General FAQs About Our Online School

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

Absolutely! 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.

AZVA offers full-time enrollment for students in grades K–12. Some of our students enroll in kindergarten and spend their whole school career with us, while others may need to 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. Also depending on grade level, students may opt to take a world language elective in addition to these courses if they wish. 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. 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.

Like traditional public schools, some common household items—such as printer ink, pens, and paper—aren’t provided by our school.

To determine if 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 based on the student’s grade level and the courses they’re 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 sticking to the scheduled deadlines and due dates determined 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.

Your involvement as a parent or Learning Coach will vary by grade level, your child’s needs, and your family’s schedule. As your child becomes more comfortable with online learning, they’ll develop greater independence, giving you more flexibility. On average:

• K–2: Approximately 4 to 5 hours per day of school time, with 30–40% of learning completed online. You’ll spend about 1 to 2 hours actively supporting lessons and guiding activities, with the rest being more supervisory.
• Grades 3–5: Approximately 5 to 7 hours per day of school time, with 50–60% of learning online. Your involvement will be more hands-off as students work more independently, but you’ll still check in for progress and occasional help.
• 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.
• Grades 9–12: Students are largely self-directed. The Learning Coach—whether a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult—plays a background role: checking in on progress, helping with time management, and offering 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 put you in touch 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 level of curriculum. So, 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. Our virtual campus 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 are invited to participate in optional in-person school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events throughout the year. Local groups of students and parents can get together on their own as well!

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 years in high school. 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.

This decision is made on a district-by-district basis. View our Events Calendar to learn more about how students connect and socialize at AZVA!

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 AZVA policy on bullying [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 funding from Title I, 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 reduced class sizes, purchase supplemental materials and educational programs, conduct parent activities and workshops, and provide professional development for staff. In our schoolwide program, our certified teachers can provide instructional levels based on student data, re-teach sessions based on student performance, and offer multi-tiered levels of 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. Special education records (including placement records, referrals, evaluations, testing data, and other related records) are destroyed 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.

We are proud to be recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). View our list of approved core courses by visiting the NCAA’s high school selection site and inputting high school code 030607. To learn more about our NCAA-approved courses, click here.