What Every Mom Needs to Know About Cyber School

This is a sponsored post featuring Agora Cyber Charter School.

Our area has plenty of wonderful school districts throughout Pittsburgh, but what about another option when traditional school may not be the best fit for your child. We talked with Sarah M, who celebrated 10 years teaching this past year, about what she would want moms to know about Agora Cyber Charter School, here was her answer:

“I think about what I would want in a school for my own children. I would want teachers who push them to succeed, but also care about them outside of academics. I think that’s what you will find here. Teachers create classroom instruction that promotes student interaction and family coaches that give students and families a sense of connection. Agora is focused on working together with families to encourage student success.”

Agora offers a fully online, public charter experience—but it’s far from just logging into Zoom.

Let’s explore what a typical student day looks like, why moms are taking notice, and what makes Agora stand out.

Elementary School (K-5) Core Curriculum:

Kindergarten students through second grade receive instruction in all core subjects from one teacher. Grades 3-5 transition to a team of teachers- ELA, math, science, social studies, keyboarding, health/PE, art and music. Programs like MARK12 is available for students who may need additional support with reading.

Live lessons, small groups instruction, asynchronous work using webcams, chat and interactive tools are all used to keep learning interesting and engaging.

Middle School (Grades 6-8) Curriculum:

Students take on core subjects aligned with Pennsylvania standards and curriculum includes interdisciplinary projects, teacher-led electives like music, art, PE, and computer literacy. Tutoring is also available if needed.

A strong support system is in place for middle school students including school counselors, social workers, and family coaches.

High School (Grades 9-12) Curriculum:

There is so much variety when it comes to Agora’s high school curriculum. Core courses are the foundation but students can choose from 80 electives, 18+ AP classes, and 14 honor courses. Areas include everything from tech and business to astronomy and game design.

Classes can be live, asynchronous, and recorded for students who need to take a sick day or are absent. Agora Cyber Charter School supports students in an individualized way with monthly check-ins with advisors, counselors, and career prep sessions.

What About Outside of Class?

Agora offers various field trips, picnics, and high-school prom! With over 40 clubs, your student can tailor their experience to fit who they are. Some of our favorite clubs are cooking, Girls Who Code, photography and Random Acts of Kindness.

What Moms Should Know: Academic & Social Takeaways

Flexible learning modes allow families to choose between structure and self-paced learning.

Strong support network includes certified teachers, tutors, family coaches, and counselors- especially beneficial for students with IEPs (which make up around 30% of the student body).

Robust club offerings provide meaningful engagement and leadership opportunities across grades.

Social interaction remains a priority, through clubs, events, and face-to-face meetups facilitated by regional staff.

Parental involvement is essential, especially for younger kids, to stay on top of schedules and coursework.

Our Final Thoughts

Agora Cyber Charter School offers a well-rounded cyber-school experience that balances academics, support, and customization. Its curated curriculum-tailored across age groups- blends rigorous standards with flexibility, while clubs and events enrich student life and foster a sense of community.

If you’re a mom seeking a comprehensive online education for your child- with real support, community, and academic choice- Agora is worth exploring.

Virtual open houses are available here!

Curious about specific grade-level schedules, support for special education, or local Agora families’ experiences? Let us know! We’d love to connect you!