A Day in the Life of a GCPA Student: Your Guide for Online Learning 

A day in the life of a Grand Canyon Private Academy student

At Grand Canyon Private Academy (GCPA), students learn in engaging ways, build friendships, and enjoy the freedom of taking school with them wherever they go. Whether you’re a kindergartener starting your very first lessons, a middle schooler finding your rhythm, or a high schooler preparing for college, GCPA makes online learning a great fit. 

Here’s what a successful day of online learning can look like for a GCPA student: 

Logging In and Live Classes 

Students usually begin the day by logging into their virtual classrooms, where state certified teachers lead live, seminar-based sessions. At GCPA, students are taught inquiry-based thinking – doing research, asking their own questions and finding evidence to deepen their learning.  

In live classes, students have the same expectations as any in-person classroom, like being respectful and attentive. GCPA middle schooler Mackenzie likes that there are less distractions.   

“It reminds me of a traditional in-person classroom just less chaotic and calmer. You still have to raise your hand to speak, and wait for your teacher to call on you,” she said, “In a live class, students can expect to see their teacher and some other students. You can’t see everybody for privacy reasons, so you also don’t get distracted.”  

Hannah, a high school student at GCPA, likes that she can still interact easily with her teachers and peers.  

“Were able to converse about the things we’re learning,” Hannah said, “Currently in English, I’m reading Hamlet, so we’re able to take turns reading different roles and understanding the work. We also go into breakout rooms and have student-to-student conversations about the work.”  

Coursework  

After live sessions, students can move on to independent assignments. Mackenzie shares her method of handling coursework.  

“On Mondays I start with English and then Earth Sciences… then I would move on to math since that is the next live class I have, and I would go on from there.” 

Hannah loves the freedom it gives her to travel for acting and modeling while still keeping up with her studies.  

“GCPA is a good fit, because it allows me to take my classes with me when I’m travelling somewhere like LA or to Tuscon, she said, “I’m able to get my work done for the day”  

Clubs and Community 

GCPA gives students many opportunities to engage socially. They can log into clubs, attend virtual field trips, or connect with peers in safe online spaces. From academic activities to creative groups, there’s something for everyone. 

GCPA’s Operations Manager, Malece Marston explains, “People think online school cannot be social, but we’ve really tried to make a way for us to have community with our students, both at the local and national level. We try to encourage our students to get involved and feel like they are part of the community. It’s not just that they are getting an education, but they are enriching their life and making school something they want to do every single day.”  

Reflection and Organization 

Many students end their day by checking assignments off their list, reviewing what’s next, and preparing for tomorrow. Staying organized is key. As Mackenzie puts it, “just paying attention, being respectful and being organized can really help with your journey of learning.” 

A Parent’s Role: Partnering in Online Success 

Parents and guardians play a huge role in helping students thrive online. At GCPA, families are seen as partners in the process, and parents are supported every step of the way. 

Here are some parent-friendly tips to set your child up for success: 

• Create a school space: A quiet, distraction-free zone makes a huge difference. 

• Help with time management: Especially for younger students, sit down together to sketch out a daily schedule before free time or games. 

• Encourage independence: As students get older, allow them more responsibility for logging in, tracking assignments, and reaching out to teachers. 

• Stay connected with teachers: GCPA teachers hold study halls, office hours, and welcome one-on-one support sessions. Communication is always open. 

• Be a learning coach, not just a parent: Whether you’re home every day or traveling for work, you can guide your student with structure and encouragement. 

The GCPA Promise 

Whether you’re a kindergartener learning to read, a middle schooler developing independence, or a high schooler preparing for your future, GCPA is here to support you. 

Malece reminds students that while their parents may have chosen the program, it’s ultimately up to them to decide how much they’ll gain from it. The goal is for students to take full advantage of the opportunities available and make the most of their education. 

To Learn more about Online Learning with GCPA visit GCPA.K12.com and Sign Up to View the On-Demand Information Session Here.