Frequently Asked Questions

A charter school is a tuition-free public school that operates independently from the local school district. Charter schools meet all federal, state, and local education, health, and safety requirements and are held accountable by an authorizer to meet high academic and operational standards. This oversight, combined with the flexibility to design curriculum and programs, helps schools provide a high-quality education for every student.

An online school delivers the full classroom experience from home. At PrepNet Virtual Academy, students learn from credentialed teachers using the same research-backed curriculum as NHA's network of 100+ in-person schools, through either scheduled live classes or self-paced coursework with regular teacher support.

Yes. PrepNet Virtual is a public charter school, which means it's independent from the local district but follows all state education requirements and is open to all students.

Yes. PrepNet Virtual Academy is an online K-12, tuition-free public charter school open to all students in Michigan. As a public school, we're funded the same way district schools are, so there's no cost to attend.

PrepNet Virtual Academy is a public charter school open to all eligible students in kindergarten through 12th grade. There are no entrance exams or interviews to apply. Visit our Admissions page to learn more about eligibility.

As a public school, we invite applications from all students who reside in the state of Michigan and meet age requirements. There are no entrance exams or interviews. For kindergarten age requirements, visit our Kindergarten Calculator. For high school, see the Michigan Age Out Policy.

A charter school shall not discriminate against or limit the admission of any student on any unlawful basis, including on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, athletic ability, race, creed, religion or ancestry. A school may not require any action by a student or family (such as an admissions test, interview, essay, attendance at an information session, etc.) in order for an applicant to either receive or submit an application for admission to that school.

Complete the online application right here on our website. Applications submitted during Open Enrollment are all given equal consideration through a lottery held after the closing date. See our Admissions page for this year's Open Enrollment dates.

You can also apply after Open Enrollment closes. Those applications are considered in the order received, after all earlier applications have been processed.

When you apply, you'll select Live Online or Self-Paced as your preferred learning model. If space is available in that model, your child will be accepted. If it's full, your child will be placed on the waiting list and notified when a seat opens.

When more students apply than we have available seats, we hold a random lottery to fill them. Siblings of currently enrolled students receive preference.

If more students apply than we have seats, we keep a waiting list. Movement is common as families' plans change, and we contact families as seats open. You'll receive monthly status updates on your child's position.

NHA schools follow a rigorous, research-backed curriculum. Teachers use student data to guide instruction and give each student personalized support.

Moral Focus™ is NHA's character development program. Students learn a different virtue each month, like compassion, perseverance, and wisdom, and practice applying them in everyday situations. These lessons help them build strong character and make good choices at school, at home, and in their communities.

Learning online doesn't mean students never meet. Field trips bring families together in person throughout the year, giving students a chance to explore somewhere new alongside classmates they usually see on a screen.

Yes. Students who are ready to move beyond grade level can take on advanced learning in either Self-Paced or Live Online.

In grades 9-12 we use standards-based grading, which measures what your teen has actually learned rather than averaging points from assignments. These scores turn into regular letter grades and percentages on the transcript, so colleges see a normal GPA. Learn more about standards-based grading.

Yes. Michigan requires state testing for students in grades 3-12, and those tests must be taken in person at a PVA testing site. Families are responsible for transportation. Our testing coordinator sends dates and locations as testing approaches. See our Testing & Assessments FAQ for more information.

It depends on the learning model. Live Online students follow consistent start and end times, attending scheduled classes with breaks away from screens for lunch and recess. Self-Paced students have 24/7 access to coursework and work through a sequenced curriculum on their own schedule, with weekly check-ins to stay on track.

Parent involvement matters in both models. Self-Paced parents serve as a learning coach supporting daily instruction, while Live Online parents help provide structure, monitor assignments, and stay connected with teachers. Learn more about parent partnership.

Visit our School Tour page to schedule a virtual tour with our Admissions team.

Use the messaging feature within the NHA app. Search for the staff member you want to reach and compose your message. Staff members typically respond within one business day during the school year.