A complete guide to SVA — what it is, what it offers, who it serves, and why families across North Carolina are choosing it over traditional school.

STARS Virtual Academy is a tuition-free North Carolina public charter school serving students in grades 4–9 across the state. SVA delivers standards-based remote learning through certified teachers, flexible scheduling, and self-paced coursework — designed for families who need a public school education that works around real life, not the other way around.

What Is STARS Charter School?

STARS Charter School is the organization behind STARS Virtual Academy. Based in Vass, North Carolina, STARS Charter School has operated in-person campus-based programs focused on student-centered education, smaller learning environments, and strong family engagement.

STARS Virtual Academy is the online learning division of STARS Charter School — a statewide virtual program that extends the same educational philosophy to families across North Carolina who cannot or choose not to attend a traditional in-person school.

STARS Virtual Academy is a tuition-free North Carolina public charter school. SVA serves students in grades 4–9 statewide. There is no tuition, no application fee, and no geographic restriction. Any qualifying North Carolina student may apply.

What Does STARS Virtual Academy Offer?

SVA provides a complete public school education delivered online. Key features of the program include:

• Certified, state-licensed teachers who deliver live instruction and maintain direct communication with students and families
• Curriculum aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study — the same academic standards used in every traditional public school in North Carolina
• Flexible scheduling that allows coursework to be completed within daily time windows rather than fixed class hours
• Self-paced coursework designed to fit around family routines, training schedules, travel, and other commitments
• Regular academic progress monitoring and reporting to keep families informed
• A free Dell laptop for every student who completes their first year
• Small enrollment — currently limited to 50 students — ensuring individualized attention for every student

Who Is STARS Virtual Academy For?

SVA was built for students whose lives don’t fit a traditional school schedule. Families choose SVA for a wide range of reasons:

Student Athletes

Competitive athletics often demands early morning training, travel for tournaments, and schedules that conflict with fixed school hours. SVA’s flexible structure allows athletes to train and compete without falling behind academically.

Performing Artists

Young dancers, musicians, actors, and other performers with intensive rehearsal and performance schedules need a school that bends around their craft. SVA makes that possible without sacrificing academic quality.

Traveling Families

Military families, families with parents who travel for work, and families pursuing extended travel across North Carolina all benefit from a school that travels with them. SVA is statewide — no district boundaries, no geographic limits.

Students with Medical Needs

Chronic illness, recovery from surgery or injury, and ongoing treatment schedules make consistent in-person attendance impossible for some students. SVA removes the daily attendance pressure while keeping students academically engaged with certified teacher support.

Homeschool Families Ready for a Change

Families who have been homeschooling and want to transition back to public school — without losing the flexibility homeschool offered — find SVA a natural fit. Certified teachers handle instruction while the schedule remains flexible.

Students Who Learn Differently

Students who struggle in large traditional classrooms — whether due to anxiety, learning differences, sensory sensitivities, or simply a preference for a quieter and more individualized environment — often thrive at SVA.

How Is SVA Different from Other Online Schools?

Several things set STARS Virtual Academy apart from other virtual school options in North Carolina:

• Small enrollment: SVA is currently limited to 50 students, making it one of the most personally attentive virtual school options in the state
• Tuition-free: as a public charter school, there is no cost to attend
• Free Dell laptop: students receive a laptop after completing year one
• Certified teachers: real, licensed educators — not pre-recorded content or AI-driven instruction
• NC-accredited: SVA operates under North Carolina charter school authorization and follows state curriculum standards

How Does Enrollment Work?

Enrollment at STARS Virtual Academy is open to students in grades 4–9 across North Carolina. Because SVA is a public charter school, there is no tuition and no entrance exam. Enrollment is limited to 50 students for the inaugural year, so families are encouraged to apply early.

Contact STARS Virtual Academy at starscharter.org to begin the enrollment process, ask questions, and find out if SVA is the right fit for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STARS Virtual Academy?

STARS Virtual Academy is a tuition-free North Carolina public charter school serving students in grades 4–9 statewide. SVA delivers online education through certified teachers, flexible scheduling, and self-paced coursework.

Is STARS Virtual Academy free?

Yes. SVA is a free online public school in NC — tuition-free, state-funded, and open to qualifying students in grades 4–9.

What grades does STARS Virtual Academy serve?

SVA serves students in grades 4–9 across North Carolina.

Is STARS Virtual Academy accredited?

Yes. SVA is a North Carolina public charter school operating under state authorization and following the NC Standard Course of Study.

How many students does SVA enroll?

SVA is currently limited to 50 students for its inaugural year, ensuring every student receives significant individual attention from certified teachers.

Does SVA provide a laptop?

Yes. Every student who completes their first year at STARS Virtual Academy receives a free Dell laptop.

Is SVA the same as homeschool?

No. SVA is an accredited public school. For a full comparison, see our guide to virtual school vs homeschool in NC.

How does online public school work in NC?

See our complete guide to how online public school works in NC for a full explanation of how SVA operates.

The Bottom Line

STARS Virtual Academy is a tuition-free, accredited, teacher-led public charter school built for North Carolina families who need flexibility without compromising academic quality. Whether your child is an athlete, a performer, a traveler, a student with medical needs, or simply a learner who thrives outside a traditional classroom — SVA was built with your family in mind.

Small enrollment. Real teachers. Free laptop after year one. No tuition. Available statewide.

Ready to apply?

Enrollment is limited to 50 students. Contact STARS Virtual Academy at starscharter.org to ask questions and secure your child’s spot early.