Why Choose American Virtual Academy?
What sets American Virtual Academy apart from other online schools?
Choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. At American Virtual Academy, we support every student’s journey through partnership, personalization, and integrity.
We offer accredited (Cognia) and NCAA-approved experience, with certified teachers who build strong relationships with students and families.
Parents receive full transparency through course progress tools and direct communication with teachers and leadership.
For high schoolers, we create customized Graduation Plans and offer flexible semester start dates.
Can you share success stories or testimonials from other families?
Absolutely. Some of our ballet students now attend The Juilliard School or dance with the NYC Ballet. One of our graduates earned a full-ride scholarship to Vanderbilt University to play Division 1 tennis. We also support students competing in the ATF internationally and an American soccer player earning his diploma while training in Germany.
Getting Started: Enrollment & Eligibility
Are there any age restrictions for enrollment?
Grades K–12 are the standard range. Contact advisors for exceptions here.
What are your enrollment periods?
AVA students may start any Monday of the year. Classes are open enrollment and start on Mondays.
What is your enrollment process? Can we start in September if we wanted to?
Yes. AVA’s rolling enrollment means your student can begin any time and still receive a full 18-week semester. To enroll, complete an application at https://americanvirtualacademy.com/enroll/. An advisor will contact you within one business day to guide you through the next steps.
Can I enroll mid-year or transfer from another school?
Yes. AVA offers rolling enrollment. Get started here.
Are credits recognized and transferable?
Yes. AVA is accredited by Cognia and approved by TEPSAC. Learn more here.
If a student lives in another country, can they attend AVA even if they are not a U.S. Citizen?
Yes. AVA accepts international students. We have several international students across the globe earning their American High School diploma.
Learning Experience: Curriculum & Support
How does AVA work? Are the courses self-paced or live?
AVA is a fully online, flexible private school. Courses are self-paced, allowing students to access materials and complete assignments 24/7. While there are no required live sessions, certified teachers provide personalized, academically focused feedback and offer one-on-one support tailored to student needs.
My child is a competitive athlete/ballet dancer. How would their training schedule be affected?
We serve many students who train intensively. Our flexible approach supports unique schedules, allowing 24/7 access to coursework and personalized teacher support at convenient times.
How do you accommodate different learning styles?
We use an award-winning curriculum from StrongMind, which includes built-in accommodations. Every student has an Individual Learning Plan. This might include trimester pacing or fewer courses per term to meet their needs effectively.
Do I have a teacher?
Yes. Certified teachers are assigned and offer support via multiple channels.
What if my child is struggling? How accessible are teachers for help?
We encourage families to reach out if students need help. Our teachers monitor progress and proactively reach out when they notice a student struggling. Support may include extra practice, videos, or live instruction—whatever fits the student best.
Am I allowed to repeat lessons that I don’t understand?
Yes. Students can revisit and redo assignments.
How do I know how my child is doing in class?
Parents have access to an observer account and dashboard that shows real-time progress, missing assignments, and teacher feedback. Through the StrongMind Parent Portal, families can track grades and course activity at any time. Weekly teacher updates further strengthen the home-school connection.
Is AVA a full-time school or part-time school?
Both options are available. Discover how our students thrived in their preferred learning setup with us here.
Do you offer support for students with IEPs or 504 plans?
Yes. Please consult with an academic advisor to discuss accommodations via our Contact page.
What kind of technology do I need for online school?
A reliable computer and internet connection are required.
Academic Planning: Courses & Graduation
How many credits do I need to graduate?
To graduate from AVA, students must earn at least 22 credits, with 25% completed through AVA. College-bound students are encouraged to complete 26 credits. Read more here.
Do you require any special materials for AP courses?
Yes. Most AP courses require a textbook and sometimes a lab kit, depending on the course. Our Academic Advisor will provide information and pricing after discussing specific course selection.
Do you offer a refresher course for the AP test?
Yes. As a bonus for students who have enrolled in an AP course, we provide access to a course refresher prior to taking the AP test. This is designed to help students who completed the course several weeks or months before the AP test to re-familiarize themselves with the material.
Can a middle school student get high school credit?
Yes. Eligible courses taken in middle school or during summer may count toward high school credit. Advisors coordinate with middle school counselors to ensure credits are applied properly.
Do you offer payment plans or financial aid?
Yes. American Virtual Academy (AVA) offers flexible tuition payment options, including semester-based and full-year plans. Additionally, AVA participates in various state-funded scholarship programs, such as the West Virginia Hope Scholarship, which can cover up to $4,900 per student annually. These programs can significantly reduce or even eliminate tuition costs for eligible families. For detailed information on tuition rates and available financial aid options, please visit our Scholarships page.
Are your courses NCAA approved for student-athletes?
Yes. Many AVA courses are NCAA-approved, making them suitable for student-athletes planning to compete at the collegiate level. Our curriculum is delivered through StrongMind and aligned with NCAA standards to support academic eligibility. For specific course approvals, please view our Accreditation Details.
Administration: Transcripts & Technical Support
How long do I have to complete a course?
Students have up to 18 weeks to complete standard and AP courses at their own pace. Summer courses follow an accelerated 9-week schedule.
Will my grades automatically be sent to my high school?
No. Transcripts are not sent automatically. You can request an official transcript here.
How many days does it take for my transcript to be processed?
48-72 hours. Request an official transcript here.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds are available within 72 hours of course activation, excluding the $125 enrollment fee. No refunds are issued after 72 hours. View full policy
Got Other Questions?
Join us in our next webinar, where we discuss how AVA can support your child’s learning in the most convenient, accessible, and personalized way possible.
