PA Virtual School Newsroom
March 28th, 2018
A common question families ask us when beginning the enrollment process is how often their child will get to socialize with others while being educated in a virtual environment. Socialization is an...
November 15th, 2018
Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Little, recently received the announcement of being nominated for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 2020 in October of this year. Mrs. Little (previously Ms. Housam) began...
October 18th, 2018
For the first time in PA Virtual’s history, we have hired one of our alumni as a teacher! Former student Sigrid Gulbis was hired this past summer as a High School Math Academic Support Teacher. Ms....
A deeper look into the nationally recognized curriculum used by PA Virtual PA Virtual challenges students each day in a flexible online learning environment from the comfort of their own homes. How does a school connect students from across the state and ensure their academic needs are met? Our state-certified teachers guide students through their studies using the nationally recognized K12, Inc. curriculum that aligns with the PA Core Standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. PA Virtual teachers deliver these online courses to students in each grade at every level of learning. Teachers use their creativity to individualize lesson plans based on the needs of students in the virtual classroom. PA Virtual has used K12, Inc. as the source for curriculum since its inception in 2001. Nationally, the curriculum aligns with the Common Core, however the PA Core Standards are slightly different. Parents may find “PA Only” lessons or supplements provided by K12, Inc. or teachers during the course of the school year.
Share
PA Virtual Grads-Where are They Now?
Kyra Smith-Cullen graduated from PA Virtual in 2011. During her time at PA Virtual, she was involved in various organizations including helping set up the school’s first yearbook as well as helping to organize the school’s first prom. After graduation, Kyra attended Lock Haven University where she received her BA in journalism. We recently caught up with Kyra and learned a little more about what she has been up to since PA Virtual and what advice she has for current students.
Share
Stay on top of your child's education with the latest industry news and events. Fill out the form for updates directly to your inbox.
At PA Virtual, parents are heavily involved in their children’s educational experience each day. It is crucial that our students have a dedicated adult to help support them through their academic journey, as this shows them that their education is a top priority. Parent involvement can lead to improved grades and test scores as well as lower drop-out rates, while being quite a rewarding experience for parents.
Share
Each January, we celebrate National School Choice Week (NSCW), a time for traditional public schools; cyber charter schools; brick and mortar charter schools; home school groups; and private, independent, and parochial schools to come together in support of the school choice movement. The upcoming National School Choice Week will be celebrated January 20-26, 2019.
Share
Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Little, recently received the announcement of being nominated for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 2020 in October of this year. Mrs. Little (previously Ms. Housam) began teaching at PA Virtual Charter School in 2014. This is her fourth year at PA Virtual teaching Kindergarten. Mrs. Little has used a collaborative approach across groups and uses theme based learning to relate content to daily life. When Mrs. Little was asked what it means to be nominated, she replied that she was pleasantly surprised, “See, I always had this growth mindset. I have always wanted to improve my teaching. It seems like possibly the reflection of lessons and listening to the students’ needs really has paid off.” We interviewed Mrs. Little to find out more about what motivated her to become a teacher and why she enjoys teaching at a virtual school. Read her answers below!
Share
First grade teacher, Katie Barnett, recently received the announcement from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year that she was nominated for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in 2020. Barnett began teaching at PA Virtual in 2006 and this is her 13th school year here. When Katie, or as her students call her, Mrs. Barnett, was asked what it means to be nominated she replied that she was flattered, “but it just makes me want to work harder for my students. There are so many fantastic educators out there and so many wonderful modes of teaching. I want to continue to improve myself, my knowledge, and ultimately the educational experience I am able to give my students.” We interviewed Mrs. Barnett to find out more about what motivated her to become a teacher and why she enjoys teaching at a virtual school. Read her answers below!
Share
