Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answers for Curious Families
We know choosing a high school program is a big decision—especially for families seeking flexible, scholarship-supported learning. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive at Pioneer Online Academy.
About Our Programs
Q: Is Pioneer Online Academy a private school or a homeschool curriculum?
A: We are a non-sectarian, fully online private school. All enrolled students are considered full-time private school students, not homeschoolers under Utah law—making them eligible for the full Utah Fits All (UFA) Scholarship.
Q: What’s the difference between your two programs?
A: The Full Private School Program ($3,500/year) includes teacher grading, personalized feedback, and transcripts. The Parent-Taught Plan ($1,750/year) is parent-taught, with auto-graded quizzes, project uploads, and verified progress, but without teacher grading.
Q: Can students in either program earn a diploma?
A: Yes! Students in both programs can earn a Pioneer Online Academy diploma by completing all required courses, quizzes, and uploading all projects for review.
Curriculum & Learning
Q: What subjects are covered?
A: Our curriculum includes six core subject areas each year:
- English
- Math
- Science
- History & Social Studies
- Humanities
- Life Skills
All courses are structured by units, with lessons, quizzes, and project-based assessments.
Q: Is the curriculum self-paced?
A: Yes! Students can work at their own pace, and while we recommend a 10-month calendar to complete a full year’s coursework (allowing for holidays), we remain available for a full 12 months, whenever you start.
Q: What if we start mid-year?
A: No problem! Enrollment is open year-round, and students can start at any time. We are available to you and your students for 12-months, whenever you start!
Graduation & Transcripts
Q: What are the graduation requirements?
A: Students must complete:
- 4 years of core coursework
- All quizzes (auto-graded)
- Upload all project-based assignments
- Email a graduation review request (Parent taught students include a parent-signed form)
Q: Will students receive a transcript?
A: Yes. Full Private School students receive graded transcripts. Parent-taught students receive completion records and can request a diploma transcript after verification.
Tuition & Scholarships
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Only $3,500/year for the Full Private School Program, and only $1,750/year for the Parent-taught Plan. Both plans are designed to be fully covered by the UFA Scholarship for eligible Utah students.
Q: What is the Utah Fits All (UFA) Scholarship?
A: The UFA provides up to $8,000 per student, per year to spend on private school tuition and other educational needs. We designed both of our programs to qualify as private schools. Whenever the program changes, so will we.
Q: How much of the UFA Scholarship can families keep?
A: Our intent is to help our student’s families be able to receive the full scholarship. Thus, in the Parent-taught Plan, families should retain up to $6,500. In the Full Private School Program, families should retain up to $4,500. When the program changes — including with the new UFA program manager — we will adapt as needed.
Support & Communication
Q: Will my student have access to teachers?
A: Yes! In the Full Private School Program, faculty provide detailed grading and feedback. Our mentors offer single-point contacts for any questions, concerns, and encouragement.
In the Parent-Taught Plan, faculty are available for general questions and guidance via email. Teacher Guides are available upon request.
Q: What platform do students use?
A: All coursework is hosted in a secure, easy-to-use online platform. Students log in at any time and progress through each subject at their own pace. Whether your students are working from here in the heart of Utah, or out sailing across the Caribbean, Pioneer is here for you!
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help!
Email us at pioneeronlineacademy.org@gmail.com or reach out through our contact form below.