that,’” she said.

The difference was particularly striking in writing instruction.

“One of the biggest things for me was to see how early he started writing essays,” Alicia said. “It’s sad, but even in the local schools, ARVA is on a level that they haven’t reached.”

She said ARVA’s career-focused approach also sets it apart.

“It was career-based, and it was geared toward what he wanted to do, instead of just taking, you know, a bunch of stuff,” Alicia explained. ARVA’s targeted curriculum aligns with Jabari’s interests in veterinary medicine and farming — major workforce needs in Jabari’s Arkansas Delta hometown.

NCAA-Approval

With ARVA’s NCAA approval, Jabari can now complete the 16 core courses required for college athletic eligibility while maintaining the flexible schedule that supports his basketball training.

The approval ensures that ARVA courses meet the NCAA’s high academic standards, preparing student-athletes for the rigor of college coursework and athletic competition.

To achieve NCAA eligibility, student-athletes must graduate from high school, complete approved core courses with a minimum GPA, earn qualifying SAT or ACT scores, and receive amateurism certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center. ARVA’s approved courses help students like Jabari meet those criteria while pursuing athletic goals.

College & Beyond

Jabari has his sights set on continuing basketball at the collegiate level.

“I want to go to Ole Miss, but really any college I get offered,” he said. He’s also exploring professional opportunities overseas, having trained with NBA players through his mentor Daniel Bandy, a former overseas player who now coaches in West Memphis.

The combination of ARVA’s academic excellence, NCAA-approved courses, and flexible scheduling has created the ideal environment for Jabari to pursue both his educational and athletic ambitions.

“ARVA was the best thing that happened for our family,” Alicia said.

Interested in learning more about how ARVA can support your student-athlete’s goals? Visit our NCAA-approved page to explore our approved courses and discover how they can help your child meet college athletic eligibility requirements. You can also learn more about ARVA’s flex program and how it provides the scheduling flexibility that student-athletes need to excel academically and athletically.

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