Free Public Online School in North Carolina
Mountain Community Online School is a North Carolina online charter school serving students in grades 4–8 across the state.
As a public charter school, MCOS provides tuition-free online education with licensed teachers, strong adult support, and meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the screen.
A tuition-free public school option
Mountain Community Online School is a North Carolina public charter school.
That means:
- There is no tuition or enrollment cost
- Students across North Carolina are eligible to apply
- Instruction is aligned to North Carolina academic standards
- Participation in required state assessments is expected
Students attend school online while remaining fully enrolled in a public school.
How a free public online school works at MCOS
MCOS is designed to provide flexibility without sacrificing structure or accountability.
A typical week includes:
- Live online instruction delivered by licensed teachers
- Independent coursework supported by a high-quality digital platform
- Daily monitoring and guidance from a dedicated Success Coach
- Experiential learning through Climb Higher Projects
Students learn from home or anywhere with reliable internet access while following clear routines and expectations.
More than just online coursework
Not all free online schools offer the same level of support.
MCOS is not a self-paced or hands-off program. Students are expected to:
- Engage in learning daily
- Participate in live instruction or view recorded lessons
- Communicate regularly with their Success Coach
- Complete assignments and projects on schedule
This structure helps students stay on track and continue progressing academically.
Experiential learning beyond the screen
A defining feature of Mountain Community Online School is Climb Higher Projects.
Each quarter, students complete one in-depth experiential project that:
- Integrates multiple subject areas
- Requires real-world activity and community connection
- Emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving
- Culminates in a student presentation
These projects ensure that virtual learning remains active, meaningful, and connected to students’ lives and communities.
Strong support for students and families
Every student at MCOS is supported by a team of adults.
This includes:
- Licensed teachers responsible for core academic instruction
- A dedicated Success Coach who monitors progress, engagement, and communication
- School staff who ensure accountability and follow-through
Families are not left to manage online learning alone.
A trusted public school partner
Mountain Community Online School is operated by The Mountain Community School, bringing the care and accountability of a proven charter organization to a statewide online program.
Is a free public online school the right fit?
A free public online charter school can be a strong option for families who:
- Want a tuition-free public education option
- Need flexibility in where learning happens
- Value adult support and accountability
- Are seeking an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar schools
MCOS is designed for students who are ready to engage consistently in an online learning environment.
Explore whether MCOS is right for your family
If you are searching for a Western North Carolina virtual school that combines flexibility, structure, and meaningful learning, Mountain Community Online School may be the right fit.