How It Works
How Does Online Middle School Work at GCPA?
At GCPA, we push all of our students to succeed in the learning environments and with the support they need to do their best. Online middle school works much like conventional school, but with the added convenience of a virtual platform.
Online Learning for Middle School Students
Students can learn from anywhere there’s an internet connection while enjoying a strong curriculum and consistent support from teachers and staff to guide them on their unique academic journeys.
Through our online learning platform, both students and parents have continuous access to lessons and resources, so it’s possible for students to lean on extra support whenever they might need it. On a typical day, students will attend online lessons, participate in seminar-based discussion, and complete hands-on assignments offline.
Completing Coursework
In middle school, student learning shifts from a mastery-based approach to a semester-based approach. Students are required to earn a passing grade on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.
While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students are required to attend live, online Class Connect sessions with their teachers based on their individual needs. During Class Connects, students receive online instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact virtually with classmates.
Attending Class Connects and completing coursework according to the assigned pacing schedule will help set your student up for success.
Working With Teachers
Teachers provide individual and small group assistance via online synchronous sessions called “Class Connects.” Students are expected to attend all required Class Connects and meet with their teacher to receive course assistance, tutoring, and instruction. Class Connects vary by grade level and are scheduled by your teacher.
Time Commitment & Attendance
Attendance is logged Monday through Friday; however, academic progress can be achieved during the weekends as well. Middle School students are expected to spend approximately 4–7 hours on schoolwork per school day.
Testing & Assessments
Families enrolling at GCPA must be willing to participate in all required areas of the program, including K12 assessments, NWEA benchmark assessments, as well as other benchmark or course assessments when applicable.
Students are not required to take state assessments.
What’s my role as a parent?
Middle school is a time when students become more independent, taking on more responsibility and ownership for their learning. As a parent, you (or another responsible adult you choose) serve as your child’s “Learning Coach.”
Parent/Learning Coach involvement is critical for student success as middle school students continue to build their organization and time-management skills. Teachers set the pace of instruction, but the Learning Coach helps the student stay on track.
Parent/Learning Coach involvement may vary per child and grade level. Students in grades 6–8 build self-advocacy skills and work more directly with teachers, but parent/Learning Coach involvement is essential for approximately 20 hours a week. The initial 4–8 weeks can be intensive as families settle into a routine.
How can I communicate with my student’s academic team?
Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails on a daily basis.
Who can attend online elementary school at GCPA?
The Grand Canyon Private Academy (GCPA) middle school program serves students in grades 6–8 who reside anywhere in the nation and in select countries. Contact enrollment for a list of eligible countries.
What are the costs?
Grand Canyon Private Academy has worked hard to offer private school prices that respect the commitment and investment families make when they enroll their children in private school.
Your costs will vary depending on whether you choose to enroll your student for one semester or the full year. We also have part-time course options. There may be additional costs associated with special education services, which could vary based on the level of services needed to properly support a student’s IEP/ISP/MET/504 plan.
Grand Canyon Private Academy participates in Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account. Arizona’s ESA fully covers GCPA’s tuition costs, meaning Arizona students can attend for free.
We also participate in Florida’s Personalized Education Program, which provides families with access to an education savings account to fund the education needs of Florida students who do not attend public or private school full-time. At GCPA, these funds can be used for online courses and tutoring.
Connect with an enrollment consultant for guidance.