Elementary School Program | PA Virtual Charter School

PA Virtual elementary student reading outdoors during independent reading time

Support That Goes Beyond The Classroom

Your child has a team on their side, one that builds an academic plan around where they are right now, challenging them without overwhelming them.

That team includes our Elementary School principal, assistant principals, certified teachers, nurses, school counselors, and family support coordinators - real people, not just a classroom teacher working alone.

PA Virtual elementary curriculum materials, including workbooks, phonics activities, and hands-on learning tools

Academic Highlights

Your child gets small classes, an average of 17 students per teacher, plus a well-rounded curriculum covering core subjects like math, science, English/language arts, and history, as well as health and wellness, PE, art, and music.

We invest just as much in how your child feels as how they learn. That's why we staff two dedicated school counselors, plus teacher-provided support, to help every student get exactly the help they need, when they need it.

Over the course of our K-4 program, elementary students explore the following topics:

English Language Arts — Phonics, spelling, handwriting, reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and writing composition, etc.
Math — Problem-solving, mental math, shapes/angles, measurement, fractions, area, multiplication, division, etc.
Science — Oceans, habitats, matter, ecosystems, geology, weather, animal adaptation, human body & nervous system, metric system, magnetism, etc.
History — Citizenship, classical civilizations, economics, world geography, American Revolution, Space Age, Stone Age, Ancient Rome, Middle Ages, Renaissance, etc.
Physical Education/Health — Strength and flexibility, monitoring heart rate, choice of physical activity, games & coordination, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, healthy bodies, food for life, staying safe, etc.
Art — Realistic and abstract art, landscapes, cultural art and architecture, famous artists and artworks, drawing, sketching, shading, sculpting, etc.
Music — Foundations of music/music theory, creative movement, singing & dancing, real & virtual instruments (recorder, tambourine, etc.), focused listening skills, etc.

Instructional Formats

At our elementary school, we offer two instructional formats: synchronous and asynchronous. Families can choose a more structured schedule with live, teacher-led classes or apply for a more flexible schedule with independent learning. The chart on this page outlines which courses are available in each format.

Synchronous

Students log in to their virtual classroom with other students and attend live classes with PA-certified teachers. Teachers provide direct instruction, guide student work, and assess student progress. Classes occur Monday through Thursday; students work asynchronously on Fridays. View sample synchronous schedules

Asynchronous

Students work independently with their learning coaches each day. PA Virtual teachers plan student coursework, supervise their progress, and are available to support student needs daily. To read more and learn about student eligibility for the asynchronous program, check our eligibility requirements.

You’ll further explore each of these formats to choose the option that’s best for you and your student during the enrollment process.

Our longest tenured teacher of 25 years celebrates a kindergarten graduation with PA Virtual Students.

Our Full-Day Kindergarten Program

Kindergarten builds the foundation for every child’s education. Because of the flexibility of choosing either the synchronous or asynchronous model (see above), you can plan a day that makes sense for your child. At PA Virtual, your kindergartner will flourish with our Kindergarten curriculum, dedicated teachers, and your active participation as a parent/learning coach. Your kindergartner will have the same teacher for all core subjects to ensure consistency and allow them to build a relationship with their teacher.

PA Virtual provides all of the materials your child needs for the school year, including curriculum and hands-on learning tools, like counting cubes and other classroom materials, to spark creativity and curiosity in every young learner. Check out an overview of our Kindergarten Curriculum for more information about the courses your child will explore. To ensure your child is eligible for kindergarten enrollment with PA Virtual, please check your local district's age requirement. You can also review our Kindergarten Readiness Checklist as you prepare your child.

Elementary School Life

Want to see what a virtual class looks like? Hear from elementary school students, parents, or teachers? Check out our Video Library!

Opportunities for Elementary School Students

Hands-on learning for every student

Outings

Socialization is important, especially for our younger students. Each month, we offer in-person* outings across the state where students can meet other PA Virtual families and make new friends. Throughout the year, we offer virtual outings as well. Activities can include picnics, centers for the arts, history sites, museums, state parks, theme parks, science experiments, bowling, and much more. Students in all grade levels are encouraged to attend.

Community Opportunities

PA Virtual helps families stay connected and serve their local community through our established partnerships with local organizations including food banks, animal rescue centers, homeless shelters, and donation centers. Our students across the state participate in school-wide service learning, including opportunities with the Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, Food Drives, the Ugly Quilt Project, and more.

Hands-On Learning

Young children explore and learn with their hands. The curriculum we provide for elementary students includes a variety of items for tactile learning. Supplies provided in the curriculum make learning fun such as shapes, counting cubes, scales, inflatable globes, paint, and magnifying glasses.

Clubs and Activities

Our Elementary School students have an array of opportunities to meet other students and explore new skills and topics that excite them. Clubs meet virtually on a regular basis. Clubs that our elementary families particularly enjoy include Animal Club, Art Club, Craft Club, Get Fit Club, Cooking Club, and more. Students are also able and encouraged to participate in their local school district’s extracurricular activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What does a typical day look like for Elementary students at PA Virtual?

Elementary students participate in live online classes, complete interactive lessons and activities, and receive daily support from teachers and their Learning Coach.

Will my child receive help if they are struggling?

Yes! Teachers provide individualized support, office hours, small group instruction, and ongoing communication with families to help students succeed.

How involved do parents need to be in Elementary school?

Elementary students work alongside a parent or guardian serving as their Learning Coach, who helps keep them on track and supports daily learning routines.

Can Elementary students socialize and make friends?

Absolutely. Students can participate in virtual clubs, class activities, school events, field trips, and in-person outings throughout the year.

What materials are provided for Elementary students?

PA Virtual provides eligible students with curriculum materials and technology needed for learning at home.

Is PA Virtual free for Elementary students?

Yes! PA Virtual Charter School is a tuition-free public cyber charter school for Pennsylvania students in grades K–12. Elementary students can attend at no cost to families. PA Virtual provides the curriculum, certified teachers, and many of the educational materials needed for learning at home.

How much time does an Elementary student spend in school each day?

Elementary students attend live online classes taught by Pennsylvania-certified teachers and complete additional lessons and assignments throughout the day. Daily schedules vary by grade level, but families can expect a structured school day with teacher instruction, independent learning activities, and breaks.

What grade levels does PA Virtual Elementary cover?

PA Virtual Elementary School serves students in kindergarten through 4th grade. Our elementary program provides a strong academic foundation through engaging online lessons, live instruction from Pennsylvania-certified teachers, and personalized support to help young learners grow academically and socially.

From Kindergarten to Graduation: Our Journey with PA Virtual

My daughter began with PA Virtual when she was in kindergarten we did choose to let her experience brick and mortar for a few years but we learned that wasn't the best learning experience for her, so with open arms PA Virtual accepted her back and now she is a senior and will be graduating from the best virtual school there is, Thank you PA Virtual for an awesome educational experience.

Tuition-Free Online Elementary School in Pennsylvania

Kindergarten - 4th Grade