Tuition-Free Online Middle School in Missouri
Virtual Preparatory Academy of Missouri
Middle school is an important time in the lives of tweens, but the traditional school model may not work well for all students. Virtual Prep Academy — a tuition-free online middle school in Missouri — provides an accredited online education for grades 6-8 that blends academic challenges with flexible support. Free of distractions, your child can thrive.
Learn more about Missouri Virtual Preparatory Academy admissions and complete your application today. Open admissions mean you can enroll any time – even mid-year!
How Online Middle School Works
Online middle school allows students to study in the comfort of their own homes. It combines live instruction, self-paced assignments, and robust support systems to promote accountability and independence. Here’s how Virtual Prep Missouri online learning works:
Structured Days with Flexible Learning Time
Students follow a daily routine that includes teacher-led lessons and self-directed work. This combination helps keep them focused while developing time management skills.
Certified Teachers Who Know How to Engage Tweens
Our Missouri-licensed educators provide live lessons, small group work, and personalized check-ins. They form connections with their students built on years of understanding how to work with children and young adults.
Digital Tools That Support Academic Growth
Students access interactive learning platforms that encourage critical thinking, multimedia learning, and writing development. This approach engages all learning styles and keeps things interesting.
Benefits of Online Middle School
Attending a virtual middle school in Missouri has several benefits beyond traditional classroom learning. Students get a different experience that offers flexibility, safety, and a tailored education experience that helps them transition into confident teens.
Safe, Inclusive Environment for All Students
Our online learning platform uses your home’s safe, stable environment to eliminate distractions, peer pressure, and bullying. Students have the freedom to focus on learning.
Schedule Flexibility for Family Life
Online learning is ideal for students with unique routines and extracurricular commitments. It also caters to families with different work schedules or caregiving responsibilities.
Personalized Pace and Academic Coaching
A personalized pace means your student learns at their own rate. Teachers have the freedom to adapt lessons to meet your child’s academic goals, including additional support or more challenging material.
Accredited Online Middle School Curriculum
Students who attend an accredited online middle school in Missouri learn the same things as their traditional classroom-educated peers. VPREP Missouri’s online academic program aligns with all state standards and provides core instruction and enrichment. Subjects include:
- Core subjects include math, English language arts (ELA), science, and social studies
- Enrichment electives like PE, technology, and world languages
- Writing workshops, research projects, and regular assessments
Curriculum, Grades 6-8
6th Grade Language Arts
Semester A: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex texts and respond in writing to them. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of informational texts related to historical topics. Students will also be able to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 6th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.
Grade 6 writing expands in scope and complexity. It consists of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects aim to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.
The semester culminates with a project in which students apply what they learned from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects aim to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.
Semester B: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex texts and respond in writing to them. Readings include classic and contemporary poetry, including the Iliad and Odyssey, and a student-friendly version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Students will read and study a nonfiction work of their choice. Each unit in 6th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.
Grade 6 writing expands in scope and complexity. It consists of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.
The semester culminates with a project in which students apply what they learned from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects aim to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.
6th Grade Math
Semester A: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts throughout this course. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.
Students begin the year exploring geometry by studying figures’ area and surface area. They then move into a study of ratios, unit rates, unit pricing, and percentages. The semester concludes with an in-depth dive into dividing fractions, focusing on algorithms and conceptualizing and applying this skill. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.
Semester B: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts throughout this course. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.
Students begin this semester by exploring decimals and learning how to perform operations with decimals in the context of real-world situations and problems. Then, they delve into algebraic concepts such as expressions, expressions with exponents, and equations with one variable. Students begin to learn about negative numbers and plot positive and negative numbers on a coordinate grid. Finally, students explore data analysis and statistical questions with dot plots, histograms, median, IQR, and measures of center. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.
6th Grade Science
Semester A: In this curriculum, students use inquiry-based learning to explain scientific phenomena and solve problems. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, analyze, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities, and engage in virtual labs.
Students begin the semester by studying light and matter, exploring the phenomenon of one-way mirrors, which act as both a window and a mirror. They will investigate how light transmission and reflection impact how we see an object. Next, they will study thermal energy and learn how containers keep materials hot or cold. During this study, they will investigate closed and open systems and the movement of particles. Finally, they will learn about cells and systems. Students will explore the body’s systems and investigate how we heal from injuries at a cellular level. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.
Semester B: In this inquiry-based curriculum, students use science questions to explain a phenomenon and/or solve a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, analyze, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.
Students begin the semester by studying weather, climate, and water cycling. They investigate the movement of air in the atmosphere and its impact on the weather. Students explore precipitation and storms and investigate why some storms are more severe than others. Next, students will learn about plate tectonics and rock cycling. They study Earth’s surface and how tectonic plate movement has impacted land. Finally, students will focus on tsunamis as they investigate natural hazards and how to prepare for them. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.
6th Grade History
7th Grade Language Arts
Semester A: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex texts and respond to them in writing. Readings include classic short stories, a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, and a student-friendly version of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Students will also read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 7th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.
Grade 7 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects aim to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.
The semester culminates with a project in which students apply what they learned to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects aim to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.
Semester B: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex texts and respond in writing to them. Readings include classic and contemporary poetry, student-friendly versions of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and H.B. Wells’ The Time Machine. Students will read and study a nonfiction work of their choice. Each unit in 7th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.
Grade 7 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects will prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.
The semester culminates with a project in which students apply what they learned to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects aim to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.
7th Grade Math
Semester A: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts throughout this course. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.
Students begin the year exploring relationships between figures as they examine scaled copies and scale drawings. Then, they will learn about proportional and nonproportional relationships and how to represent proportional relationships with tables, graphs, and equations. Next, students learn about relationships within circles: measuring circles and finding the area and circumference of a circle. Finally, students conclude their study of proportional relationships by studying proportional relationships with fractions, percent increase and decrease, and the application of percentages. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.
Semester B: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts throughout this course. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.
Students begin this semester with rational number arithmetic, learning to interpret negative numbers and complete all 4 operations with rational numbers. They will learn to solve equations with negative numbers. Next, students apply their skills to solving expressions, equations, and inequalities and writing equivalent expressions. Students then transition to geometry, working with angles, triangles, and prisms. They study relationships between angles and learn how to draw figures with given specifications. The course concludes with a study of the probability of single- and multi-step events and sampling. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.
7th Grade Science
Semester A: In this inquiry-based curriculum, students use scientific questions to explain phenomena and/or solve problems. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions, revising models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, analyze, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.
This semester begins with investigating bath bombs and the chemical reactions that happen when placed in water. Students will learn how matter can change forms while total mass remains unchanged. Next, students continue their study of chemical reactions as they learn about chemical reactions and energy. They investigate how to heat food and how to create a flameless heater. The students will learn about ecosystems and how they affect living things. They will study how changing an ecosystem can impact organisms living there. They will examine various products’ impact on rainforests and the plant and animal life within them. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.
Semester B: In this inquiry-based curriculum, students use scientific questions to explain phenomena and/or solve problems. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions, revising models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, analyze, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.
This semester begins with a study of metabolic reactions. Students will learn what happens to food molecules as they pass through the digestive system and study chemical reactions within the human body. Next, students will investigate how plants get their food and the cycling of matter in the plant life cycle. Finally, students will study the impact of humans on Earth’s resources. They will learn strategies to work together to help battle climate change and changes to our atmosphere. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.
7th Grade History
8th Grade Language Arts
Semester A: Middle school students can independently read increasingly complex texts and respond to them in writing. Readings include classic short stories, a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, and a student-friendly version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Students will read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 8th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, and reading.
Grade 8 writing expands in scope and complexity. It consists of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects aim to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.
The semester culminates with a project in which students apply what they learned to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects aim to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.
Semester B: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex texts and respond in writing to them. Readings include classic and contemporary poetry, as well as student-friendly versions of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Students will read and study a nonfiction work of their choice. Each unit in 8th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, and reading.
Grade 8 writing expands in scope and complexity. It consists of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects aim to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.
The semester culminates with a project in which students apply what they learned to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects aim to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.
8th Grade Math
Semester A: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts throughout this course. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.
This semester begins with an in-depth study of transformations. Students first learn about rigid transformations and congruence of shapes and angles in triangles. They then expand this knowledge to work with dilations and similarity of figures. Next, they will explore linear relationships by finding slopes and solving and graphing linear equations. Finally, students learn more about linear equations in one variable and study systems of linear equations. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.
Semester B: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts throughout this course. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.
This semester begins with an in-depth study of functions as students learn to represent and interpret functions. Students evaluate linear functions and apply them to rates of change. They then shift to geometry skills, working to find the volume of cones, cylinders, and spheres. Next, students analyze data by looking for associations, analyzing patterns, and trends. Students then review previous learning about exponents, learn about the rules of exponents, and apply exponents to scientific notation. Finally, students use computational skills on geometric figures, work with the Pythagorean Theorem, and find side lengths and volumes of cubes. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.
8th Grade Science
Semester A: In this inquiry-based curriculum, students use scientific questions to explain phenomena and/or solve problems. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, analyze, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.
This semester begins with a study of motion and contact forces. Students will investigate how changing the mass or speed of an object can affect forces in a collision and learn ways to protect objects in a crash. Next, students explore sound and how sounds can make matter move. They study sound waves and frequency and examine the effects of different pitches and volumes of sounds. Finally, students continue their study of forces by investigating magnets and the forces they can apply to objects. They investigate magnetic fields, energy transfer, and the force pairs in magnetic fields. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.
Semester B: In this inquiry-based curriculum, students use scientific questions to explain phenomena and/or solve problems. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, analyze, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.
This semester begins by exploring patterns in the sky and space. Students investigate phenomena with the Moon, Sun, and other objects within and beyond our solar system. Next, students explore the world of genetics as they learn how traits pass from parents to offspring. They model trait variations and learn about the reproduction of plants and animals. Finally, students explore the connection between living beings of today and those of long ago as they investigate the process of natural selection. They engage in case studies about population changes and the impact of the environment on various living beings. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.
8th Grade History
- Physical Education
- Computer Applications
- MS 2D Studio Art
- MS Career Exploration I
- MS Career Exploration II
- MS Digital Art & Design
- MS Exploring Business
- MS Exploring Health Science
- MS Exploring Music
- MS Health
- MS STEM
- Scratch Coding
Electives vary by grade and offering
Teacher and Peer Interactions
When students attend a Missouri online middle school, parents may worry about social interaction and teacher engagement. Your child has a wealth of opportunities to make friends and build confidence. Our students stay connected, both with their peers and classroom instructors, with engaging lessons and opportunities to socialize outside the classroom that include:
- Live class discussions
Team projects, breakout groups, and peer review opportunities - Virtual clubs and interest groups
Parental Resources
We believe parents, guardians, and caregivers play an important role in their child’s education. Online learning parent resources ensure you stay informed and supported through progress reports, tech help, and regular coordinator check-ins. Even as your student gains independence, you have a strong idea of their achievement and support needs.
Ensuring Student Success
Families who choose an online middle school in Missouri give their children an opportunity to thrive that may not exist in a traditional classroom. Our students use the flexibility and freedom afforded by Missouri Virtual Prep’s approach to education to grow academically, achieve emotional well-being, and work toward long-term goals.
From Struggling to Thriving
Families who choose Virtual Prep Academy of Missouri for their online middle school experience report a 92% satisfaction rate. Those lives have been changed by the option of non-traditional instruction.
Individualized Support Systems
Every student has unique needs. Our coordinators and counselors can help students develop time management skills, learn how to motivate themselves and foster mental wellness and success strategies.
Academic Pathways Through High School
Virtual Prep Academy of Missouri is an online, tuition-free school for grades K-11. That means Missouri residents can start learning in elementary school, transition through the middle-grade years, and receive most of the required credits for their high school diploma. What’s more, families who move out of the state still have education continuity options that allow their children’s online learning journey to continue.
FAQs
Read answers to common questions from other families about online middle school.
Is Missouri’s Virtual Prep online middle school free?
Yes. Virtual Prep Academy of Missouri is a tuition-free online middle school. Students must reside in Missouri to enroll in this free online public school.
How does Missouri Virtual Prep’s online middle school work?
Students study from the comfort of home with various live class sessions and self-paced independent study.
What does a sample online middle school curriculum look like?
All Missouri online middle school students study from an accredited, state-aligned curriculum that features math, science, social studies, and ELA. Other electives include foreign languages, PE, and technology.
Enroll Today in Virtual Prep Academy of Missouri’s Online Middle School
Virtual Prep Academy of Missouri allows students to learn in a non-traditional environment that fosters creativity, independence, and academic excellence. Enroll in online middle school today.
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