FAQs About Our Online School

Arizona Virtual Academy is a tuition-free, online public school serving K–12 students across Arizona. We offer flexible learning options that provide the structure, accountability, and certified teachers families expect from a brick-and-mortar public school — along with the freedom to learn in a safe, judgment-free space.

Absolutely! Arizona Virtual Academy is fully Cognia-accredited and approved by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. This rigorous accreditation is a valuable mark of distinction that ensures the quality of our policies and validates diploma eligibility and credit transfer nationwide.

AZVA uses a high-quality, proven curriculum from K12, a leader in online education with more than 25 years of experience. We tailor K12’s curriculum and resources to meet Arizona’s academic requirements and ensure students learn according to state standards.

Yes! We know how important it is for our student-athletes to balance a tough training schedule with their schoolwork, which is why we’re so proud to be NCAA-certified. This certification recognizes the rigor of our curriculum and the dedication of our teachers, ensuring our courses meet the high standards required for Division I, II, and III eligibility.

Whether your student is training for elite competition or aiming for a college scholarship, AZVA gives them the flexible schedule they need to excel without compromising their academic foundation. You can view our list of approved core courses by visiting the NCAA’s high school selection site and inputting high school code 030607.

Arizona Virtual Academy uses the K12 online learning platform, tailoring its high-quality curriculum and extensive resources to meet our students’ unique needs here in Arizona.

K12 has been delivering online education for more than 25 years and is used in more than 100 online schools across the U.S. We’re proud to be one of them!

AZVA offers full-time enrollment for students in grades K–12. Some of our students enroll in kindergarten and spend their entire school career with us, while others enroll for a semester or two to catch up on credits. We love seeing our students grow and discover their strengths!

English/language arts, math, science, history, music, and art may be required courses depending on grade level. Depending on grade level, students may also opt to take a world language elective in addition to these courses While no formal physical education course is offered in lower grades, 30 minutes of physical activity is recommended for all students.

Visit our online elementary, middle school, and high school academic pages for more details.

There is no tuition for Arizona residents in grades K–12 to enroll at or attend AZVA because we are an online public school. Like traditional public schools, some common household items — such as printer ink, pens, and paper — aren’t provided by our school.

Students must have access to a computer with an internet connection to attend our online public school. Based on family income guidelines, loaner computers may be available, and internet stipends can help defray the cost of internet services.

To find out whether your family qualifies for a loaner computer or internet stipend, please reach out to an enrollment consultant.

Yes, Arizona Virtual Academy provides textbooks and instructional materials for students. These books and materials vary by grade level and the courses students are enrolled in. For instance, our high school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle school students.

Our 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.

Our Flex program gives Flex students and their Learning Coaches (a parent or guardian) the freedom to set their own daily learning plan while meeting the scheduled deadlines and due dates set by the school. Flex students are offered optional live virtual classes with flexible scheduling throughout the school day and week. They are also assigned teachers for support and resources. Learn more about the enhanced flexibility offered in the Flex program!

At Arizona Virtual Academy, we believe in the power of family involvement. As a parent, you are an essential part of your child’s learning experience — whether you take on the role of Learning Coach yourself or designate a trusted adult to support your child day to day. The Learning Coach helps keep students on track, encourages them to engage in lessons, and partners with teachers to support academic progress. Even if you’re not the one logging in every day, your involvement and support are key to your child’s success.

The amount of time students spend learning online and the amount of support they need will vary by grade level, individual needs, and family schedule. A Learning Coach — whether a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult — helps support the student’s education. Online school also includes offline activities, assignments, reading, and hands-on learning, so students won’t necessarily spend their entire school day on the computer.

As students become more comfortable with online learning, they typically take on more responsibility for managing their schoolwork.

• K–2: Students spend approximately 4 to 5 hours per day on schoolwork, with about 30–40% of learning completed online. Learning Coaches can expect to spend about 1 to 2 hours actively supporting lessons and guiding activities, with additional time providing supervision.
• Grades 3–5: Students spend approximately 5 to 7 hours per day on schoolwork, with about 50–60% of learning completed online. Learning Coaches provide more oversight than hands-on instruction, checking progress, helping students stay organized, and stepping in when needed.
• Grades 6–7: Students take on more responsibility for their daily schoolwork. The Learning Coach typically spends about 1 to 2 hours a day checking progress, helping with organization, and providing occasional academic support.
• Grade 8: Students are generally more independent and responsible for managing their schoolwork. The Learning Coach may check progress, help with organization, and provide support with specific assignments as needed.
• Grades 9–12: Students are largely self-directed and manage most of their daily schoolwork independently. The Learning Coach typically takes a background role by checking progress, helping with time management, and providing encouragement when needed. AZVA supports students directly through teacher interactions, academic advisors, and college/career prep tools.

Depending on a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), we can tailor learning to meet your student’s needs. To discuss your child’s IEP learning needs, please contact our office and we’ll connect you with our special education team.

The beauty of our K–5 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. For grades 6–12, grade placement assessments are completed as part of the enrollment process, allowing us to place your student at the appropriate curriculum level. For example, if your 6th grader is doing math on an 8th grade level and reading on a 6th 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 honors classes and dual enrollment for college credit.

Arizona Virtual Academy is a safe, inclusive, local community — and we know how to have fun! Students at AZVA participate in live class sessions, group discussions, and collaborative projects that help build relationships and communication skills.

The AZVA K12 Zone is an interactive virtual campus that brings together students from across Arizona to hang out with classmates, participate in optional student-led activities and clubs, and access learning resources in a safe, welcoming environment.

Students can also join a Strider Squad — local groups that give students opportunities to connect with classmates and families in person. Strider Squads organize optional activities and outings throughout the year, such as field trips, picnics, and other social events. Families can also connect with other AZVA families in their area and organize informal get-togethers.

AZVA also offers a variety of clubs and activities where students can connect with peers who share their interests. From academic and enrichment opportunities to activities designed for fun and friendship, students have plenty of ways to connect beyond the virtual classroom.

Check out our Student Life page to learn more about how elementary, middle, and high school students connect and socialize at AZVA!

Yes, students who attend AZVA are public school students, and they earn a high school diploma identical to those awarded by other public schools in Arizona. Our graduates enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other Arizona graduates when applying to colleges and universities across the state and nation.

Arizona Virtual Academy high school students must meet the same graduation expectations as all public school students in Arizona. These requirements include earning at least 22 credits in specific subject areas during a student’s high school years. Our school academic counselors meet with students annually to review credits earned and those still needed, ensuring families stay informed about progress toward a high school diploma.

Transferring credits is usually straightforward, especially between accredited schools. Credits earned at a K12-powered, accredited online school like Arizona Virtual Academy are often transferable to and from accredited brick-and-mortar public schools and may count toward a high school diploma at both public and private institutions. Please confirm credit acceptance with the district you are transferring into.

Transferring credits is usually straightforward, especially between accredited schools. Public school credits generally transfer to Arizona Virtual Academy by K12, an accredited online public school. Some courses may not transfer exactly and could require placement adjustments or additional coursework. Please contact our school enrollment team to confirm credit acceptance.

Transferring credits is usually straightforward, especially between accredited schools. Partial credits or unaccredited coursework may require additional review, placement assessments, or makeup work. Arizona Virtual Academy by K12 is accredited and has standard processes to evaluate transcripts and accept credits for successfully completed courses. Please reach out to our school enrollment team to confirm credit acceptance.

At AZVA, we are committed to providing a safe education environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Gain peace of mind by reading more about our dedication to creating a safe and welcoming community in the Parent–Student Handbook [PDF].

In addition to details about specific policy provisions, reporting, and investigations of bullying, harassment, or intimidation, the Arizona Virtual Academy policy on bullying PDF includes a direct link for students to anonymously and directly report instances of bullying.

Arizona Virtual Academy receives Title I funding, 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 reduce class sizes, purchase supplemental materials and educational programs, conduct parent activities and workshops, and provide professional development for staff. In our schoolwide program, certified teachers can provide instructional levels based on student data, re-teach sessions based on student performance, and offer multi-tiered support based on assessments — as well as English learner support and more.

Arizona Virtual Academy follows the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records retention schedule. AZVA destroys Sspecial education records (including placement records, referrals, evaluations, testing data, and other related records) 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.

Flex is a program designed to help optimize a student’s learning schedule through flexible options. Check out how AZVA’s Flex program works and learn more about program eligibility.

All Arizona public schools, including district and charter schools, are required to properly administer state and federally mandated assessments. We use testing like any other school: to monitor student achievement and highlight areas of need. All testing will take place in person between March 30–April 2, and April 6–April 10, 2026. Contact your school admin with additional questions.

The following tests are mandatory for our students:

• ACT: ACT is the statewide high school achievement test for Arizona public school students in the 11th grade/Cohort 2027. The test will take one day to complete (approx. 6.5 hours).
• AASA: AASA is the statewide achievement test for Arizona students in Grades 3–8. All Arizona public school students in grades 3–8 will take the grade-level AASA assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
• AzSCI: AzSCI is Arizona’s statewide achievement test for Science. It is administered to public school students in grade 5, grade 8, and grade 11/Cohort 2027.
• ACT Aspire: ACT Aspire is the statewide high school achievement test for Arizona public school students in the 9th grade (Cohort 2029).
• AZELLA: This test is designated for students who have been identified as second language learners. Students may take the test over multiple days.
• MSAA: This test is designated to assess students with a significant cognitive disability and measures academic content that is aligned to and derived from AZ state’s content standards. Grades 3–8 and grade 11 will be tested in ELA and Math. Grades 5, 8, and 11 will be tested in Science.

Yes. AZVA students must comply with all state-mandated testing requirements. Students who do not participate are subject to withdrawal during that school year.