PA Virtual: Elementary School

A Foundation Beyond the Fundamentals

Elementary student success is all about building a solid cornerstone for the future.

Your child has a team on their side, one that works together to create an academic plan that meets them where they are right now — and challenges without overwhelming.

Draw on the experience and expertise of our Elementary School principal, assistant principals, certified teachers, nurses, school counselors, family support coordinators, and more!

Academic Highlights

Enjoy small class sizes, teacher-provided support, and a well-rounded curriculum that enhances core subjects (math, science, English/language arts, history) with additional classes in health and wellness, physical education, art, music, and more — all to help your child be their best.

We find opportunities to empower students to excel, all while providing additional help where they need it most through teacher-provided support, two school counselors, and more!

Over the course of our K-4 virtual school, 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 to learn about student eligibility for entering the asynchronous program, click here.

During Orientation, you’ll further explore each of these formats to choose the option that’s best for you and your student.

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 rich 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 manipulatives to help excite creative and curious young learners.

PA Virtual provides all of the materials your child needs for the school year, including curriculum and hands-on manipulatives to help excite creative and curious young learners. 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

Field Trips

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.

*In compliance with PA COVID-19 restrictions

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.

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.