What is PA Distance Learning Charter School (PDLCS)?
PA Distance is a flexible, high-quality cyber school for K–12 students across Pennsylvania
Since 2004, PA Distance Learning has served families across the state with a personalized, fully online education. We’re a state-approved public cyber charter school offering free, high-quality learning for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with over 1,500 students currently enrolled statewide.
At PDLCS, we believe every student deserves an education that meets them where they are. Our certified teachers create and deliver engaging, standards-aligned curriculum, blending live virtual lessons, interactive assignments, and daily support to ensure every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
“It was amazing. I’ve been in education a long time, and I’d never seen anything like it. PA Distance is definitely doing something special.”
— Dr. Deborah Vereen, Parent & Education Professional
Key Facts
🎓 Tuition-Free: No cost to families (funded by your home district).
🌎 Statewide Access: Open to every K–12 student in Pennsylvania.
👩🏫 Certified Teachers: All instructors meet PA state certification.
💻 Tech-Ready: School-provided laptop and materials for seamless online learning
🤝 Comprehensive Support: Daily guidance from teachers, counselors, and academic advisors
What Makes Cyber Charter Schools Unique?
🎯 Personalized Education: Tailored learning paths, smaller class sizes, and more one-on-one time with teachers.
🛡️ Safe Learning Environment: Free from bullying and other physical distractions.
👪 Increased Parent Involvement: Families can be more hands-on in their child’s daily education.
🚀 Opportunities to Thrive: Great fit for students who need flexibility, such as athletes, performers, students with medical needs, or those seeking a more customized pace.
Why We Exist
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Our Purpose
PA Distance Learning Charter School’s purpose is to provide a supportive structure and personalized education that meets each unique student where they are and enables them to become inspired, independent learners prepared for life.
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Our Mission
Through the innovative integration of technology and our flexible, blended-learning approach, we empower our students to thrive and excel in an ever-changing world.
This mission is at the heart of our charter school values and drives our educational efforts for our virtual learners.
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Our Vision
PA Distance Learning will positively transform our students and revolutionize education in our relentless pursuit of effective, innovative and efficient teaching without the barriers of a traditional classroom.
Our dedication to this vision has established us as a leader among charter schools in PA.
How Cyber Charter Schools Work
Students enrolled in cyber charter schools:
Attend live virtual classes and complete self-paced assignments online.
Are issued a school-provided laptop and other necessary materials.
Receive support from teachers, school counselors, and academic advisors.
Participate in school-wide activities, clubs, and events—virtually and in person.
Who Should Consider a Cyber Charter School?
Families seeking more involvement in their child’s education
Students experiencing bullying or school anxiety
Learners who need a more flexible schedule
Students looking for an alternative to traditional classroom settings
Families who travel, relocate, or need consistency across moves
As a public school, PA Distance Learning Charter School is open to all Pennsylvania students in grades K–12, regardless of race, religion, sex, ethnicity, or background. Students must be under the age of 21 and not currently expelled by their local school district. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before the first day of school in their home school district.
Nick Kocuba, Chief Operating Officer
“Behind every successful student experience is a structure built to support it. At PA Distance, we create systems that empower teachers, engage families, and ensure every student has what they need to grow and succeed.”
Key Takeaways
Tuition-Free, Statewide Access
We’re a public cyber charter school for K–12 students across Pennsylvania—flexible, fully online, and free.
Live Teaching, Real Support
Certified PA teachers lead live virtual classes, provide daily feedback, and build meaningful relationships with students and families.
Designed for Online Learning
Our curriculum blends digital tools with physical materials, crafted for success in a home-based learning environment.
A Full, Rigorous K–12 Program
Students enjoy a complete academic experience with electives, advanced courses, and engaging extracurricular opportunities.
A School Community That Stays Connected
From field trips to clubs to special programs, we help students build friendships and grow—wherever they are in the state.
PDLCS Awards & Certifications
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![Logo for Next Gen Personal Finance with a blue graduation cap, orange dollar sign, and the initials 'NGPF.' To the right, a badge with a blue graduation cap, orange star and laurel leaves, and the text 'Next Gen Personal Finance Goad Standard School' in a circle. An illustrated person holds a financial book with symbols for growth, savings, and percentages above their head.]()
NGPF Gold Standard
PA Distance received a $10,000 grant from Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) to adopt the Gold Standard graduation requirements in high school personal finance courses. Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, PA Distance students have been required to take at least one semester, or the equivalent of 60-90 consecutive instructional hours, in personal finance through a standalone course.
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School Choice Leadership Award
PA Distance was honored with the School Choice Leadership Award in recognition of our dedication to providing children across Pennsylvania with access to effective education options.
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![A colorful graphic celebrating winners of Central Penn Parent Family Favorite awards, with a black background, gold glitter accents, and a gold ribbon reading 'Winners'.]()
Best Special Needs Education
Each year Central Penn Parent reaches out to their readers to identify their favorite family businesses, services, and activities called their Family Favorite Awards. PA Distance was voted Best Special Needs Education for the Central Penn Parent Family Favorite Awards.
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![Award graphic with a gold ribbon that says 'WINNERS', colorful text reading 'Family Favorite', and a background of black with gold dots.]()
Best Charter School
Each year Central Penn Parent reaches out to their readers to identify their favorite family businesses, services, and activities called their Family Favorite Awards. PA Distance has been voted Best Charter School for the Central Penn Parent Family Favorite Awards over several years.
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![Back to school theme for the 2024-2025 academic year with the slogan committed to creating a culture of digital learning and citizenship, featuring icons of a star, apple, hands, globe, book, and megaphone.]()
Certified Common Sense School
Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of media and technology, has recognized PA Distance Learning Charter School as a Common Sense School for commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate while preparing them for the perils that exist in the online realm.
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![Illustration of a school gate with green accents, a waving American flag on a pole to the right, and text reading 'Best Schools' below. A badge on the top left corner states '2025 Best Schools'.]()
Niche Best Online Charter Schools (PA)
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a parent or guardian will make for their child. Niche understands this, and has worked to build the most complete, accurate and transparent school search tool on the internet. This tool is powered by our comprehensive school rankings. PA Distance has been recognized on the Best Online Charter Schools (PA) list.
