Academics
Online Middle School Academics
Help your student thrive during their most transformative years at Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA). With flexible schedules, age-appropriate structure, and the trusted K12 curriculum, your child can build independence while continuing to receive support from Arizona-certified teachers, all from the comfort and safety of home.
Why choose Arizona Virtual Academy for your middle school student?
Middle school is a time of rapid growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. By blending structured learning with independence and accountability, AZVA helps your middle school student shine! Our tuition-free online public middle school offers:
- Flexible Learning: Students learn to manage their time while balancing live classes with self-paced assignments.
- Cognia-Accredited School: Arizona Virtual Academy is fully accredited by Cognia, a nationally accredited governing body, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools to help prepare students for high school and beyond.
- Certified Teachers and Personalized Support: Dedicated, Arizona-certified teachers provide guidance, instruction, and 1:1 support.
- Safe and Secure Environment: Learning at home promotes focus while eliminating the social pressures often found in brick-and-mortar schools.
Explore Our Accredited Online Middle School
A Safe Space to Learn and Grow
Middle school can feel overwhelming for students (and their families). We’re in this together! Personalized support from caring teachers helps your child feel safe, inspired, and confident as they grow and learn.
Learning Options by Grade Level
Arizona Virtual Academy is an online middle school
for Arizona students in grades 6–8. As your student moves through middle school, they gain more independence with ongoing academic and social emotional support:
- Grades 6–7: Strengthening foundational skills while introducing more complex subject matter and collaborative projects
- Grade 8: High school readiness becomes a priority through advanced coursework, elective explorations, and improved time management for projects and assignments
- Grades 6–8: Career explorations courses let students discover their interests early, find their strengths, and start thinking about the career pathways they’ll take in high school
What will my child study at Arizona Virtual Academy?
Arizona Virtual Academy uses the trusted K12 curriculum, which is fully aligned with Arizona’s educational state standards. AZVA offers a comprehensive middle school curriculum that includes core academic subjects and electives, fostering both academic growth and personal development:
English/Language Arts
Enhancing comprehension, critical-thinking, and writing skills
Math
Building problem-solving skills with pre-algebra and algebra
Science
Exploring life, earth, and physical sciences through inquiry and experimentation
History/Social Studies
Learning about U.S. and world history, civics, and geography
Art
Offering outlets for creativity and self-expression
Elective Courses
- World Languages (Optional Elective): Experiencing cultural enrichment opportunities while developing valuable language and communication skills
- Career Exploration (Optional Elective): Empowering students to explore career paths and get a head start on their future
Take a Deeper Look
A Dynamic, Fun Classroom Experience
Middle school students thrive when they’re engaged and connected. Our live virtual classes go beyond traditional classroom experiences by allowing students to:
- Receive live instruction: Local, Arizona-certified teachers lead engaging lessons and monitor progress.
- Collaborate with classmates: Group discussions and projects encourage participation and teamwork.
- Explore ideas together: Students are encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas, and learn from one another.
- Get personalized support: Teachers provide feedback and instruction tailored to each student’s needs.
- Check their understanding: Lessons are followed by assessments, so your student—and you—can be sure that they know the material before moving on
- Learn on their schedule: Students can attend live or recorded sessions. Check out our Flex program for even more flexibility in your daily and weekly schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Middle School in Arizona
How will my child stay social and make friends in an online middle school?
Arizona Virtual Academy is a safe, inclusive, local community—that knows how to have fun! We provide lots of opportunities for students to interact and make friends. AZVA students can participate in live class sessions, group discussions, and collaborative projects that help build their relationship and communication skills. Students can chat with their friends, hang out with classmates, or join student-led clubs and activities via the AZVA K12 Zone, our bully-free, virtual safe space. We also host optional in-person AZVA school outings, field trips, picnics, and other social events throughout the year. Local groups of students and parents can get together on their own as well!
Is Arizona Virtual Academy an accredited online middle school?
Yes, Arizona Virtual Academy is fully accredited by Cognia, a nationally accredited governing body, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. Rest assured that accreditation from Cognia is a valuable mark of distinction, based on rigorous, research-based standards and evidence-based criteria. Our whole school—from our policies to learning conditions and cultural context—works together to meet the needs of every learner. Accreditation also validates diploma eligibility and facilitates the transfer of credit to universities and other schools worldwide.
Is the curriculum aligned with state educational standards?
Yes, Arizona Virtual Academy uses the K12 curriculum, which is fully aligned with Arizona’s middle school standards. Students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in high school and beyond while meeting all local and state requirements. Middle school students can get a jump-start on their future by exploring career-focused electives in grades 6-8, followed by more targeted career pathways in high school.
How are lessons delivered—live sessions, pre-recorded videos, or a mix?
While attending our online school in Arizona, middle school students experience a blend of learning formats. This approach offers structure while promoting independence:
- Daily live instruction sessions led by certified teachers
- Pre-recorded lessons that can be reviewed on their schedule
- Self-paced assignments to build time management skills
What is my role as a parent in supporting my child’s online learning?
In middle school, students take on more responsibility for their learning, but they can still benefit from support at home. As a Learning Coach—whether you are a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult—you’ll help your student stay organized, monitor their progress, and step in when needed. Most middle schoolers manage their daily learning independently, with occasional guidance and encouragement from their Learning Coach.
How much time will I need to dedicate to support my child’s education?
Your involvement will depend on your student’s grade level and their level of independence. As your child gains confidence, your daily time commitment will continue to decrease. On average:
- Grades 6–7: Parents typically spend about 1 to 2 hours daily checking in, helping with organization, or offering occasional homework support.
- Grade 8: Students are mostly independent. Parents may check in for progress reviews or support on specific assignments.
Is Arizona Virtual Academy online middle school tuition-free?
Yes, Arizona Virtual Academy is a tuition-free public school where state-certified teachers deliver the complete K12 curriculum at no cost. Eligible families may also receive a loaner computer and internet stipend to support learning at home. Consult our enrollment specialists to see if your family is eligible.