STARS Virtual Academy serves students in grades 4–9 across North Carolina. Here’s what that means for your family and how to find out if your child qualifies.
What grades does STARS Virtual Academy serve? SVA is a tuition-free North Carolina public charter school currently serving students in grades 4 through 9 statewide. Any North Carolina resident in those grades can apply — regardless of which school district they live in.
Grades 4 Through 9 — What That Covers
STARS Virtual Academy serves students across a wide developmental range:
- Grade 4 — upper elementary, typically ages 9–10
- Grade 5 — upper elementary, typically ages 10–11
- Grade 6 — middle school entry, typically ages 11–12
- Grade 7 — middle school, typically ages 12–13
- Grade 8 — middle school, typically ages 13–14
- Grade 9 — high school entry (freshman year), typically ages 14–15
This range covers the upper elementary, middle school, and early high school years — a critical academic window where flexible, individualized learning can have a significant impact on a student’s long-term academic trajectory.
| STARS Virtual Academy is a tuition-free North Carolina public charter school serving grades 4–9 statewide. Enrollment is currently limited to 50 students for the inaugural year. Families are encouraged to apply early. |
Why Grades 4–9?
The grades 4–9 range reflects the population SVA was specifically designed to serve. By grade 4, students have developed foundational literacy and numeracy skills and are ready to engage with more independent, self-paced learning structures. By grade 9, students are entering high school — a transition point where flexibility and individualized support can make a significant difference.
This range also captures the years when many students with nontraditional schedules — competitive athletes, performers, travelers, and students with medical needs — begin to feel the most conflict between their commitments and a traditional school structure.
Does My Child Qualify?
To qualify for STARS Virtual Academy, a student must:
- Be a North Carolina resident
- Be enrolled in or entering grades 4–9
- Meet standard public school age requirements for those grades
There are no academic entrance requirements, no selective admissions criteria, and no geographic district restrictions. SVA is a public school — open to any qualifying North Carolina student in grades 4–9.
What If My Child Is in a Grade Below 4 or Above 9?
Currently, SVA serves grades 4–9 only. Families with children outside that range should contact STARS Charter School directly to ask about future grade expansion plans and other available options.
Is Grade 9 a Full High School Year?
Yes. Grade 9 students at SVA complete a full freshman year of high school aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study. Students receive official transcripts maintained by the school, which are recognized for high school credit and can be used for future academic transitions.
How Does SVA Handle the Transition from Elementary to Middle School?
SVA’s flexible, self-paced structure is particularly well-suited for students navigating the transition between elementary and middle school — a shift that can be academically and socially challenging in a large traditional school setting. SVA’s smaller enrollment and individualized teacher attention help students make that transition with more support and less pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does STARS Virtual Academy serve?
SVA serves students in grades 4 through 9 across North Carolina.
Can my kindergartener or 1st grader enroll at SVA?
Not at this time. SVA currently serves grades 4–9. Contact STARS Charter School directly to ask about future grade expansion.
Can my 10th grader enroll at SVA?
Not at this time. SVA currently serves through grade 9. Contact STARS directly to ask about options for students above that range.
Is STARS Virtual Academy free for all grades it serves?
Yes. SVA is tuition-free for all students in grades 4–9. See our post on is STARS Charter School tuition-free for a full breakdown of costs.
Does SVA provide a laptop for all grade levels?
Yes. Every student in any grade who completes their first year at SVA receives a free Dell laptop.
How do I enroll my child in SVA?
See our complete guide to how enrollment works at STARS Charter School for a step-by-step walkthrough.
What is STARS Virtual Academy?
For a full overview of SVA — what it is, what it offers, and who it’s for — see our guide to what STARS Virtual Academy is and who it’s for.
The Bottom Line
STARS Virtual Academy serves students in grades 4 through 9 across North Carolina, tuition-free. Whether your child is finishing upper elementary school, navigating middle school, or entering their freshman year of high school, SVA offers a flexible, accredited, teacher-led education built around their real life.
With enrollment limited to 50 students, spots fill quickly. If your child is in grades 4–9 and you’ve been looking for a better fit, now is the time to apply.
Ready to apply?
Contact STARS Virtual Academy at starscharter.org to ask questions and secure your child’s spot. Enrollment is limited — apply early.
