Academics & Testing

Insight PA offers full-time enrollment for students in grades K-12 who reside in Pennsylvania.

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.

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 (K-6) schedules include asynchronous Art, Music, Health, and Physical Activity classes that students work through on their own with their parents/guardians while Junior High School (grades 7-8) students rotate through quarterly synchronous (live) instruction in Physical Education, Health, Computer Science, and Family Consumer Science. Career Exploration begins in Elementary School and continues through Junior High, using the Smart Futures platform.

Our Senior High School (grades 9-12) 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 Dual Enrollment and College in the High School programs.

All Insight PA students also attend live sessions with our school counselors. 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 Senior HS counselors also provide students with all of the post-secondary planning resources and guidance they need to prepare for life after high school.

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.

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.

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.

Our 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 sessions on their schedule, but have the rest of the day to work on their own and catch up on assignments as needed.

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.

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:

There are many reasons it is important for your student 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.

Attendance

Regular school attendance is an essential part of a student’s education and vital to their ability to graduate ready to take on the rigors of young adult life. Students who are frequently absent may be putting their futures in jeopardy by falling behind in school. Chronic absenteeism is a behavior that is strongly associated with dropping out of school. By establishing a daily routine for logging in, attending live class sessions, and completing course assignments in a timely manner, students will be able to successfully complete their course and graduation requirements.

A student is counted as present for the day when they attend 50% of their required classes and are seen on camera.

What counts as a lawful (excused) absence?

  • Student Illness
  • Medical Appointment
  • Death in the Immediate Family
  • Religious Holiday
  • Educational Trip
  • College Visit
  • Court Ordered Hearing
  • Death of a Family Member
  • Family Educational Trip
  • Family Emergency
  • Illness or injury
  • Maternity Leave
  • Medical or Dental Appointment
  • Observance of a Religious Holiday and Religious Instruction
  • Tech Issues

A maximum of 10 days of lawful (excused) absences verified by parental notification may be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days may require an excuse from a physician.

The state requires that all children between the ages of 6 to 18 comply with compulsory attendance requirements. A student is considered “truant” when they have incurred three or more school days of unexcused absences during the current school year. A student is considered “habitually truant” when they have incurred six or more school days of unexcused absences during the current school year. 

When Insight Pa students meet either “truant” or “habitually truant” status, we are required to follow the procedures outlined in our Attendance Policy, which can be found in the “Attendance & Family Responsibilities” section of our Student and Family Handbook.

We understand that there may be situations that do not allow some of our students to attend live classes, including work schedules, medical issues, homelessness, and more. In these situations, we may be able to work with your family to create an individualized attendance plan for your student.

Any out-of-state travel during days school is in session must be reported using our Insight PA Attendance Form, even if the student will be logging in and attending school regularly while out of the state. Per state law, Insight PA students must retain a permanent residence and be present within the state of PA. Generally, no more than 10 consecutive days of travel will be approved.

Our Insight PA Attendance Policy can be found in the “Attendance & Family Responsibilities” section of our Student and Family Handbook.

Enrollment

Any student in grades K–12 who resides in Pennsylvania is eligible for full-time enrollment.

Insight PA is a public, tuition-free school. Required course materials and technology are provided, though students and families may be responsible for some common household materials and basic school supplies.

Enrollment is currently open for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Enrollment for the 2026 – 2027 school year will open the week of March 23, 2026.

You will need to supply the following documents during the enrollment process:

  • Birth Certificate or Proof of Age (Required)
  • Immunization Records or Immunization Waiver (Required)
  • Two (2) Proofs of Residence (Required)
    • Acceptable Proofs of Residence are:
      • Current (not expired) Driver’s License or Department of Transportation Identification (ID) Card. Must show the name of the parent/legal guardian, the issue and expiration dates, and complete address.
      • Current (not expired) Vehicle Registration. Must show the name of the parent/legal guardian, the issue and expiration dates, and complete address.
      • Credit card bill showing the bank/biller’s name, account owner’s name (must be parent or legal guardian) and address, last 4 digits of the account number, and the issue date of the bill.
      • Utility bill (ex: electric, gas, water, sewer, cable, or internet) showing biller’s name, account owner’s name (must be parent or legal guardian) and address, last 4 digits of the account number, and the issue date of the bill.
      • Deed or lease (in the name of the parent or legal guardian) with all pages provided. The full lease with all pages, including signatures, must be provided.
      • Mortgage statement showing the mortgage company’s name, account owner’s name (in the name of the parent or legal guardian), property address, last 4 digits of the account number, and issue date of the bill.
      • Property tax bill no older than one (1) year showing the property owner’s name (in the name of the parent or legal guardian), address, municipality, and issue date of the bill.

To allow us to best support your child and your family, additional documentation may be needed. These documents may include:

  • Most Recent Report Card (Optional)
  • High School Transcript, if applicable (Optional)
  • Most Recent Physical Exam (Optional)
  • Most Recent Dental Records (Optional)
  • 504 Records, if applicable (Optional)
  • Special Education Records (such as IEP), if applicable (Optional)
  • Language Service Records (such as ELP), if applicable (Optional)
  • Gifted Records (such as GIEP), if applicable (Optional)

Students who enroll during the school year must remain enrolled in their current school throughout the enrollment process with Insight PA. Once all enrollment items are complete and documentation is secured, you will receive your starting date from us and your student can be withdrawn from your current school.

Kindergarten age cut offs are based upon your district of residence, as Insight PA must follow each district’s Kindergarten cut off age. Your home district website should provide information about Kindergarten cut off age, or please feel free to reach out to an Insight PA’s enrollment team at enrollment@insightpaschool.org or 484-713-4353.

We are always here to help! Please email enrollment@insightpaschool.org or call 484-713-4353.

Technology

To ensure you have the equipment you need for school, Insight PA provides each student with a laptop and headset and each family with a printer. These laptops and printers must be returned when the student leaves the school.

We highly recommend that families accept and use our loaner computers and printers, as we are then able to assist with technical and software issues. Our loaner computers meet the highest security standards and requirements to ensure students are accessing a safe and secure online school environment. Also, the use of non-Insight PA devices may present a security concern and result in the inability to access some school websites, platforms, and accounts.

Students must have access to the internet to successfully complete their lessons. Insight PA will reimburse a family $50 per month toward the costs associated with their child(ren)’s internet access. (Please note that this is a per family reimbursement based on the household address.) Internet reimbursement payments are sent out twice a year. For more information regarding internet reimbursement, please visit our Internet Reimbursement page.

Insight PA parents and guardians must have basic computer skills, which include navigating the Windows operating system, reading and responding to emails, opening attachments, and supporting students with accessing and logging into various online systems. Parents/guardians should also be comfortable learning new technology platforms.

For K-5 Students

The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (14″ Intel) laptop is powerful, durable, and secure, to help you excel at your daily school work needs. Equipped with an Intel® Core™ processor, onboard Intel® integrated graphics, and extensive memory and SSD storage, the E14 Gen 5 delivers fast, powerful performance.

For MS/HS Students

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 (16″ AMD) laptop is powerful, reliable, and secure perfect for your daily school work needs. Tackle all of your assignments and enjoy peak productivity with the power of AMD Ryzen™ 7000 Series processors and integrated UMA graphics.

For ALL Students

All students will receive a voice-isolating USB-A headset with boom microphone. This comfortable and lightweight headset is perfect for school settings. The adjustable headband fits most.

ALL students will also receive a new Insight PA Cyber Charter School Backpack!

Visit our Family Tech Support Page!