A Day in the Life: Sixth-Eighth Grade
The Typical Day's Schedule
Morning Meeting (9:00 am)
Each day begins with Morning Meeting, where learners sign in virtually with their Learning Guide. This time is like a virtual homeroom: we take attendance, make announcements, play games, and answer learner questions. More importantly, this is the time learners learn how to own their day: reviewing their schedules, checking their to-do lists, and planning their time with their Learning Guide.
If a learner is struggling or falling behind, their Learning Guide may help them draft messages to teachers or even set up a conversation. We push for more autonomy, but we do not allow our learners to shrink away from a challenge and avoid responsibility. Learners build real-world communication skills as they learn how to advocate for themselves, ask for help clearly, and manage their responsibilities.
Breakout Rooms & Accountability
After Morning Meeting, learners are encouraged to stay in breakout rooms on Zoom for focused work time, collaboration, or questions. Learning Guides rotate through these rooms to check in, monitor progress, and answer questions. This system helps students build time management habits while still receiving guidance and support.
Learners who fall behind can participate in a "Badger Boost" plan—an individualized schedule that includes additional support such as more frequent small groups, live sessions, in-person Learning Center visits, or time with a paraprofessional. These written plans are crafted collaboratively with learners and families (we call the adults at home who work with their learners “Learning Coaches”) to help get learners back on track.
Classes: Live Lessons, Small Groups, & Independent Work
At 10:00 AM, learners move into the next block of their schedule. Whether it’s a live lesson, a small group session, or independent work time, the subject remains consistent each day—for example, English always happens at the same time (like you would expect at a brick-and-mortar school). This steady routine helps learners stay organized and avoid falling behind.
Live Lessons include lecture-style instruction, interactive activities, class readings, breakout room discussions, and group projects. All live lessons are recorded so learners can revisit them for review or catch up after an absence.
Small Groups offer more personalized, tutoring-style support. Learners may be required to attend based on performance or may choose to join voluntarily for extra help, connection, or accountability. It’s a collaborative and focused space that meets learners where they are. Some choose to use small groups like a co-working space and quietly do homework with other kids.
Students can also attend drop-in hours at CPDLF Learning Centers to receive in-person support whenever needed. Our Learning Centers keep regular hours where learners can take advantage of activities, access resources, or simply tackle course work in a quiet, focused environment with adult supervision. This is a great opportunity for families whose learners want some socialization or if the adults in the home have responsibilities the learner is not quite ready to be home alone.
Special Privileges for Middle School
Wednesdays: A Unique Structure
Wednesdays are set aside for asynchronous learning - that means learners are working primarily on their own (a big step towards more independence!). This allows learners to catch up on assignments, explore electives, and attend their weekly check-in with their Learning Guide. Electives such as Art, Music of the World, and American Sign Language often hold their live lessons on this day for 6th-8th graders.
Additionally, learners and families are invited to participate in the weekly check-in, helping Learning Coaches (the grown-ups helping our learners at home) stay informed and engaged in their learner’s progress. Once a month on Wednesdays, all K-12 learners attend a virtual all school assembly that features guest speakers, school-wide announcements, and community-building activities.
Student Voice & Leadership
Middle school learners at CPDLF don’t just learn—they lead. Through our Steering Committee, learners provide feedback on school improvement efforts by reviewing surveys and offering their perspectives. Their voices help shape our programs and services.
In a recent school-wide survey, 98% of learners said they benefit most from attending live lessons. The second-most helpful tool? Listening to content repackaged as podcasts, delivered through our use of the latest technology. This kind of feedback informs how we design and deliver instruction in ways that truly connect. At CPDLF, we don’t stop progressing and we invite learners to tell us what they need.
Socialization & Enrichment
CPDLF provides numerous ways for middle school learners to connect and build friendships. Learners can join weekly clubs like Photography, Gaming, or participate in Lunch Bunch and Lunch Brunch. We host monthly virtual field trips (like a tour of the Anne Frank House) and special events like Family Engagement Nights. These social experiences help foster community, curiosity, and connection.
Social-Emotional Learning: Connects U
Our Connects U course helps learners develop essential social-emotional skills and self-awareness. In the first semester, students take a survey that identifies their strengths and areas for growth. With support from their Learning Guide, they choose modules to work through topics like goal-setting, relationship building, and emotional regulation.
Our CPDLF guidance counselor also holds open office hours, offering a safe, accessible place for learners to seek support whenever needed. Each core course instructor offers a schedule of drop-in hours for extra attention, live help and small groups. There is also a school-wide virtual learning lab every weekday from 1pm-3pm, and drop-in hours in our Wellness Room, hosted by our school counselor and social-emotional learning coordinator. All of these opportunities are provided to families and some opt to print out the schedule and put it in a common spot - like the refrigerator - as a reminder that if a learner needs help or doesn’t know where to be, the learning coach at home can refer them to this calendar. There are ample opportunities to stay on track and even get ahead and we work with our families to help develop a plan for each individual learner.
A Learning Community Built on Independence & Support
Middle schoolers at CPDLF are not alone on their educational journey. With a mix of structured lessons, flexible work time, supportive guidance, and community connection, our 6th–8th grade students are empowered to take ownership of their learning and grow into confident, capable learners. From the first Morning Meeting to the final check-in of the week, every part of the day is designed to help students thrive—both academically and personally.
Ready to Enroll?
At CPDLF, we believe that cyber school can be a powerful and effective option for early education when built on structure, support, and engagement. Our program is designed not only to teach academic fundamentals but also to help young learners develop the skills they need for lifelong success. With small group learning, flexible scheduling, and strong parental involvement, CPDLF provides an educational experience that is both rigorous and rewarding. Whether families are looking for a safe learning environment, a more customized approach, or the flexibility to explore the world beyond the classroom, our cyber school model offers a pathway to success for every child. Let’s start the conversation to explore enrollment for your child!
