Know the Facts! PA Cyber School FAQs

Welcome to our PA cyber school FAQ page. There are misconceptions out there about what is cyber school, and what it’s like to receive a public cyber education.

To address some of those, we put together a list of the common myths, followed by the facts, when it comes to life at PA Distance.

Myths vs. Cyber School Facts

Myth #1: Cyber school students are isolated during the day and never get to interact directly with their teachers or other students.

PA Distance students use interconnected applications, as well as other learning platforms to interact with each other and with their teachers. Students have live classes with teachers nearly every day, in classes as big as 20 students or as small as five.

Our students also have a variety of opportunities to connect and build relationships through a variety of extracurricular activities. Through virtual after-school clubs, summer camps, and in-person field trips, our students forge friendships while learning something new.

Myth #2: How does cyber school work? Don’t PA Distance teachers, and other cyber school educators, work and teach remotely, from their couch or kitchen table, and don’t have to leave their homes?

Unlike some other cyber schools, PA Distance teachers come to the same office, where they teach live learning classes, several times a week. PA Distance provides enough space for each teacher to have their own office space and is equipped with the technology and teaching techniques to bring their lessons, and their virtual classrooms, to life.

This atmosphere also allows teachers to collaborate on projects together and work together to make sure their students succeed in all areas of life at PA Distance.

Myth #3: Cyber schools aren’t regulated like traditional schools, so they can do whatever they want.

Under existing legislation, cyber charter schools are held to even more stringent standards than other schools in Pennsylvania. Many people don’t realize cyber charters are governed by the same state and federal education mandates that apply to all public schools, as well as additional accountability and oversight groups that school districts don’t answer to, including the IRS, the Department of the Treasury, the Auditor General, and watchdog organizations for special education, civil rights, and more.

Myth #4: Cyber School is a “lesser version” of a brick-and-mortar school

Cyber school isn’t so different from any other school. Instead of meeting within a physical location, teachers and students meet in a virtual classroom. PA Distance classes are taught by state-certified teachers and meet state requirements. We also offer unique elective courses to help strengthen career goals that students might have for their futures.

Often, we hear the question, “Is online homeschooling hard?” Students will need to demonstrate initiative in our programs. We offer a rigorous but grade-appropriate curriculum designed to challenge students and help them reach their potential for academic success.

In addition to their Live Learning sessions, our students have asynchronous lessons each day. Think of these as “homework” they do during the school day. The difference is that teachers are available to help their students with these lessons whenever they need it.

For more PA school facts, please contact us. We’re happy to answer any additional questions you may have.