Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia Cyber Academy offers the following grades for students who reside in the state of Georgia.

• Kindergarten*
• 1st grade*
• 2nd grade
• 3rd grade
• 4th grade
• 5th grade
• 6th grade
• 7th grade
• 8th grade
• 9th grade
• 10th grade
• 11th grade
• 12th grade

*Students must be five years old on or before September 1 to enter Kindergarten and must be six years old on or before September 1 to enter first grade. 

Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA) provides several technology resources to students to support their online learning experience.

• GCA uses a robust Learning Management System (Canvas LMS) that hosts online courses and course management tools. Students can access their courses, supplemental tools and resources, take assessments, review grades, manage their course schedule, and interact with faculty, staff, and peers within the Canvas LMS.  

• GCA also provides loaner computers to families upon request. Computer kits include a computer, mouse, power cord, and headphones with a microphone. 

• For families that lack reliable internet service due to financial hardship, GCA may provide loaner hotspots for internet access.  

• GCA has minimum technical specifications for students using their own computers, which include having a Chrome, Windows-based, or Apple computer, a reliable high-speed internet connection, internal or external microphone and speakers, an internal or external web camera, Google Chrome Browser, and Adobe Acrobat Reader. More information about computer requirements can be found here.

Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA) is committed to providing a rigorous Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) based curriculum and a solid system of support for all students. GCA students are provided with coursework in:

• Mathematics
• English Language Arts
• Science
• Social Studies
• Electives

GCA also provides supplemental tools and resources for standards-based review/practice.  The provided supplemental tools and resources offered vary by a student’s grade level, individual learning plan, and required interventions.

For a list of courses and descriptions, please visit Curriculum and Instructional Programs.

With very few exceptions, all curriculums are 100% online with no materials needed with the exception of basic school supplies.  A school computer and printer may be provided for student use.  

Georgia Cyber Academy provides academic support tools, equipment, and assistive technology as necessary. In rare cases, GCA may also provide some physical materials based on grade level.

Basic school supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters, notebooks, binders, folders, markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue/glue sticks, scissors, rulers, protractors, compass, calculators, etc. are the responsibility of our families. A suggested school list will be provided for each grade level at the beginning of the school year. 

Georgia Cyber Academy is a 100% free online public school.  There is no cost to attend. 

Yes, GCA does provide Special Education services.

GCA is a charter school subject to all Georgia public schools' laws, rules, and regulations. This means that GCA adheres to the same legal requirements as traditional public schools regarding the provision of Special Education services to eligible students.

Students with disabilities who qualify for Special Education Services can receive a free appropriate education (FAPE) based on the student’s IEP.  Georgia Cyber Academy delivers special education programming and related services in the least restrictive environment, as determined by the student’s IEP team. 

Visit our Special Education section for more information. 

Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in social engagement activities such as school clubs and school outings & events.  Parents have the opportunity to participate in closed Facebook groups through our Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) where they can organize events within their respective regions.  Students also attend virtual class sessions where they can interact with each other and their teachers.

Clubs

Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA) elementary school teachers host student clubs each semester, allowing multiple opportunities for students to interact and pursue areas of interest.

Visit our Clubs section for more information.

Outings & Events

Throughout the year, students are invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events.

Visit our Community Partner Events calendar for more information.

PTSO Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups are closed groups for GCA Learning Coaches, Parents, and Guardians.  These groups are sponsored by parent volunteers through our GCA PTSO. They are used as a support resource for GCA families.  

Visit our Parent Facebook Groups page for more information.

Our students participate in online classes where teachers deliver live instruction similar to a traditional classroom environment. During these sessions, students interact with their teacher and classmates through discussion, guided practice, and collaborative learning.

All core instructional sessions are recorded so students can review lessons if needed. In addition to full-class instruction, teachers provide small-group sessions, instructional support, and office hours to help students receive additional guidance.

Students also complete teacher-assigned learning activities outside of live sessions. These may include readings, recorded lessons, projects, and other coursework completed independently. Together, live instruction, asynchronous learning and personalized learning activities help students build skills, demonstrate progress, and stay engaged throughout the school day.

Please visit our Enrollment page or complete the form below to receive more information about enrollment.

Georgia law requires students to participate in school learning activities for a minimum of 180 days per school year and a minimum number of hours required per school day are as follows:

• Kindergarten: 4.5 hours per day
• Grades 1-3: 4.5 hours per day
• Grades 4-5: 5.0 hours per day
• Grades 6-12: 5.5 hours per day

Graduating Seniors and their loved ones have the opportunity to participate in Graduation Weekend which includes Honors Day, Prom, and a Graduation Ceremony.  

View the highlight video below then visit our Graduation page for more information.

Yes, students who attend public schools in Georgia are required by law to take state-mandated tests such as the Georgia Milestones, G-Kids, Access for ELL, Georgia Alternate Assessment, and any additional tests as required based on student needs. 

More information can be found on our State Mandated Tests page.

Yes, Georgia Cyber Academy is accredited by Cognia. Learn more about our Accreditation...

Georgia Cyber Academy participates in the education of displaced/homeless students by providing specific support and supplies to help with their education.  Learn more about our program.

No, the Dexter Mosely Act (HB-545) is exclusively for Home Study/Home School students and does not apply for students enrolled in online accredited public schools such as Georgia Cyber Academy.  According to the Georgia Department of Education, a student can only be enrolled in one school at a time. Additionally, according to the Georgia High School Association, enrollment in another school would make the participant ineligible for high school athletics.

Flexibility at GCA does not mean a self-paced or unstructured experience. Students are expected to stay on pace with their courses, meet deadlines, and demonstrate consistent academic progress.

Within this structured model, some students may have opportunities to complete learning activities independently and access recorded instruction when appropriate. These decisions are based on academic performance, student needs, and teacher guidance.

Families choose virtual education for many different reasons, depending on their goals, circumstances, and preferences. At Georgia Cyber Academy, students learn within a structured virtual school environment that combines teacher-led instruction, personalized learning, and targeted support to help students succeed academically.

Our model allows students to learn from home while following a consistent school schedule guided by certified teachers. This environment can provide families with greater involvement in their student’s learning experience while maintaining clear academic expectations and support from school staff.

Some families choose virtual learning because it offers a learning environment that aligns better with their student’s needs, schedule, or personal circumstances. Others value the opportunity to be more engaged in their child’s education or to create a learning environment that supports their family’s priorities.

While every family’s situation is different, many families find that a structured virtual school like Georgia Cyber Academy provides the support, flexibility, and partnership they are looking for in their child’s education.

Our academic team regularly evaluates curriculum and instructional tools to ensure students receive a high-quality, engaging learning experience. We begin with a curriculum aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence, then carefully select instructional tools and resources that support strong learning outcomes for students.

Because Georgia Cyber Academy operates in a virtual environment, we are able to review and refine our instructional tools more frequently than many traditional schools. This allows our team to adopt new resources, improve existing tools, and respond to student performance data when adjustments are needed.

By continuously reviewing curriculum, technology, and instructional practices, we work to ensure that students receive instruction that is effective, engaging, and aligned with academic standards.

Georgia Cyber Academy has a dedicated team of Family Engagement Liaisons (FELs) who serve as a primary connection between families and the school. These staff members help facilitate communication, answer questions, provide guidance, and support families throughout their time at GCA.

Once assigned, a Family Engagement Liaison typically remains connected with the family throughout their enrollment, helping build strong relationships and providing consistent support from year to year.

To help families start the school year successfully, GCA provides onboarding and preparation resources for both new and returning families. Strong Start orientation modules help new students and Learning Coaches understand the school platform, expectations, and learning routines. Returning families also complete Stay Strong preparation modules that review updates, expectations, and tools for the upcoming school year.

These resources help ensure that students and families begin each school year prepared, confident, and ready for success.

Building a sense of community in a virtual environment is a priority at Georgia Cyber Academy. We intentionally create opportunities for students and families to connect, collaborate, and build relationships beyond the classroom.

Students can participate in a variety of community-building activities, including:

• Virtual clubs and student organizations
• Academic competitions and enrichment opportunities
• Virtual celebrations and schoolwide recognition events
• Online social gatherings and lunch chats
• Service learning and community engagement projects

Students and families also have opportunities to connect through optional in-person events, field trips, and outings held throughout the state.

Families often build connections with one another through school-supported parent communities and forums, where parents can communicate, share experiences, and organize local meetups with other GCA families.

Together, these opportunities help students build friendships, feel connected to their school community, and engage in meaningful experiences outside of their daily coursework.