FAQs

FAQs2025-03-27T08:33:20-04:00
What grades are offered by Insight PA Cyber Charter School?2023-12-07T10:27:21-05:00

Insight PA offers full-time enrollment for Pennsylvania-residing students in grades K–12.

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous instruction?2023-12-08T09:50:58-05:00

Synchronous classes are live class sessions held at a specific time each day and taught by our Insight PA teachers. Asynchronous classes allow students to view pre-recorded instructional materials and complete their work on their own. Students working asynchronously are still expected to submit assignments and complete assessments on time.

What subjects will my child study?2023-12-10T16:39:03-05:00

In addition to core courses in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, and History, students at Insight PA have access to a full range of elective courses. Elementary schedules include asynchronous Art, Music, Health, and Physical Activity classes that students work through on their own with their Learning Coaches while Middle School students rotate through quarterly synchronous (live) instruction in Physical Education, Health, Computer Science, and Family Consumer Science. Career Exploration begins in third grade and continues through Middle School, using the Smart Futures platform.

Our High School students have access to a large variety of Honors and AP courses, career pathway courses, pre-apprenticeships, certification programs, and electives including World Languages, Visual Arts, Music, and more. (Visit our HS Academics page to view our course catalog for the current school year.) We also have opportunities for students to earn college credit through our College in the High School program.

All Insight PA students also attend live Counselor Connection (Grades K-8) or Seminar (9-12) classes. During these sessions, our team of certified school counselors share social emotional learning (SEL) lessons with students using the Character Strong curriculum and other developmentally appropriate, skill-based lessons targeted to meet the social emotional needs of our students. Our HS counselors also provide students with all of the post-secondary planning resources and guidance they need to prepare for life after high school.

Why is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) required at Insight PA?2023-12-10T16:39:34-05:00

Traditionally, schools have been a place to develop the academic skills and knowledge students need for the future. While academic skills are incredibly important, research tells us there are many other skills that our students need to thrive both inside and outside of school. Those skills, which we call social emotional skills, have become a focus for schools across the country, including Insight PA, as we recognize that it is vital for students to receive direct instruction on managing their emotions, making good decisions, interacting positively with others, and more in order to reach their full potential.  

Here is what the research about social emotional learning (SEL) tells us according to CASEL.org

Academics: Students that participated in SEL programs saw an 11 percent increase in their overall grades and better attendance!

Mental Health and Classroom Behavior: Students participating in SEL programs showed improved classroom behavior, an increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school. 

Long-Term Effects: There is a positive correlation between strong social emotional assets and higher levels of well-being up to 18 years later. (Taylor et al., 2017)

Workforce Development: 6 of the top 10 in-demand career skills involve SEL skills, like complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. 

Where can I learn more about Insight PA’s Career Education Program?2023-12-07T10:37:07-05:00

At Insight PA, we recognize and celebrate that there are many paths our students may take after graduating high school. Through our robust Career Education Program, students are encouraged to explore their interests and build on their personal strengths, helping to prepare them for future success. In High School, students have the opportunity to take specific career pathway courses, participate in pre-apprenticeship programs, and earn certifications in several high-demand fields. To learn more, visit our Career Education page.

Does Insight PA provide textbooks and other instructional materials?2023-12-07T10:37:48-05:00

Yes, we provide a laptop, textbooks, and instructional materials. The books and materials that students receive are dependent on their grade level and the courses in which they are enrolled. High school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle school students as more of their materials are provided virtually. Families are responsible for providing some basic school supplies, such as pencils, markers, and notebooks.

Can my child work at their own pace?2023-12-08T09:51:22-05:00

Our elementary, middle and high school students complete the majority of their lessons and coursework in synchronous (live) classes taught by our Insight PA teachers. On Fridays, students are expected to attend any live Homeroom and Counselor Connect/Seminar sessions on their schedule, but have the rest of the day to work on their own and catch up on assignments as needed.

Do you provide programming and support for children with special needs?2023-12-07T11:07:12-05:00

Yes. Insight PA Cyber Charter School is required to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We offer a continuum of special education services and support to address student needs. To learn more, visit our Special Education page.

A student that does not qualify for special education services under IDEA (an educational law) may still qualify for services under Section 504 (a civil rights law) if the disability is shown to substantially limit his or her educational performance.

Under Chapter 711 of  Pennsylvania Department of Education Code, Insight PA does not provide a separate gifted education program, however Insight PA does offer  rigorous courses and pathways to challenge and enhance the learning opportunities for all students along with recognizing that some students may benefit from an accelerated program to best meet their needs

Do Insight PA students participate in state standardized testing?2024-08-23T08:49:31-04:00

Yes. As a Pennsylvania Public School, Insight PA is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to administer the PSSAs, Keystone Exams, PASAs, and ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners). For more information about these assessments, visit the links below:

Why is it important for my child to participate in state standardized testing?2024-08-23T10:22:44-04:00

There are many reasons it is important for your child to participate in state standardized testing. 

Benefits for Students

As an individual student, the test results show both academic achievement, as linked to PA educational standards, as well as individual progress and growth. We feel strongly that the individual progress and growth metrics are the key ones for a parent/guardian to review as they demonstrate how your child has increased proficiency since prior testing. The results of these tests also help us better educate our students, by providing data that allows us to identify areas for growth in our curriculum and instruction.

Benefits for Insight PA

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that schools achieve a 95% participation rate for state assessments. This requirement applies to reading and math assessments that are used for accountability purposes. The ESSA also requires that schools include the greater of all test takers or 95% of eligible test takers when calculating average school test scores. If more than 5% of students don’t take the test, the lowest possible score is given to those students, which lowers the school’s average score. 

For Insight PA, the test participation rates and the scores of both the proficiency and growth measures of our students play a large part in the PA Department of Education’s evaluation of Insight PA’s performance. The more students who participate in these mandated tests and the more our students demonstrate growth towards proficiency, the better the evaluation results will be. Failure to achieve adequate participation rates could lead to the loss of some federal education funding for our school.

Where can I learn more about state testing at Insight PA?2024-11-19T14:10:58-05:00

Visit our State Testing Website or refer to our Family State Testing Guide for more information.

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