ASMSA Online Academy
Increasing Choice Across Arkansas' 75 Counties

Establishing a robust Online Academy involves more than simply translating a handful of courses onto a virtual platform. The residential program at ASMSA has always offered a rigorous academic curriculum, abundant research opportunities, and a Student Development Curriculum designed to prepare students not just for college success but for leadership and active citizenship. Bringing that same energy to a digital environment means investing in effective course design, blending asynchronous learning on students’ own time with live sessions that maintain a high level of engagement, and ensuring all participants feel seen, heard, and supported.

Our Online Academy is not intended to replicate every aspect of the residential experience. Instead, it focuses on the unique advantages of an online format and the diverse learning styles of students across Arkansas. Many young people balance work or family obligations, live in areas with limited advanced course offerings, or simply thrive best when they can learn from home. By carefully curating a sequence of challenging courses—most anchored in Advanced Placement content—we are creating a college preparatory program that helps students meet state graduation requirements and grow intellectually under the mentorship of our seasoned faculty.  Students who graduate from the Online Academy will receive an ASMSA diploma and be honored in a special ceremony.

One of the most compelling motivations for this initiative is the chance to close “opportunity gaps.” For too many students in Arkansas, taking multiple Advanced Placement or college-level courses remains out of reach, limited by what their local high schools can offer. Our new online program allows bright, motivated students to tackle college-level coursework regardless of their zip code. We combine AP English, history, biology, computer science, math, and world languages in a thoughtful progression that builds critical thinking and research skills over two years.

While the residential program centers heavily on concurrent credit and STEM-based offerings, these virtual courses place a stronger emphasis on the humanities, affording students a rich liberal arts grounding that can lead to the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma as well as AP Scholar recognition.  Supplemental coursework will be available through both ASMSA as we expand a library of online offerings as well as through other state and national providers in order to satisfy state graduation requirements.

Students in the Online Academy follow a schedule designed to balance live instruction with independent study. Mondays serve as designated “office hours,” giving students the chance to connect directly with their instructors for extra help, feedback on assignments, and deeper discussion of course topics. During the rest of the week, each morning features live classes in an A/B (Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Friday) schedule, allowing students to focus on three courses per day. Afternoons and other open times throughout the week are dedicated to asynchronous work, including reading, completing assignments, and other pursuits outside of the ASMSA experience. This blended approach creates a rhythm that supports both active participation in class and thoughtful, self-directed learning.

As with the residential ASMSA experience, our Online Academy includes more than classroom instruction. Students can expect personalized guidance from faculty, Student Success Coordinators, college advisors, and other professionals who recognize that remote learners may face unique challenges. The school’s strong tradition of academic coaching, one-on-one advising, and mental health support will all find their place in this new online setting. Through structured mentoring sessions, community-building activities, and supplemental opportunities on campus throughout the year, online students will form meaningful connections with each other and with their teachers, forging a network of academic and emotional support that is at the core of ASMSA’s culture of excellence.

To be successful in this online environment, students need consistent access to a reliable computer or laptop with a stable internet connection. The bulk of course content is housed in the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), and students will participate in live sessions through Zoom. In addition, they will have access to basic productivity software—email, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools— through an ASMSA Google Apps for Education account. Students will also need  a webcam, microphone, and headphones that ensure clear audio and video during class discussions, group work, and virtual meetings with instructors.

All families, new and returning, will be required to create an account and submit an Educational Freedom Account application for the 2025-26 school year. New and returning families can begin the application process by clicking on the application link on the Arkansas Department of Education’s EFA website.  It’s important to understand that funding is awarded on a priority basis until all state funds have been allocated, with the first set of windows closing on May 25, 2025.

Unlike our residential experience, in which students are selected through a competitive process, admission to the Online Academy is open to any Arkansas student who is ready for a new challenge in their academic journey. This full-time program is designed to be completed across the junior and senior year of high school; however, our admissions team will consider any candidate who is ready for the content of the curriculum.

There is no cap on the number of applicants we will review; however, students are encouraged to apply early to take the time to connect with our staff and see how this program best meets their needs.

The final deadline to apply is June 1, 2025. Additional applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The 2025-26 application includes the following elements:

Submission of Academic Records
Applicants must provide a copy of their most recent transcript or a comprehensive report of prior coursework. This documentation helps us better understand each student’s academic background and readiness for advanced study.  Students must have completed Algebra I, II, and Geometry prior to the start of the program.

Essay Responses
As part of the application, students will complete short essay prompts that address their academic interests, personal goals, and reasons for pursuing an online experience at ASMSA. We use these responses to learn more about applicants’ motivation, curiosity, and learning style.

Statement of Commitment
A parent or guardian must submit a written acknowledgment confirming they understand the rigorous nature of Advanced Placement coursework and college-level expectations. This statement underscores the importance of family support in students’ success, as the demands of AP classes can be both intensive and rewarding.

Virtual or In-Person Onboarding Session
Upon submitting a complete application, students and their families are asked to schedule a visit—either online or on campus—with our Office of Admissions. This session offers a chance to ask questions, learn more about ASMSA’s resources, and ensure the Academy is the right fit for the student’s goals and learning preferences.