Enroll in PA Distance Learning’s Philadelphia Cyber School
PA Distance Learning is a tuition-free public cyber charter school serving Philadelphia families in grades K–12. We offer structured educational programming for elementary through high school students based on an evidence-based hybrid learning model. Keep reading for more information on our programs, and contact us for enrollment opportunities and additional guidance.
A Tuition-Free Public Cyber Charter School for Philadelphia Families
Online schooling can be a major win for students who, for whatever reason, don’t excel in a traditional school environment. At PA Distance Learning, we’ve worked hard to ensure that our Philadelphia distance learning charter school excels in all areas of education, with innovative programming that keeps students active, engaged, and on a path to long-term success.
As with all other local public schools, we are also funded by your home school district. That means no tuition, no fees, and no out-of-pocket costs for Philadelphia families. What's included at no cost is a school-issued laptop, curriculum materials and hands-on learning kits, and full access to PA-certified teachers, counselors, and support staff.
Families in Philadelphia interested in cyber school don't need to apply for financial aid or worry about tuition, either. Enrollment is open to any Pennsylvania K–12 student, and it costs nothing to attend.
Educational Programs
-
![Online School Philadelphia]()
Blended Learning Model
We use a hybrid model of synchronous “Live Classes” and self-guided asynchronous “Independent Lessons"“ to meet students where they are and offer them an online educational environment that works around their unique strengths.
-
![Philadelphia Cyber Charter School]()
K-12 Education and Beyond
In addition to elementary, middle school, and high school programs, we also offer specialized academic programs that include virtual special education schooling and schooling for homeless youth.
-
![Cyber school in Philadelphia]()
Support In and Out of the Classroom
Every student is important to us. Our Philadelphia online school prioritizes the needs of our student body with the help of a dedicated staff that includes teachers, interventionists, counselors, and student support specialists.
-
![k-12 online school philadelphia]()
Forward-Thinking Academics
Success may start in the classroom, but it doesn’t end there. PA Distance Learning supports the ongoing needs of our students through our career education and work program, as well as our encouragement for students to explore their individual skills and passions.
Why Our Online School Is a Top Choice Among Local Parents
A safe place to learn: Students work from home, away from bullying and the distractions that can make a traditional school setting difficult.
Real teachers, real classes: Our blended learning model combines live synchronous classes, taught by PA-certified teachers in real time, with structured Independent Lessons on non-class days. Teachers monitor progress throughout the week and hold daily office hours at 3:00 p.m. so students always have somewhere to turn.
Personalized support: Smaller class sizes and direct teacher access mean students who are falling behind can catch up, and students who are ready to move faster don't have to wait.
Flexibility for real life: Whether your family deals with medical needs, scheduling challenges, or a child who simply learns better outside a traditional classroom, our program is built to adapt without sacrificing rigor.
State Proficiency
Like any Pennsylvania school, students in Philadelphia enrolled at our cyber school undergo targeted testing to measure their progress and keep them on the right path. This includes all required tests administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, including the PSSA (grades 3–8) and Keystone Exams (grades 9–12).
Accreditation & Accountability
PA Distance Learning is a Pennsylvania public school, approved by and accountable to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition to state assessments, students participate in benchmark testing throughout the year, including Acadience (K–2), CDT (grades 3–12), IXL, and LinkIt!, which gives teachers ongoing data to support every student's progress.
PA Distance is also recognized as a Common Sense School by Common Sense Education, reflecting our commitment to teaching digital citizenship and safe, responsible technology use.
Computer Science for All
PA Distance virtual high school students have the unique opportunity to enroll in brand new computer science electives designed to teach them the basics of computer programming, coding, and video game design. The PA Distance Computer Science Team believes that computer science knowledge is attainable for all students, no matter their background or prior experience.
Support for Every Student
With the help of our interventionists, counselors, teachers, and student support staff, we meet each student where they are and help them grow. PA Distance uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to develop students academically, behaviorally, and socially.
Students with IEPs or 504 plans receive full special education services, including speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, social work, counseling, and psychological evaluations. If you have questions about your child's eligibility, our team can walk you through the no-cost evaluation process.
PA Distance also serves students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. Enrollment is available immediately, regardless of housing documentation.
Student Socialization
The after-school clubs program at PA Distance Learning offers our students opportunities to build relationships, find new hobbies, expand their content knowledge, and even explore career opportunities.
-
20+ Clubs!
Students can easily sign up for any of the 20+ clubs offered each year, spanning from Dungeons and Dragons to Cooking Club! There is truly something for everyone!
-
What do clubs mean to you?
“It’s a really good environment… something to look forward to every week!” - Grace A.
“I was nervous transferring from another school. Joining a club made it very easy to make friends.” - Alexandria G. -
"Clubs have helped school come to life for me"
After-school clubs offer a place for students to build relationships, share hobbies and interests, and feel a deeper sense of community here at PA Distance, all while having tons of fun!
-
When do the clubs meet?
Each club session lasts for an hour or two, once per week or once every other week. They can be held Monday through Friday and the meet-up times span between 3:30 and 7:00 pm. Club dates and times are arranged by the club sponsor and are shared with the students prior to registering.
Graduation
To celebrate the end of students’ high school education and honor their hard work, PA Distance hosts a yearly in-person graduation ceremony in Harrisburg, PA. During this event, seniors and their families celebrate with their teachers and classmates while receiving a high school diploma in their caps and gowns.
Endless Opportunities to Help Your Child Grow
From kindergarten through high school, PA Distance Learning strives to support students on their personal growth journeys and help them discover a lifelong love of learning. And to do it, we use a multi-tiered system that provides enhanced opportunities for the development of the educational, social, and behavioral skills all of us need in order to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Evidence-based education practices
Field trips and live learning opportunities
Hybrid educational models
Personalized schooling
Extracurricular activities
Office hours and engaged instruction
How to Enroll
Switching schools can feel like a big step. The process here is simple, and we’ll always be here to walk you through it. To get started:
Submit a request form: Complete the online form — it takes about 10–15 minutes. Then, we'll send you an application link by email.
Quick phone consultation: Our enrollment team will call you Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to review your application. Enrollment can't move forward until this step is complete.
Upload your documents: Proof of your child's age, proof of Pennsylvania residency, and immunization records submitted through a secure link we'll send you.
Eligibility: Pennsylvania resident, grades K–12, under age 21. Kindergarteners must be 5 by their home district's first day of school. Reliable high-speed internet is required by the first day of school.
Have questions? Call 1.888.997.3352, option 1, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes, PA Distance Learning is a public school funded through your home school district's tax dollars. There is no tuition and no cost to families.
-
A cyber charter school is a public school authorized by the state to conduct fully online learning and is accountable to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students have access to certified teachers, counselors, and support services. PA Distance Learning has operated as a Pennsylvania cyber charter school since 2004.
-
It depends on your child. For students dealing with bullying, a poor fit with their current school, or a need for more flexibility or more challenge, an online school in Philadelphia like PA Distance can be a strong fit. Our teachers are PA-certified, our curriculum meets state standards, and support is available every day.
-
We serve students in grades K–12.
-
Start at padistance.org/enrollment. Complete the request form, connect with our enrollment team by phone, and upload your required documents. Our team is available at 1.888.997.3352, option 1.
Ready to Get Started?
Our online school serving K–12 students in Philadelphia, PA, is raising the bar for virtual schooling in Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more and see your child thrive in an online environment based on their needs – always driven toward their success.