Every year at graduation, we hear students say the same thing, but each expresses it a little differently: “This school is different.”
Some can’t quite find the words for it, but as mentors, we know exactly what they mean. At Achievement House Cyber Charter School, we are more than teachers, counselors, and staff. We are a community that truly cares – where every student has a support system designed to help them thrive academically and personally.
As mentors, we’re at the center of that support system. Alongside our incredible Family Involvement Coordinators and Student Services Department, we help ensure that every student and family feels seen, supported, and guided from enrollment to graduation.
At the heart of what they are saying is a simple truth – our school cares. Our administration cares, our teachers care, and our mentors care.
The mentors are the heart of our school and one of the backbones of this approach. The mentor team is made up of people who care about the students and make student success their utmost priority. Each student is met where they are and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The mentors tailor their approach to best fit every family that joins our school community.
As you continue reading, you will see a breakdown of how the mentors approach this relationship between our students and families.
What Is a Cyber School Mentor?
In a traditional school, you might turn to a teacher for class-related help or a counselor for scheduling or emotional support. But in a cyber school environment, mentors fill a special role that combines academic guidance, emotional encouragement, and family support.
At Achievement House, a mentor is like a family’s educational concierge – someone who knows how the school operates and can help with just about anything. We track attendance, monitor progress, remind students of deadlines, and check in regularly to make sure everyone stays on track.
If a parent or student has a question, we’re the first person they call. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll connect them to the right person who does.
But our work goes far beyond logistics. We listen. We encourage. We motivate. We celebrate small wins and help navigate challenges. Because no question is too small and no concern is too big when it comes to a student’s success.
Family Support in Cyber School: How Mentors Build Strong Connections
At Achievement House, we believe in supporting our families in the cyber environment, whether they are new to us or they are returning for their sixth year, every student and every family are treated as VIPs. We believe that the level of support we offer is one of the things that set us apart from other cyber and brick-and-mortar school experiences.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a mentor is the relationships we build with families. We are not just academic guides – we’re emotional anchors. We check in regularly to celebrate progress, help students stay focused, and make sure families never feel alone in their cyber school journey.
I often tell my students, “If you don’t know who to call, call me. And if you do know who to call, call me first anyway.”
That’s because mentors at Achievement House are the direct connection between families and the school. We make sure every family feels supported – whether that’s helping with coursework, connecting them with food or housing resources, or simply offering encouragement during a stressful week.
It’s not unusual for mentors to be hugged, thanked, or even pulled into family photos at graduation. That’s how deep the connection can be.
Mentors create true and meaningful connections with the students and families that go beyond simply academic concerns; the students know that the mentors are as invested in their success as they are.
Diverse Roles of Cyber School Mentors
A mentor wears many hats – problem solver, motivator, academic tracker, and communication hub.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
- Real-time Academic Updates: We provide regular updates on grades, missing assignments, and deadlines to help families stay informed. Mentors track student attendance and will prompt students to log in if they miss a day and keep families informed of attendance issues should they arise. They also work with students and families to develop practices to help prevent further attendance issues.
- Attendance Tracking: If a student misses class, we reach out right away and help them get back on track.
- Communication Hub: We coordinate between teachers, counselors, and families to make sure everyone is on the same page. Mentors have a wide network of connections within the school. It is their job to get answers for students and to connect them with the person who can best help solve any issue.
- Motivator and Champion: We don’t just point out problems, we offer solutions, encouragement, and sometimes a little “tough love” to help students succeed. No mentor has a system of how they treat all students; each support system is tailored to the student’s needs and what will fit them best.
Many of our mentors provide support not just during the workday, but answer calls and texts from families in the evenings, especially during important times like deadline weekends and state testing windows. This above-and-beyond approach is what makes us different from other cyber charter schools.
Personalized Learning Support from Cyber School Mentors
One of the greatest benefits of having a mentor is that families are always in the loop.
We monitor grades, attendance, and participation in real time. This transparency helps students take ownership of their education and understand their progress toward graduation.
We know that every student’s journey is unique, and mentors use this information to create personalized plans for success. Whether that means adjusting study habits, connecting a student with tutoring, or simply offering encouragement, our focus is always on helping each learner reach their full potential.
We believe that your students seeing and understanding their academic progress helps them take greater ownership of their learning experience. It is easy for the bigger picture to get lost in the weeds of daily assignments and real life away from school, but the mentors are here to help students and families view the bigger picture and, if needed, to remediate any issues.
Cyber School Mentors: The Heart of Student Success
At Achievement House, mentors meet students where they are. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach – just a commitment to helping each student grow.
We take the time to understand every student’s goals, strengths, and challenges. Then we tailor our approach to fit their individual needs. This personalized attention builds trust, confidence, and long-lasting relationships, which is the foundation of every success story we celebrate at graduation.
There are many cyber schools across Pennsylvania, but what makes Achievement House truly stand out is our human connection. Families who choose us don’t just get teachers and online classes – they get a full network of people dedicated to helping their child succeed.
Our mentors, counselors, teachers, and Student Services staff work together to ensure that every student has what they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
Mentors Make the Difference at Achievement House
If you’re exploring cyber school options, we encourage you to ask how each school supports students and families beyond the classroom.
At Achievement House, every family has a mentor who is dedicated to knowing your student’s name, goals, and story. It’s part of our belief that no family should ever feel lost in the virtual world of education.
Our mentors don’t just guide students through their education, we walk alongside them every step of the way. Join Achievement House and discover how our mentors make online learning personal, meaningful, and engaging.
