Why PA Virtual Charter School is Perfect for Middle School Students!

We saw a significant boom in virtual learning during COVID. Here we sit, several years later, and that boom is still radiating through the educational environment. Many schools took this opportunity to develop and solidify their own virtual platforms.  While this growth is commendable, it also reflects the importance of schools such as PA Virtual Charter School.  As various virtual learning environments become established, it’s important to recognize that PA Virtual Charter School is a leading option for Pennsylvania families looking for flexibility and quality in education.  Its long history has set a precedent for other schools due to its grounded, well developed profile.

The Middle Schooler

Let’s unbox some of the feelings and actions associated with middle schoolers. Adolescence begins at the age of 10. This period of time is marked with intense emotions and expressions compared to childhood or adulthood.  Such emotions stem from the development of the limbic system.  An area of the brain known to process social stimuli.  This natural development, paired with the increased time with friends versus family, generates some self conscious behaviors.  Middle schoolers are starting to reevaluate their own personal beliefs and feelings while adapting to their surroundings. Hannah Leib generated a wonderful list of ways families can support their middle schooler’s feelings in this Psychology Today article. One of the best ways to support your child is to help them channel their emotions and generate healthy coping mechanisms.  Perhaps you’ve noticed that these changes are impacting your child’s education.  Perhaps you have learned that other students are not channeling and regulating their intense emotions.  Perhaps there is a need to change your student’s learning style to better support their development.

The Flexibility of Online Learning

It’s well known that an online learning environment provides the flexibility many families need. I speak as a working mother that also struggles with the brick and mortar schedule in relation to my own.  Your schedules are unique based on work, housing and/or travel.  With proper documentation, virtual learning allows students to carry out their own passions and extracurriculars while maintaining a consistent learning platform. Not only does this virtual environment support caregiver schedules, but the unique needs of our students. Students have the opportunity to work synchronously with teachers and peers, or asynchronously in an independent model. It is well known that middle schoolers are in a state of transition.  Reevaluating their personal image, beliefs and security while growing in maturity. The flexibility of online learning assists students as they stretch their boundaries and morph into the next stage of their lives. 

Curriculum and Accreditation

We tend to think of curriculums as books that sit in front of us at a desk. Maybe you picture your own math workbooks from elementary school.  However, with the growth of technology, this is no longer the case. Students in a wide range of educational settings embrace new material using screens.  PA Virtual Charter School offers an online curriculum that meets all Pennsylvania state standards, and ensures a robust educational experience.  Much like the strong, steady foundation of the school, the K12 curriculum has been growing and steadily developing since 1999.  Our middle schoolers are enrolled in courses including earth science, algebra, world history, music, art and health and fitness.  A full list of courses based on grade level can be viewed here.  This curriculum is further supported and differentiated using supplemental programs such as IXL and First in Math.  These supplemental programs also meet state standards while helping middle school students become confident experts in each field. 

Support Systems

Support systems are vital to middle schoolers who are developing their own identities. It is so comforting to know that they have an army of supportive professionals within their reach.  Our certified teachers attend well planned professional development sessions that excel their ability to support students educationally and emotionally. Additionally, teachers have the opportunity to offer office hours to support students in particular areas of the curriculum.  They are available to answer student questions during live class sessions and via email.  We do not want students to feel the anxiety of school while progressing through emotional changes.  Additional support is provided by our orientation teachers, school psychologists and educational intervention programs such as academic support. Lastly, the students will see a familiar “cheerleader” in their daily studies. Parents embrace a change of their own by morphing into learning coaches.  This support system helps with the transition to cyber school, maintaining a schedule and assisting when students require additional support. Learning coaches have their own army of support through resources such as the parent ambassador program and lunch & learn sessions. 

Success Stories

Success rings through our school via student and learning coach testimonials.  A PA Virtual Charter School tradition entails families walking their student across the graduation stage. As this occurs, family, friends, educators and peers can see the feelings of success across everyone’s faces. Here are just a few testimonials from our families:

“Teachers here really care about the kids and families. Administrators treat parents with respect and part of the educational family. We are all involved in educating our children here. It is a group effort. It takes a village attitude, that I love so much.” from Greatschools.org

“The other great part about the school is the student community/student ran clubs. With PAVCS being an online school, you would think it would be hard and challenging to make friends and get to know other individuals; this is not the case at PAVCS. Students who have been around longer are so welcoming to newer students, Students in higher positions take time to connect and get to know other students. All clubs are advertised and marketed to the student body and welcome anyone who is curious to join.” from Niche.com

"PA Virtual has made a difference in our lives by allowing my child the flexibility and freedom to excel beyond our wildest dreams. Thanks PA Virtual!" - Corrine Putnick

Additional success stories can be seen via YouTube.  Families are very interested in sharing their stories with honest reviews, an example can be seen here. 

Extracurricular and Community Engagement

We recognize the importance of social interactions for a middle schooler’s emotional growth. Fostering strong friendships and finding common interests allows the students to feel comfortable in their learning environment and in their own skin.  This comfort allows for better learning experiences and strong communication skills needed in life. At this time, PA Virtual Charter School offers 40 clubs outside of the academic curriculum.  These clubs range from acting and cooking clubs, to gaming and photography clubs.  National Honors Society and Peer Leadership are a few of the familiar clubs they will notice in their transition.  A full list of extracurricular options can be found here. Based on prior experiences and personal growth, it may take time to socially transition to this setting.  PA Virtual Charter School offers Friday outings that focus on a particular activity or mission.  As students focus and experience something of interest, they can gradually meet new students and teachers.

Look No Further than PA Virtual

Transitioning to a new school during the middle school years may feel like an added angst to the emotional and social changes students are experiencing.  It’s important to recognize the established schools, such as PA Virtual Charter School, have built strong learning environments for these students.  A respected curriculum, arsenal of support and opportunities for gradual interactions allow students to embrace themselves while learning. If you are looking for a flexible, accredited and supportive educational environment for your middle schooler, then look no further than PA Virtual charter school.