Families often ask us: “Is AVA a charter school?” The answer is no—and here’s why that matters for your student’s future.
AVA, formerly known as The Bridge School, is an accredited private online school serving grades K–12. We built our foundation in Texas and expanded into a nationally recognized program, dedicated to helping every student learn with freedom, purpose, and support.
Unlike charter schools, which are publicly funded and overseen by state authorizers, AVA is fully independent. This independence allows us to provide:
- Certified teachers who build one-on-one relationships with every student
- Flexible, self-paced courses with rolling start dates year-round
- A values-based learning environment designed for the whole family
We also understand that affordability matters. Many families use state scholarships or Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to help cover tuition, making AVA a practical choice for high-quality online education.
Curriculum, Accountability, and Accreditation
Charter schools must follow state standards, even with some flexibility in teaching style. AVA, on the other hand, has full autonomy over our curriculum—allowing us to prioritize college preparation, personal responsibility, and civic understanding.
We are Cognia-accredited and our courses are NCAA-approved, meaning students can graduate with confidence that their credits will be recognized and their options after high school will remain wide open.
Beyond State Boards: Holding Ourselves to Higher Standards
AVA is not evaluated by a charter authorizer—we’re accountable to families and to nationally recognized organizations like Cognia, which rigorously review our curriculum, instruction, and outcomes. In addition, our core courses are NCAA-approved, ensuring college-bound student-athletes meet eligibility requirements.
Quick Snapshot: AVA vs. Charter Schools
| Feature | Charter Schools | American Virtual Academy |
| Funding | Publicly funded | Privately funded; ESA/scholarships may apply |
| Tuition | Free to attend | Affordable tuition-based model |
| Governance | State or charter-authorizer oversight | Independent nonprofit, not governed by charter board |
| Curriculum | Must follow state standards | Full autonomy; Cognia-accredited, NCAA-approved |
| Access | Open enrollment; may use waitlists or random selection | Open to families nationwide; enroll anytime |
| Learning Format | Often in-person or hybrid | 100% online; flexible and self-paced |
| Accountability | Evaluated by state or charter authorizer | Compliant with NCAA and Cognia |
While charter and private schools can look similar online, their structure and oversight are very different. AVA is a private, accredited K–12 school built for flexibility and personalized learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a charter school?
No. AVA is a private, accredited online school that operates independently.
Are you based in Arizona?
No. We began AVA in Texas and have since grown to serve families everywhere in the country.
What makes AVA different from other online schools?
AVA is a private, accredited K–12 school. We’re not part of a public charter network, and we design our own academic program—backed by Cognia and NCAA approval.
Still Have Questions?
We know online schools can look alike—and it’s easy to mix up programs with similar names or platforms.
If you’re curious about what makes American Virtual Academy unique, we invite you to join one of our live monthly webinars. You’ll meet our team, explore how our program works, and get answers to your questions in real time.
Prefer a one-on-one conversation?
📞 Talk to an Advisor Today: 480-498-6068 or visit americanvirtualacademy.com/enroll to get started.
