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PA Virtual: Middle School

5th Grade - 8th Grade

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A Curriculum That Grows With Your Child

Student success is at the heart of every decision we make at our virtual middle school. Your child’s team works together to create a plan that allows them to grow as independent learners and to take advantage of the expertise of specialized teachers. The team includes a principal, assistant principals, teachers, nurses, school counselors, family support coordinators, and more. Middle school students learn how to set goals, assess their own progress, and reflect on successes and challenges. To keep students engaged and provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, our certified middle school teachers use the rigorous K12 Inc. curriculum to make learning interactive for the students. Over the span of grades 5 through 8, middle school students explore the following topics that are integrated across subjects:
PA Virtual middle school student uses microscope
  • English Language Arts—textual analysis, reading strategies, comprehension, writing composition, vocabulary, grammar, literary analysis, media literacy, interpretation of literary works, close reading of short stories, poetry, drama, novels, etc.
  • Math—expanded multiplication/division, fractions, proportions, decimals, ratios, data analysis, multi-step word problems, geometry, 3D figures, graphing equations, statistics, linear models and equations, functions, etc.
  • Science—geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, atom structure, taxonomy, animal physiology, plate tectonics, solar system, gravitational pull, cell biology, periodic table of elements, genetics, chemical reactions, etc.
  • History—Civil War, civics, economics, Native American civilizations, European exploration, American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Renaissance, prehistoric civilization, classical civilizations, world religions, scientific revolution, Russian and Asian civilizations, etc.
  • Physical Education/Health—monitoring heart rate, choice of physical activity, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, strength training, fitness testing, heredity, personal hygiene/health, nutrition, safety awareness, harmful substances, emotional well-being, etc.
  • Art—realistic and abstract art creations, Impressionism, Cubism, weaving, art historians, architectural models, sketches, Medieval and Renaissance art, principles of design, applied arts, prints and paintings, etc.
  • Music—understanding music concepts, music theory, authentic recordings, creative movement, singing & dancing, real & virtual Instruments (recorder, tambourine, etc.), focused listening skills, etc.

To learn more about the topics covered in your child’s specific grade, check out our Curriculum by Grade.
You can also watch this video to hear an honest review from a PA Virtual middle school parent.

Honors Program

Students seeking advanced work may be eligible to join our Honors Program. Students in the program take advanced courses in all of the following subjects: English Language Arts, Math, Science, and History. Teachers use the Edgenuity Curriculum for all 7th and 8th grade Honors courses. Students are eligible to receive graduation credits for the Honors English and Math courses.
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Instructional Formats

At our grades 5-8 online school, we offer two instructional formats: synchronous and asynchronous. Families can choose a more structured schedule with live, teacher-led classes or 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. In our synchronous format, teachers provide direct instruction, guide student work, and assess student progress. Synchronous classes occur Monday through Thursday; students work asynchronously on Fridays. To see sample schedules for synchronous middle school students, click here.
  • Asynchronous—Students work independently with their Learning Coaches each day. In the asynchronous format, PA Virtual teachers plan the students' coursework, supervise their progress, and are available to support student needs daily.   

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

Do you want to see what a virtual class looks like? Check out our Video Library for sample classes and more!

Visit Video Library 
Program-Charts_Middle

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Meet the Principal

My wife and I enrolled our daughter in the first year PA Virtual opened. The following year after applying, I was hired as a teacher. During my time here at PA Virtual, I have held various positions within the school; I have been here for a while as you can see. In 2007 I obtained my principal certification, and after that, I completed the coursework for the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility.

All three of my children attended PA Virtual. That experience provided me a first-hand understanding of the role of the Learning Coach. I appreciate the job our Learning Coaches do and the commitment they have to their child's success.

I love that PA Virtual is a pioneer in cyber education. I hope we continue to focus on developing a quality program to meet all students’ needs.

Rick Verga, Middle School Principal

Opportunities for Middle School Students

Engaging learning for every student

Field Trips

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 sporting events, observatories, environmental centers, history tours, winter sports, charity events, state parks, and much more. Students in all grade levels are encouraged to attend.
*In compliance with PA COVID-19 restrictions

Service Learning

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 Pennies for Patients drive, Food Drives, Toys for Tots, the Ugly Quilt Project, and more.

Clubs and Activities

Our middle 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. Examples include National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Science Club, Chess Club, Virtual Voices, Band Club, Photography Club, and more. Students are also able and encouraged to participate in their local school district’s extracurricular activities.

Individualized Learning

PA Virtual students use Study Island and Exact Path, two tools that help our teachers determine a student’s individual needs. These programs provide lessons and activities to support academic growth and are personalized for your child’s own learning path.

Top 25%

Of the 174 charter schools that have SPP scores listed for the Final Academic Score, PA Virtual ranks within the top 25% of all charter schools in PA.

74%

of Middle School teachers have a Master's Degree.

96%

of Middle School parents would recommend PA Virtual to other families.

    PA Virtual was the best choice for my daughter. She is so much happier and her confidence has improved greatly. 

    The teachers go out of their way to make sure the students are fully understanding every lesson being taught. I couldn't be happier with our decision to switch to PA Virtual!”
    Testimonial

    Melissa Day
    PA Virtual Parent since 2016

    User testimonial on how PAVC allowed them to change their lives. Should be extremely valuable and persuasive.

    A continuation of the User testimonial on how PAVC allowed them to change their lives. Should be extremely valuable and persuasive.”
    Testimonial

    Jane Doe
    CEO of Awesome

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