How It Works

How Online Middle School Works

Who can attend?

The Digital Academy of Texas (DATX) middle school program serves students in grades 6–8 who reside in the state of Texas.


What are the costs?

Because DATX is part of the public school system, it’s tuition-free. We provide Texas-certified teachers and instructional materials.* Our enrollment consultants can help address your technology and computer questions and needs.

What’s my role as a parent?

Middle school is a time when students become more independent, taking on more responsibility and ownership for their learning. As a parent, you (or another responsible adult you choose) serve as your child’s “Learning Coach.”

Parent/Learning Coach involvement is critical for student success as middle school students continue to build their organization and time-management skills. Teachers set the pace of instruction, but the Learning Coach helps the student stay on track.

Parent/Learning Coach involvement may vary per child and grade level. Students in grades 6–8 build self-advocacy skills and work more directly with teachers, but parent/Learning Coach involvement is essential for approximately 20 hours a week. The initial 4–8 weeks can be intensive as families settle into a routine.

mom and daughter looking the computer

Teachers provide individual and small group assistance via online synchronous sessions called “Class Connects.” Students are expected to attend all required Class Connects and meet with their teacher to receive course assistance, tutoring, and instruction. Class Connects vary by grade level and are scheduled by your teacher.

Expectations for Completing Schoolwork

In middle school, student learning changes to a semester-based approach where students are required to earn a passing grade on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.

While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students are required to attend live, online Class Connect sessions with their teachers based on their individual needs. During Class Connects, students receive online instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact virtually with classmates. 

Attending Class Connects and completing coursework according to the assigned pacing schedule will help set your student up for success.


Time Commitment

Attendance is logged Monday through Friday; however, academic progress can be achieved during the weekends as well. Middle School students are expected to spend approximately 4–7 hours on schoolwork per school day.


Email

Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails on a daily basis.


State Testing

*Course materials vary by course. Please check with Digital Academy of Texas staff to see what offline course materials are provided.