Academics
How our K–12 program is structured—aligned with the same grade bands and subjects you see in Learn (Elementary including Kindergarten through grade 5, Middle 6–8, High 9–12). Credits, mastery-based pacing, capstones, and graduation targets; links to the live lesson catalog and official policy document.
Our Learn hub is organized the same way as this overview: grade bands Elementary (Kindergarten–5), Middle (6–8), and High (9–12), with subjects and lessons under each. Kindergarten (K) has its own hub under Elementary. Enrolled students and parents open Learn; the interactive map matches the live catalog: Curriculum map · Curriculum Map & Program Outlines (modules, credits, objectives—same program design as Learn).
- Elementary (Kindergarten–5): Kindergarten focuses on early literacy, numeracy, and readiness across core subjects. Grades 1–5 build foundational skills in the same bands. All elementary grades use grade-level mastery with documented instructional hours; one capstone or major project each year for Grades 1–5; no Carnegie units on the transcript for promotion.
- Middle (6–8): Carnegie credits (~4 per year; target 14–16 over grades 6–8); annual capstone (may align to an elective pathway starting in grade 6).
- High school (9–12): Target 24–26+ credits; 4 credits each in English, math, science, and social studies; capstone every year including senior year; electives (world language and pathway courses—world language is not mandatory for the diploma; see outlines below).
Elective pathways (from grade 6): STEM (Technology & Engineering, Science), Business & Administration, Education, Christian Studies, and other options—aligned to how courses appear in Learn.
The Elementary band in Learn includes Kindergarten as the accredited entry grade and optional Pre‑K readiness materials for families who want them; admission grade bands remain K–12 as published on Admission.
Official curriculum & policy document (K–12)
The official HTML policy document and the Learn area (including Curriculum map and lessons) require a signed-in parent/student account. This Academics page is a parent-friendly summary; the policy document remains the authority for credits and legal detail.
Progression model
Students advance based on mastery of standards. Time is flexible—students may complete coursework earlier than the typical yearly pacing. Graduation occurs once required competencies and credits are completed.
Two pathways
Mind Orbit Academy is a competency-based school. Advancement and credit are tied to what your student has learned and can do, not only to time in class.
Elementary (Kindergarten–5)
Kindergarten follows the same competency-based model as grades 1–5: standards-aligned learning, documented instructional time, and promotion when students demonstrate grade-level mastery. Kindergarten emphasizes readiness and uses short, family-supported projects; a formal capstone unit in Learn begins in Grade 1.
Instructional hours are documented so families and schools have a clear record and students receive full, standards-aligned instruction. Mastery remains the primary measure of progression. Students move to the next grade when they have met grade-level standards—not solely by completing a set number of hours.
Middle & high school (6–12)
- Credit is awarded upon demonstration of mastery of course competencies.
- Flexible course completion timeline—students may complete courses in less than a traditional school year when ready.
- Students may complete multiple credits per year and accelerate toward early graduation.
Credits may be earned upon successful completion of course competencies, regardless of calendar year. Course sequencing may be adjusted based on demonstrated readiness.
Standards alignment
Content is aligned to rigorous, standards-based objectives—including Florida B.E.S.T. (where applicable), Common Core–style expectations for ELA and math, NGSS for science, and social studies frameworks such as C3—consistent with the notes on Curriculum Map & Program Outlines. For full alignment tables and per-course detail, see the official curriculum and policy document.
Students who demonstrate mastery ahead of typical pacing may complete coursework earlier and graduate as soon as all requirements are met. There is no requirement to wait a fixed number of years.
Example accelerated path
- Student completes Algebra I in one semester (0.5 credit per semester).
- In the same year, completes an additional math course and earns 2 credits in one year in mathematics.
- By continuing at an accelerated pace across subjects, the student may graduate in fewer than four traditional years once all credit and competency requirements are satisfied.
Transcripts & credit policy
How credits are recorded: Credits are recorded in the Academy's learning management system when a student successfully completes course competencies. Each course and credit appears on the official transcript.
How mastery is documented: Mastery is documented through course assessments, assignments, and project work. Progress is tracked continuously and reported on progress reports and transcripts.
How transcripts are issued: Official transcripts are issued by the Academy and include all completed courses, credits earned, grades, and graduation date (when applicable). Transcripts are suitable for college applications and transfer to other schools.
Early graduation on the transcript: When a student graduates in fewer than four years of high school (or earlier than typical for their grade band), the transcript shows the actual graduation date and all credits and competencies completed. There is no penalty or special designation—early graduation is recorded as standard graduation once requirements are met.
Parents often ask: "What does my child need to graduate?" Here is the end goal in one place.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum total credits | 22 credits (program target: 24–26+ credits) |
| Core subjects required | English (4), Mathematics (4), Science (4), Social studies (4); capstone sequence (2 credits per year in grades 9–12, including senior capstone); plus electives and pathway courses, and optional world language (not mandatory for this diploma—see program outlines). |
| Capstone project | Required each year in grades 9–12; senior capstone required for graduation. |
| Demonstrated competency | Credit is awarded only when students demonstrate mastery of core standards in each subject. Grades and completion are recorded on the official transcript. |
Graduation occurs when all of the above are satisfied. Early graduation is possible—there is no minimum number of years in high school; only meeting the credit and competency requirements.
For full details, prerequisites, and state-specific considerations, see our curriculum and policy document.
Progress is measured by mastery and credits. Kindergarten and grades 1–5 focus on grade-level mastery; 6–12 uses Carnegie credits. Capstone projects are included in Grades 1–12; Pre-K and Kindergarten emphasize readiness activities. The outlines below show typical (standard) pacing; accelerated paths allow earlier completion.
Elementary (Kindergarten–5)
| Grade | Core subjects + focus | Progress measured |
|---|---|---|
| K (Kindergarten) | ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies; readiness activities | 540 hrs documented; grade-level mastery |
| 1–3 | ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Capstone | 720 hrs documented; grade-level mastery |
| 4–5 | ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Capstone | 900 hrs documented; grade-level mastery |
Instructional hours are documented so there is a clear record of learning (and to satisfy state reporting where applicable). Advancement is by mastery—students who meet grade-level standards may progress regardless of hours.
Middle school (6–8)
Typical load ~4 credits per year; total ~12–16 credits over three years.
| Grade | Typical courses | Credits per year |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | English 6, Math 6 / Pre-Algebra, Earth/space or integrated science, World geography/civics, Capstone project | ~4 cr |
| 7 | English 7, Pre-Algebra or Math 7, Life/integrated science, World history/geography, Capstone project | ~4 cr |
| 8 | English 8, Algebra I or Pre-Algebra, Physical/integrated science, U.S. history/civics, Capstone project | ~4 cr |
High school (9–12)
Minimum ~22 credits to graduate; target 24–26+. Typical load ~5.5–6.5 credits per year.
| Grade | Typical courses | Credits per year |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | English 9, Algebra I or Geometry, Biology, World geography & civics, World language 1, Grade 9 capstone | ~5.5–6 cr |
| 10 | English 10, Geometry or Algebra II, Chemistry, World history, World language 2, Grade 10 capstone | ~5.5–6 cr |
| 11 | American literature / AP Lang, Algebra II / Pre-Calculus, Physics, U.S. history, World language 3, Grade 11 capstone | ~5.5–6 cr |
| 12 | AP Lit / British lit, Pre-Calc / Calculus / AP Stats, AP science or elective, Gov/economics, World language 4 / AP, Senior capstone | ~5.5–6 cr |
Social studies labels match the titles in Learn (grades 9–12).
Students earn credits based on demonstrated mastery; the average credit load ensures graduation readiness and college preparation.
Credit & mastery key
Carnegie unit: 1 credit = one full-year course (approximately 120 hours of engagement). This is the standard used in grades 6–12 for transcript and graduation requirements.
Competency-based credit: Credits are earned when students demonstrate mastery of course competencies, not only by seat time. Progress is tracked in the learning management system and reported on official transcripts.
Capstones: Grades 1–12 complete at least one capstone or project per year—applying that year's learning to a concrete deliverable (e.g., research, design, portfolio, presentation). In grades 6–12, capstones can align to elective pathways (Technology, Business, Science, Education, and more). Capstones contribute to credit where applicable and are required for promotion and graduation.
Course sequence: Course sequencing may be adjusted based on demonstrated readiness. Prerequisites still apply (e.g., Algebra I before Geometry); within that, students may move faster when they show mastery.
See the curriculum and policy document for full course lists, credit requirements, and technical details.
Curriculum and lesson design are reviewed for alignment with Florida and national expectations (including Florida B.E.S.T., CCSS-level rigor in ELA/math, NGSS, and college- and career-ready goals), consistent with Learn — Curriculum Map & Program Outlines. Recognition of credits and diplomas by other schools or colleges remains at the discretion of each receiving institution—see Disclaimers.
All instruction is delivered online through the Academy's secure learning platform (Learn): interactive lessons, adaptive practice, progress and final assessments that count toward school records, and the floating Intelligent Learning Coach for on-demand help—alongside human teacher oversight. Pacing is mastery-based (your child moves forward when they demonstrate competency), not a fixed clock only. We may link to trusted free resources (e.g., CK-12, Khan Academy, PhET) for extra practice, as noted on the Learn home page.
- How is progress measured? Through standards mastery, assessments, and capstone deliverables.
- Can my child move faster? Yes. Students who demonstrate readiness can accelerate.
- Will we see records? Yes. Official transcripts and progress records are maintained by the Academy.
- Where are the lessons? After enrollment, open Learn by grade band (Elementary → Kindergarten for grade K); see the full tree at Curriculum map.
- What should we review next? Admission and Tuition & fees.