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12th Grade at PA Virtual - Finish Strong!

Graduation Requirements

Credits & Graduation Requirements

 

Local Graduation Requirements

Graduation candidates must earn 21 credits minimum within the required subjects to be eligible to receive a diploma from PA Virtual Charter School. The Pennsylvania Department of Education governs these graduation requirements. These are the number of credits needed for students to graduate from 12th grade. Once they are done, they can go to college, trade school, or wherever else their journey takes them. 

Meet Act 158 Pathway Requirements

 

Grading Scale & GPA

Grading Scale & GPA

GPAs appear on the unofficial transcript in the parent portal, which allows you to access your child’s grades in real-time, called the Sapphire Community Portal. Grade points for each course are determined by multiplying two factors: the numerical weight of the final grade, as reflected in the chart below, and the credit value. Dividing total course grade points by the total of attempted credits calculates the GPA. PA Virtual’s GPA scale closely aligns with those used by many Pennsylvania high schools and is widely recognized by colleges, universities, and employers throughout the state.

     

  Synchronous and Asynchronous Classes


 Most courses at PA Virtual are offered synchronously and asynchronously, except for elective courses, which are only provided asynchronously.

 

● Synchronous: Courses are live “zoom-like” sessions through our safe Blackboard platform that meet at a specific time and place Monday through Thursday.  Blackboard is our secure virtual classroom platform where students attend live classes, interact with teachers and classmates, participate in discussions, and access course materials in real time. Lessons are teacher-directed with expected student attendance and participation. Teachers offer Office Hours on Fridays.

 

● Asynchronous: Courses do not have live sessions Monday through Thursday, and the student is responsible for independently following along with the syllabus, the Blackboard lesson plans, and the assigned coursework (whether in Edgenuity or elsewhere) to complete course requirements. Edgenuity is a self-paced online curriculum platform where students access lessons, complete assignments, take quizzes and tests, and track their progress throughout the course. Teachers monitor and grade all student work and offer regular Office Hours, which may also be mandated to support student learning.

 

  •   ● Students in asynchronous courses learn independently according to teachers’ lesson plans and by attending office hours.

  •   ● Asynchronous students must demonstrate proficient to advanced academic achievement in their prior courses, be self-starters, and be independent learners.

  •   ● Most core classes are synchronous, and students greatly benefit from daily live instruction with highly qualified teachers.

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  • If a student meets the requirements of asynchronous learning, it can be requested; however, the administration will review prior academic transcripts, and students will be scheduled with the best opportunity for academic success in mind. 

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PA Virtual’s flexible learning model allows many seniors to balance their coursework with internships, dual enrollment, career exploration, and other valuable experiences. 

CLass periods

Course Durations

Most 1.0-credit courses are yearlong, most 0.5-credit courses are one semester, and most 0.25-credit courses are one quarter. The high school day is divided into six (6) 55-minute academic class periods. There is a 45-minute lunch period in the middle of the school day.  

12th Grade Courses


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  • ELA

     Mathematics

    Social Studies

    Science

     World Languages 

     Humanities 

    • Health & Physical Education
    English Language Arts 12    Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B, Algebra 1

    Geography,

    Geography Honors
    • Earth and Space Science,
    • Earth and Space Science Honors
    • Spanish I
    • Spanish II
    • Spanish III
    		  Art History I
    • Lifetime Fitness IV,
    • Lifetime Fitness IV Honors
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    Introduction to Communications and Speech   Geometry, 
    • Geometry Honors
    • U.S. History,
    • U.S. History Honors
    • Environmental Science
    • French I
    • French II
    • Music Appreciation
    • Contemporary Health
    English Language Arts 12 Honors       Algebra II,
    • Algebra II Honors
    • World History
    • World History Honors
    • Biology,
    • Biology Honors
    • German I
    • German II
    • Careers in Art & Design
    • Advanced Health
    AP English Language & Composition     Precalculus,
    • Precalculus Honors
    • AP United States History
    • Physical Science
    		  
    • Careers in Music and Music Appreciation
    • Careers in Health & Exercise Science
    AP English Literature & Composition         Statistics and   Probability  
    • Chemistry,
    • Chemistry Honors
    		      
     
    • Financial Math
    		  
    • Physics,
    • Physics Honors
    		      
     
    • AP Calculus AB
    		  
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    		      
     
    • AP Statistics
    		  
    • AP Biology
    • AP Environmental Science
    		      

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  • Graduation Requirement:

  • Capstone Graduation Project
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Click Here to View Full Course Descriptions

 

High School Electives

    • Astronomy: Exploring the Universe
    • Audio & Video Production
    • Civics & Government
    • Child Development
    • Computer Applications: Office Suite
    • Creative Writing
    • Culinary Arts 1
    • Drawing & Design
    • Forensic Science I: Secrets of the Dead
    • Introduction to Coding
    • Introduction to Family & Consumer Science
    • Keystone Algebra I Prep
    • Keystone Biology Prep
    • Keystone Literature Prep
    • Personal Finance
    • Psychology
    • Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance
    • Principles of Information Technology
    • Sports & Entertainment Marketing
    • Veterinary Science: The Care of Animals
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Click Here to View Full Elective Descriptions

12th Grade Course Schedule Example

12-4
High School FAQ

Does PA Virtual follow Pennsylvania graduation requirements?

 Yes. As a public cyber charter school, PA Virtual follows all Pennsylvania graduation requirements established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students must earn the required high school credits and meet Pennsylvania's statewide graduation requirements, including the Act 158 graduation pathways. PA Virtual counselors work closely with students and families throughout high school to ensure they stay on track for graduation and post-secondary success. 

Will my child's PA Virtual diploma be recognized by colleges?

 Yes. PA Virtual is a Pennsylvania public cyber charter school, and graduates earn a Pennsylvania high school diploma that is recognized by colleges, universities, employers, and the military. PA Virtual students have gone on to attend a wide range of post-secondary institutions, including two- and four-year colleges, career and technical schools, and military service. 

What's the difference between synchronous and asynchronous classes?

At PA Virtual, synchronous classes are live, teacher-led classes that students attend online at scheduled times. During these interactive sessions, students can participate in discussions, ask questions, collaborate with classmates, and receive real-time instruction from certified teachers.

Asynchronous classes do not require students to be online at a specific time. Instead, students' complete coursework independently according to the course schedule, allowing for greater flexibility. While students still receive support from teachers, they work through lessons, assignments, and assessments at their own pace within established deadlines.

Can my 12th grader still participate in extracurricular activities?

 Yes. PA Virtual offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities that allow 12th-grade students to stay engaged, build friendships, and explore their interests outside the classroom. Students can participate in clubs, student organizations, virtual events, and in-person outings throughout the school year. In addition, Pennsylvania law allows cyber charter school students to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, offered by their local school district if certain eligibility requirements are met. These opportunities help students stay connected while developing leadership, teamwork, and other valuable skills. 

How does the Capstone Graduation Project work?

 The Capstone Graduation Project is a culminating experience that allows PA Virtual seniors to explore a topic, career field, or area of personal interest while demonstrating the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout high school. Students work independently with guidance from school staff to research, plan, and complete their project over the course of their senior year. The project may include research, presentations, reflections, or other components designed to showcase critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and career-readiness skills. The Capstone Graduation Project provides students with an opportunity to connect their learning to future academic, career, or personal goals.