How It Works

How Online Middle School Works

Who can attend?

The Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) middle school program serves students in grades 6–8 who reside in the state of Arkansas.

What are the costs?

Because ARVA is part of the public school system, it’s tuition-free. Enrolled families receive the K12 curriculum, and qualified students receive a loaner computer, printer, and internet stipend..

What’s my role as a parent?

Middle school is a time when students become more independent, taking on more responsibility and ownership for their learning and working more directly with their teachers. But parent involvement is still critical to student success. As a parent, you (or another responsible adult you choose) serve as your child’s Learning Coach.

While teachers set the pace of instruction, the Learning Coach helps their student stay on track. Parent/Learning Coach involvement is essential for at least 20 hours a week, and roughly 50–60 percent of this time is online. The initial 4–8 weeks can be intensive as your family settles into a routine.

Mother and son working on school work together.

Working with Your Teacher

Teachers provide individual and small group assistance via online synchronous sessions called “Class Connects.” Students are expected to attend all required Class Connects and meet with their teacher to receive course assistance, tutoring, and instruction. Class Connects vary by grade level and are scheduled by your teacher.

Expectations for Completing Schoolwork

In middle school, student learning changes to a semester-based approach where students are required to earn a passing grade on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.

While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students are required to attend teacher-led, direct-instruction, online synchronous Class Connect sessions. During Class Connects, students receive online instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact virtually with classmates.

Attending Class Connects and completing coursework according to the assigned pacing schedule will help set up your student for success.


State Testing

ARVA students must comply with all Arkansas-mandated testing requirements. Middle schoolers are required to take ACT Aspire assessments.