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General FAQs About Our Online School
We’ve answered common questions about Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ) below, from how online learning works to how students make friends and interact with their peers at an online school.
Still have questions? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist!
How does online learning work?
Insight Academy of Arizona is a tuition-free, Cognia-accredited online public school serving Arizona students in grades 7-12. We offer flexible learning options with the structure, accountability, and certified teachers families expect from a brick-and-mortar public school—and the freedom to learn in a safe, judgement-free space.
Is Insight Academy of Arizona accredited?
Absolutely! Insight Academy of Arizona is fully accredited by Cognia, a nationally accredited governing body, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. Rest assured that accreditation from Cognia is a valuable mark of distinction based on rigorous, research-based standards, and evidence-based criteria. Our whole school—from our policies to learning conditions and cultural context—works together to meet the needs of every learner. Accreditation also validates diploma eligibility and facilitates the transfer of credit to universities and other schools worldwide.
What grades does Insight Academy of Arizona offer?
ISAZ offers full-time enrollment for students in grades 7-12. Some of our students spend all their middle and high school years with us, while others may need to enroll for a semester or two to catch up on credits.
What subjects will my student study at ISAZ?
English/language arts, math, science, and history are core courses. Other courses may be required, depending on grade level, such as art, health/PE, music, and world languages. Middle school students can take career exploration courses and high school students can choose from a variety of electives, including career-focused electives. For those needing to get back on track, credit recovery courses are also available.
Who is eligible to attend Insight Academy of Arizona?
Students must be Arizona residents and 20 years of age or younger when they enroll at Insight Academy of Arizona to attend our online school. Students who turn 21 while enrolled and need additional education in order to receive a diploma may remain enrolled until they meet the graduation requirements or the end of the school year, whichever occurs first. Students enrolling in 9th grade must also be able to demonstrate completion of the 8th grade through official transcripts or homeschool portfolios.
What does it cost to attend Insight Academy of Arizona?
There is no tuition for Arizona residents in grades 7–12 to enroll at or attend ISAZ because we are an online public school. Students must have access to a computer with an internet connection to attend Insight Academy of Arizona. Loaner computers and internet stipends may be available to families who qualify based on income guidelines.
Like traditional public schools, some common household items—such as printer ink, pens, and paper—aren’t provided by our school.
To determine if your family qualifies for a loaner computer or internet stipend, please reach out to an enrollment consultant.
How do I transfer my student? Can I transfer my student in the middle of the school year?
Yes, we do accept transfer students throughout the year. Simply follow the Four Simple Steps to Enroll directions to transfer your student to our online public school. ISAZ is here to help families make a smooth change when it works best for them.
If I transfer my student, can ISAZ get my child’s records from their old school?
Insight Academy of Arizona cannot get your child’s records from their old school. That request must come from the parent or legal guardian of students under the age of 18. You may want to consider getting copies of your records for yourself before changing schools.
We’ve already had to switch schools this year. Is it better to transfer to Insight Academy of Arizona now or wait until the new school year?
You can enroll your student at ISAZ whenever it works best for your family. Students can submit an enrollment application anytime during the year and once approved, start at the next scheduled start date.
Our enrollment consultants can help make it easier for you to transfer in the middle of the school year. And rest assured—after 15 years here in Arizona, getting to know our local families and communities, we’re not going anywhere— we’ll also be here next year if that works better for you!
Does ISAZ provide textbooks and other instructional materials for my student?
Yes, Insight Academy of Arizona provides textbooks and instructional materials for students. These books and materials vary based on the student’s grade level and the courses they’re enrolled in. For instance, our high school students receive fewer books and materials than middle school students.
Can my child work at their own pace in online public school?
Middle school and high school courses include weekly assignments, scheduled lessons and activities, and assignments with set due dates. Optional and required instructional sessions are scheduled throughout the week to support student learning. Students can create a schedule that enables them to complete academic work and receive teacher support throughout the day.
Our Flex program gives Flex students additional freedom to set their own daily learning plan, while sticking to the scheduled deadlines and due dates determined by the school. Flex students are offered optional live virtual classes, with flexible scheduling throughout the school day and week. They are also assigned teachers for support and resources.
All programs meet applicable statutes and mandates concerning academic progress and attendance as outlined by the State Board of Education.
What if my student is behind on credits or failing classes?
At ISAZ, we specialize in addressing the needs of students who are struggling. Our credit recovery and remediation courses help students get back on track. Our efficient approach to credit recovery allows students to test out of the material that they’ve already learned and focus strictly on what they need to learn to pass, often allowing them to stay on top of their current classes while catching up. Credit recovery courses are also offered during special summer sessions.
What is the attendance policy at ISAZ?
Whenever possible, family vacations should align with school vacation days. Our ISAZ school calendar includes school holidays and vacation time. Parents are encouraged to contact their student’s teacher if they plan a vacation that does not coordinate with the school calendar. Leave will be approved based on the individual student’s consistent progress and attendance. No educational leave will be granted during scheduled state-mandated testing.
How much time do students spend online?
Middle school students typically spend more than 60% of their school time online, while high school students will spend more than 80% of their school time online.
Time online could be spent working on asynchronous lessons, working in live online sessions with teachers, and collaborating with peers on assignments and projects. Students may also do hands-on science experiments, read novels, and complete math problems without the computer.
How do students socialize and make friends in an online school?
Insight Academy of Arizona is a safe, inclusive, local community. Students can participate in live class sessions, group discussions, and collaborative projects that help build relationships and communication skills.
Students are also invited to participate in optional in-person school outings, field trips, school dances, and other social events throughout the year. Local groups of students and parents can get together on their own as well.
K12 online national clubs, competitions, and field trips help connect students with peers who share similar interests and passions.
Check out the Student Life page to learn more about how students socialize at ISAZ!
Do you provide curriculum for students with special needs?
Depending on a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), we can tailor learning to meet your student’s needs. To discuss your child’s IEP learning needs, please contact our office and we’ll put you in touch with our special education team.
If my student has been expelled from another school, can they enroll at ISAZ?
Each case will be reviewed based on records from your current or former school district. As an Arizona public school, ISAZ may honor current expulsions from another district. Approval for enrollment will not be granted until the case is reviewed.
What is Insight Academy of Arizona’s policy on bullying?
At ISAZ, we are committed to providing a safe education environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Gain peace of mind by reading more about our dedication to creating a safe and welcoming community in the ISAZ policy on bullying [PDF].
In addition to details about specific policy provisions, reporting, and investigations of bullying, harassment, or intimidation, the Insight Academy of Arizona policy on bullying PDF includes a direct link for students to anonymously and directly report instances of bullying.
Will my child have the same graduation opportunities as students in traditional public schools?
Yes, students who attend ISAZ are public school students, and they earn a high school diploma identical to those awarded by other public schools in Arizona. Our school academic counselors meet with students annually to review credits earned and those still needed, ensuring families stay informed about progress toward earning a high school diploma. We also hold an in-person graduation ceremony to honor our graduates and their accomplishments!
How will I know when my student’s enrollment has been approved?
Our enrollment processing center will contact you and inform you that your enrollment has been approved or that documents are still needed to process your application. Once your enrollment has been approved, an Insight Academy of Arizona representative will call you to discuss enrollment in ISAZ’s program and course placement.
Can students participate in extracurricular activities in their resident school district?
This decision is made on a district-by-district basis. Please contact your local school district for details.
How long does ISAZ keep student records?
Insight Academy of Arizona follows the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records retention schedule. Special education records (including placement records, referrals, evaluations, testing data, and other related records) are destroyed four years after the fiscal year of final enrollment in the program.
To obtain copies of records for students who have attended ISAZ, please call our office at 877.280.8552.