General Online School FAQs

ALDCA enrolls new students in grades K–10; however, returning students can continue through grade 12.

Language arts/English, math, science, and history are core courses. There are also other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as art, health/PE, music, and world languages. High school students also have access to electives and career-focused courses.

Yes. We provide textbooks and instructional materials. These books and materials are dependent on the student’s grade level and the courses they’re enrolled in. High school students receive fewer books and materials than elementary and middle school students.

The elementary program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law. Middle school and high school students complete lessons in synchronous and asynchronous sessions and are expected to complete quizzes, tests, and other assignments in a timely manner.

Teachers work closely with students to help pace the curriculum to meet the student’s goals for advancement.

In the younger grades, many of the online lessons include offline work. Students in grades K–2 spend about 30–40% of their time on the computer, while students in grades 3–5 spend about 50–60% online. Screen time increases in middle school, and by high school, most of the school day is online.

Time online could be spent working on asynchronous lessons, working in live online sessions with teachers, and collaborating with peers on engaging assignments and projects. Students also do hands-on science experiments, read novels, and complete math problems that are done without the computer.

We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide you with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful teaching tools that motivate, stimulate, and inform children about the world around them. They do not, however, replace a solid education. Instead, they help facilitate one. That’s why we use a unique multimedia approach that includes traditional books, workbooks, and instructional materials.

Depending on a child’s Individualized Education Program, we can tailor learning to meet your student’s needs. To discuss your child’s needs with us, please contact our office at 855.879.4871, and we will put you in touch with our special education team.

The beauty of our program is that it is flexible enough to meet children where they are in any given subject and take them where they want to go. Grade placement assessments, completed as part of the enrollment process, allow us to place your student in the appropriate level of curriculum. So, for example, if your fourth grader is doing math on a sixth-grade level and reading on a fourth-grade level, we can tailor lesson plans to meet your student’s abilities.

Throughout the year, students will be invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events. In addition, local groups of students and parents can get together on their own. There are also opportunities to join online clubs where students can connect with peers who share similar interests and passions.

There are no home visits as part of the program and no other intrusions into your home.

Visit How to Enroll for information on enrolling your student in ALDCA

We are proud to be recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). View our list of approved core courses by visiting the NCAA’s high school selection site and inputting high school code 854798. To learn more about our NCAA-approved courses, click here.