Ignite Learning Academy FAQ

Kindergarten - 12th Grade

That’s one of the best parts of Ignite Learning Academy—it can be structured around your family’s needs. As the parent, you can decide when schooling happens, where it happens, and how the day is organized based on your child’s schedule, learning style, and routines.

Students also have access to live classes with certified teachers, which typically take place earlier in the day. If a student is unable to attend live, sessions are recorded for later viewing, allowing families to maintain flexibility without missing instruction.

As a general guideline, families can expect students to spend approximately:

• Elementary: 15–20 hours per week

• Middle School: 20–25 hours per week

• High School: 25–30 hours per week

We encourage students to take breaks throughout the day, get outside, visit the library, participate in sports, and make time for activities and interests that support a well-balanced lifestyle.

Yes! Many states offer scholarship programs that allow state tax-payers to redirect the funds associated with their child so the funding follows their child, even when they attend a private school. In many cases, this will fully cover the cost of tuition at ILA.

Learn more HERE.

Absolutely. Many Ignite Learning Academy families choose to incorporate faith-based learning into their daily routine. Because ILA is flexible, families are welcome to supplement our curriculum with religious instruction, devotional time, faith-based reading, or other learning experiences that align with their beliefs and values.

Please note: while ILA supports families in personalizing the school day, the core curriculum provided by Ignite Learning Academy is not faith-based.

Ignite Learning Academy is an independent, accredited online private school. While learning takes place at home (or anywhere with internet access), ILA is not a homeschool program.

Students are enrolled in private school coursework and are supported by certified teachers who supervise instruction, monitor progress, provide feedback, and assign grades. Families can feel confident knowing academic support is always available through email, phone, and Zoom.

Ignite Learning Academy teachers play an active, ongoing role in each student’s learning experience. Teachers teach live classes daily, provide direct instruction, answer questions in real time, and help students deepen understanding of course concepts.

In addition to live teaching, teachers monitor course progression and pacing to ensure students are on track to successfully complete coursework within the academic term. Teachers grade assignments, provide meaningful feedback, and participate in course discussions to support learning and engagement. Families and students can also reach teachers through email, phone, and Zoom for additional guidance, clarification, and academic support.

While ILA teachers provide consistent instruction and individualized help, students also complete a portion of their learning through the online curriculum, which teaches concepts through multiple modalities (reading, videos, interactive activities, practice, and projects). Teachers enhance this learning through live instruction, targeted support, feedback, and encouragement.

Teachers and staff respond to communication within 24 business hours, and often sooner.

Yes. Ignite Learning Academy is an excellent fit for gifted learners. Students are placed in curriculum at the appropriate instructional level, so they are continuously challenged and engaged rather than repeating content they have already mastered.

ILA offers multiple supports for advanced learners, including gifted-specific curriculum in select subject areas and access to gifted-certified teachers who understand how to appropriately challenge students while also supporting organization, study skills, and long-term growth.

For students who would benefit from a more specialized experience, Ignite Learning Academy also offers SPARK, our self-contained gifted program designed for students who need consistent access to advanced content, deeper-level thinking, and an environment that moves at the pace gifted learners require.

Students ready for college-level work also have the opportunity to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school through our partnership with the ASU Universal Learner Program, providing motivated learners an early start toward their future goals.

In addition, students can explore interests through dozens of electives and career-focused courses, helping them discover passions, expand strengths, and stay motivated throughout the school year.

Ignite Learning Academy follows a set academic calendar with defined semesters/terms, and courses are expected to be completed within the assigned term. Teachers closely monitor student pacing and will reach out before a course falls behind to identify challenges, provide support, and create a plan to get back on track.

We also understand that extenuating circumstances can occur. In those cases, a course may be extended for a set period of time with Head of School approval and may include an additional extension fee.

If a course is still not completed by the end of the following term, a grade will be assigned based on the work that has been submitted.

Yes. Ignite Learning Academy does have attendance expectations. While students have flexibility in how they structure their school day—and may “chunk” time by focusing on one subject at a time—consistent academic progress must be demonstrated each week and throughout the month.

If three weeks pass with no assignment submissions, the student and family will be contacted by school staff regarding excessive absences and lack of participation. The school may reach out using multiple communication methods, including phone calls, emails, and mailed correspondence.

If the student resumes coursework and progress is observed, no further action will be taken. If the student and/or family remains unresponsive and progress is not made, the student’s account may be temporarily locked until contact is made and an attendance plan can be established.

Ignite Learning Academy can be a great fit for many students with IEPs, 504 Plans, or a history of special education services, especially when a flexible schedule and individualized support are important.

Students work through online coursework with support from a parent or designated learning coach at home, along with ongoing guidance from certified teachers. When appropriate, ILA can also reduce a student’s course load to better match individual needs—including for students who are homebound and may need a limited number of courses.

This learning environment often works well for students with special learning needs because:

• there are fewer distractions

• families can structure the day in a way that supports the student’s attention and stamina

• learning time can be “chunked” into shorter sessions

• students may have additional time and flexibility to complete assignments while still showing consistent progress

If you are considering enrollment, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your child’s needs and learning profile to help determine whether Ignite Learning Academy is the right fit.

No. If desired, content can be downloaded and printed. Also, please note that some hands-on lessons may utilize household items.

Our online courses and platforms work well on most modern computers and devices. To ensure you get the best experience, please review our complete list of pdf technical requirements (PDF)(160 KB) .

Note: Occasionally, tech-elective courses might require additional software or system requirements. This information will be provided to you prior to enrollment in the course.

Yes. Students may work ahead and complete coursework before the academic term ends. Many families appreciate the flexibility to move faster when students are motivated and making strong progress.

Please note that tuition remains the same even if a student completes coursework early within the term.

Yes. All Ignite Learning Academy teachers are certified in the content areas they teach. Every teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree, and many also hold graduate degrees.

Social connection is an important part of childhood, and at Ignite Learning Academy we intentionally create opportunities for students to build community—even in an online setting.

Students can socialize through virtual clubs, student government, school activities, in-person field trips, as well as homeroom meetings and assemblies. These sessions allow students to interact face-to-face in a supervised environment through live video.

We also encourage families to engage in meaningful community experiences locally—such as visiting the library or museum, participating in sports and extracurricular activities, joining community or faith-based groups if desired, and spending time with local friends. Many families find that this balance provides a healthy and fulfilling social experience while still benefiting from the flexibility of online school.

Students at Ignite Learning Academy complete the four core academic subjects: math, language arts, science, and social studies. In addition to core coursework, students can choose from dozens of elective and career-focused courses based on grade level and availability.

Elective options may include areas such as foreign languages, physical education/health, fine arts, technology, and career exploration, allowing students to pursue interests, build real-world skills, and stay engaged throughout the school year.

• A 90-100%
• B 80-89.9%
• C 70-79.9%
• D 60-69.9%
• F/no credit 59.9% and below