NCVPS Expands Middle School Program: New Courses, Real-Time Learning, Same High Quality
North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) has long been a trusted provider of high school courses across the state, and in the last five years, we have expanded our offerings to support middle school students in grades 6–8.
With flexible course formats, certified NC teachers, and a growing catalog that includes core subjects, electives, and world languages, we are now the state’s go-to solution for districts looking to personalize middle-grade instruction, solve staffing gaps, or enrich their curriculum.
A Natural Expansion from High School to Middle School
NCVPS began in 2007 as a high school program. Middle school students were able to take select high school courses for high school credit. Our venture into middle school courses started with just a few electives and has now evolved into a robust catalog of middle school–specific content.
What’s Available for Middle School?
✔ Core Courses (Grades 6–8)
Students can take grade-level Math, Science, English Language Arts, and Social Studies—fully aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study. We also offer Advanced Math for sixth graders.
✔ Middle School Electives
Our popular electives designed for younger learners include:
- Middle School Creative Writing
- Middle School Success 101
- Visual Arts Specialization (6-8): Middle School Art
- Visual Arts Specialization (6-8): Art of Discovering Photography
- Middle School Creative Coding (with Vidcode)
- Middle School Journalism
These courses offer engaging, skills-based learning that local schools may not have the staff or schedule flexibility to support.
NCVPS In-Real-Time (IRT)
IRT is NCVPS’s innovative model that blends the best of online learning with live instruction. In IRT courses, students join live virtual classes with their teacher multiple times a week, offering real-time interaction, discussions, and group activities. A staff facilitator is present in-person at the student’s school to provide support.
This model is especially effective for middle schoolers who benefit from structured, face-to-face time with their teacher but still need the flexibility and access of online learning.
Why Schools Are Leaning Into NCVPS for Middle Grades
North Carolina schools use NCVPS for a variety of reasons:
- Deliver high-quality instruction without moving students off the school roster
- Provide flexibility for students with complicated schedules
- Deliver quality instruction to homebound, remote, and mobile students
- Provide additional course offerings to support district-led virtual academies
- Fill teacher vacancies in hard-to-staff subjects
- Offer more electives than the local school can support
- Provide continuity during temporary disruptions
Plus, because students stay enrolled in their local schools while taking NCVPS classes, schools retain ADM funding and stay connected to their students.
Enrollment is Growing Fast
Since launching our middle school expansion, we have seen steady growth in enrollment. School leaders are recognizing the value of online flexibility, certified instruction, and real-time learning models, especially in an era where innovation and access are more important than ever.
A Flexible, Trusted Partner for 6–12 Learning
With middle school offerings now fully integrated into its catalog, NCVPS provides a robust catalog with high-quality courses and highly qualified NC-certified teachers for middle and high school students. Whether you’re looking to supplement a local curriculum or provide a full virtual option, NCVPS makes it easy to support your students with quality, standards-aligned instruction.
