How It Works
Welcome to Summit Virtual Academy our K-12 online school!
Summit Virtual Academy is an online school with highly qualified certificated teachers. Teachers develop a Written Student Learning Plan for each student, evaluate student work, track student progress on a variety of academic measures, and make the final determination of student success in the program.
Who can attend?
Any NTPS student in grades K-12 can enroll. There are a limited number of openings for students who live outside North Thurston Public Schools and wish to request a choice transfer.
How much does it cost?
Summit provides curriculum, materials, and technology for students free of charge. A $10 assurance fee is required to cover the use of your device.
What does a typical school day look like?
At Summit, the school day starts at 9:00 am with Base Camp Class, where you meet with your teacher and other students in your grade. It's a time to connect, socialize, and plan your day. Throughout the day, you'll have live online classes with caring teachers, time to work independently on your Chromebook or with materials sent to you, and small group or one-on-one support. You can expect to spend 5–6 hours per day on our schooling. You're never alone—our support team is always here to help you succeed.
“I have been doing dance since I was two years old - this is my 8th year. I really like online school because sometimes I have dance at 4:00, which makes it hard to go straight from school to dance. Online school gives me more free time.”
Savy
5th grade student
“One thing I like about Summit is that you get to make up your own schedule. I do a lot of training sessions for volleyball, and it’s easier for me to navigate that.”
Selah
10th grade student
“I like that I get a lot of 1:1 time with teachers, which has been very helpful for me.”
Isabella
High school student
“What I mainly like about Summit is that the teachers are really supportive- having more 1:1 time between the teachers and students is very helpful. At Summit, it is easier for teachers to focus on a smaller group all at once.”
Alyssa
High school student
“I like the flexibility of online school. I can take my time on assignments.”
Makayla
8th grade student
“I like how when I need support, I can get it without missing any other classes. I really like being able to get the help I need!”
Miguel
High school student
“I know that one day I want to be a big equipment operator. I like being in an online school where I have the flexibility to work with my cousin!”
Stone
6th grade student
“In 10 years, I see myself graduating from high school and going to school to be a veterinarian or owning my own dance company. I am grateful to Summit because the teachers and principal all care and try hard through students’ highs and lows.”
Cellianny
7th grade student
“I like that our school teaches a lot of math. I want to be a marine biologist. I also like beavers because they are cute and love carrots. I love carrots too!”
Aubrey
4th grade student
“I want to work in a tattoo studio, I like making bouquets of flowers, and I like crocheting. At Summit, I like how I can get help when I need it and how EVERYONE is so helpful. I also like seeing all my friends!"
Dahlia
4th grade student
“I like how fun school is! I get to have breaks between classes. I am learning division - and it’s hard! It’s a new thing to try, and I’m still learning it.”
Kinley
3rd grade student
“I am a business owner for a company called 3D Sisters. We print 3D printed objects. I go to Summit because of the flexibility of the schedule. Like, today went to classes, and in between classes, I was able to sell and deliver my frogs.”
Trinity
4th grade student
“I like how flexible the time is for online school. I like how our classes don't take the whole day, and leave time to get your homework done.”
Leonora
8th grade student
Enrollment is OPEN for the 2026-27 school year
Enrollment is open for all students K–12.
- Summit Virtual Academy is a fully accredited K–12 public school serving approximately 400 students in NTPS.
- Once received, transfer requests are reviewed and approved based on staffing capacity.
- Current Summit students who live in-district will remain enrolled unless they withdraw and enroll in another school.
- Note: the enrollment periods for grades 9–12 are Semester 1 (September) or Semester 2 (February).
Summit is a part of North Thurston Public Schools
The mission of NTPS is to prepare all students for rewarding careers, fulfilling lives, and compassionate global citizenship. Summit Virtual Academy aligns with Washington State’s Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) requirements under WAC 392-550: Alternative Learning Experience Requirements and is governed by the same rules and laws that apply to other public schools. For more information, visit OSPI's Alternative Learning Department.
5 Reasons to Join Summit
- Study with highly-qualified, dedicated, caring NTPS certified teachers.
- Learn from home with reduced distractions and increased parent involvement.
- Build close and supportive teacher/student/caregiver relationships for improved student learning.
- Use rigorous online curriculum and exceptional learning support tools.
- Interact with teachers and classmates daily and attend optional social opportunities online and in-person.
5 Things Summit Families Should Know
- Expect 5-6 hours of schooling daily.
- Parents take an active role by supporting student success every day and meeting regularly with teachers.
- Successful students are self-motivated, establish and follow a daily routine, and participate in every course every day.
- Successful students actively engage in required live class sessions.
- Summit follows all requirements for Washington State public schools, including daily attendance, progress reporting, and state testing.
Student Responsibilities
Students attend live classes with their teachers and classmates and complete daily lessons online. Students refer to textbooks and other interactive materials as directed in the lesson plans. Attributes of a successful online learner include:
- Perseverance
- Motivation and independence
- Strong communication skills
- Efficient time-management skills
Teacher Responsibilities
NTPS certificated teachers set goals and expectations with students, direct online instruction, grade assignments, administer state and school assessments, monitor progress, and communicate with families.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
For K-8 students, parents/guardians are learning coaches who assist students with the curriculum and a schedule. Parents also ensure the students engage with their teachers and participate in live lessons.
For grades 9-12, parents/guardians help keep students accountable for meeting class pacing expectations and completing assignments. Students work more independently but need someone at home to provide students with support, motivation, and guidance.
Parents/guardians also ensure their students have a quiet learning space at a table or desk to participate in class sessions and complete schoolwork.