Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a cyber charter school?
- A cyber charter school is a tuition-free public school where students are taught from home through instruction provided via the internet and a computer. At PA Cyber all students are given a state-of-the-art laptop or desktop computer, a high-speed internet connection, and textbooks. Students take real-time classes via the Internet with certified teachers, as well as lessons that are designed to move at the student's own pace.
- How would my child benefit from attending PA Cyber?
- At PA Cyber your child will be given an unprecedented degree of accessibility, flexibility, and efficiency so that he or she has the opportunity to receive a high quality education and prepare for their future. This means they will receive a great deal of personal attention from teachers, have more extensive course offerings than traditional schools, and learn in safe environment.
- What grade levels does PA Cyber offer?
- We offer curriculum from K4 (pre-K) through 12th grade.
- Is there a cost to attend PA Cyber?
- PA Cyber is a public school so the tuition costs are paid by dollars allocated by the state and district of residence for each child's education.
- Is my child eligible to enroll in PA Cyber?
- Any student who is a resident of Pennsylvania may enroll in PA Cyber.
- Is the PA Cyber curriculum accredited?
- Yes, all PA Cyber curricula are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- How much time will my child spend doing school work during the day/year?
- PA Cyber is open all year long, which gives students choices and flexibility. Students in grades K-7 are required to complete 900 hours of instruction and students in grades 8-12 are required to complete 990 hours of instruction. We recommend that approximately one hour be spent on each subject per day, which is about five hours per day. Each student is required to attend school 180 days per year.
- How will my child's progress monitored?
- The progress of a student is monitored through the student's Instructional Supervisor (IS) on a weekly basis. The way it is monitored greatly depends on the type of curriculum that is chosen at the time of enrollment however, you and your child will be able to see any grades for work submitted at any time via the Internet.
- How do you monitor attendance?
- Attendance is monitored by the student's Instructional Supervisor (IS), a Pennsylvania certified teacher, using an internet based system. Reports are frequently generated to determine which students are not meeting the attendance requirements. If a student is not meeting those requirements, the IS will contact the student and parent immediately to address the situation.
- Does PA Cyber provide the technology and materials necessary for my child to attend school online?
- PA Cyber is committed to providing the resources that each student will need in order to reach his or her full potential educationally, creatively, and personally. Students are provided with a computer, multi-purpose printer, high speed internet connection, curriculum, textbooks, technical support, and a Pennsylvania certified teacher who monitors each student's progress. For more detailed information, click here.
- What if my child is not computer literate? Can he still participate? Is there support?
- Students do not need to have an extensive knowledge of computers to be successful at PA Cyber. Our trained technical staff has the ability to walk students through problems they may encounter using their new computer. We also provide a step-by-step guide to setting up each student's new computer as well as a technical "welcome packet." Training on our various programs is also offered throughout the year.
- How will my child socialize in Cyber School?
- PA Cyber offers various field trip opportunities throughout the year for students, their families and friends. Many of our students also establish friendships with other PA Cyber students participating in the Virtual Classroom, the Family Link and PA Cyber++. Several of our students also choose to join clubs and teams in their areas on their own and create lasting friendships in that way.
- How will my child receive credit for physical education?
- There are two programs designed for students to gain credit. One program focuses on students enrolled in a team sport or class; the other focuses on students without the means or desire to attend such activities in their area. The state requires 36 hours of participation for grades K4 through 6, and 72 hours for grades 7 through 12 in order to gain credit. In addition, PA Cyber reimburses up to $75 per student per year for an organized class, team, or student membership to an approved exercise facility.
- Does PA Cyber have a gifted program?
- PA Cyber follows Chapter 16 of the state guidelines concerning gifted students. We meet those guidelines by allowing students to accelerate through their curriculum.
- What am I required to do if my child attends PA Cyber?
- PA Cyber requires that adults are home to supervise the student, but class schedules are flexible for working parents
- Can my child participate in Vo-Tech while attending PA Cyber?
- No.
- My family may have to move to a different district or out of state. Can my child still be enrolled in PA Cyber?
- If your residency changes to a different district within Pennsylvania, you will need to contact your IS and provide them with the name of the new school district and a new proof of residency, which can be in the form of a tax statement, mortgage statement, or lease. If your residence changes to an out-of-state location, services through PA Cyber can no longer be provided. However, PA Cyber does have affiliate schools in some states, so be sure to ask if there is an affiliate available in your new area.
- What are the requirements for graduation?
To graduate from PA Cyber, a student must successfully complete the following requirements:
- 4 credits in Language Arts
- 4 credits in Social Studies
- 4 credits in Math
- 3 credits in Science
- .5 credit in Health
- 1 credit in Physical education
- 2 credits in Fine Arts
- 3-1/2 Elective credits
- Submission of Graduation Project
- What is the graduation project?
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All school districts in Pennsylvania require students to submit a graduation project by their senior year. PA Cyber offers students several options to complete the graduation project:
- Take one of three high school courses offered by PA Cyber – Career Planning, Career Exploration, or Planning for College
- Submit 20 documented hours of volunteer work.
A short Graduation Project packet must also be completed along with each of these plans. The packet includes a few short questions asking the student to reflect on the option he or she chose, and how that option prepares the student he/she does after graduation.
- Will my child receive a diploma? Is there a graduation ceremony?
- Students who graduate from PA Cyber will receive a diploma upon completing all necessary graduation requirements. A graduation ceremony is held in early June for all graduating seniors and their families. The number of graduates increases every year, so locations vary. PA Cyber also offers graduating seniors a pre-ceremony celebration in order to meet their graduating classmates and teachers.
