Building Independent Learners: How ORCA Programs Prepare Students for Long-Term Success
For 20 years, Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) has provided cutting-edge online instruction for students across the state. Our virtual learning environment enables us to create a highly flexible and personalized education experience for all our students as we prepare them for college and careers.
However, true long-term success also requires our students to be highly adaptable so they can thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing world. That's why we've designed specialized programs like ASCEND, AVID, and college credit opportunities that foster independent learning skills alongside academic growth. These programs allow students to develop the self-discipline, time management, and personal responsibility they'll need for lifelong success.
Once students leave ORCA, we're confident they'll possess the tools they need to become lifelong independent learners, serving them well whether they enter the workforce immediately or pursue higher education.
The ORCA Approach to Independent Learning
At the heart of ORCA's education experience is a careful balance between asynchronous and synchronous learning opportunities, which helps students cultivate an ability to self-direct their work. Students can access all the learning resources they need through Canvas, our online learning platform, and have the freedom to complete coursework on their schedule, in the manner and environment that suits them best—whether that's at their kitchen table, a local library, or a comfortable reading nook at home.
Students also attend weekly live classes with their classmates over video via Zoom. These classes are where teachers present lessons and answer student questions. Beyond live class, teachers are always available to provide ongoing support through regular one-on-one check-ins via Canvas, email, phone calls, or even text messages.
ORCA students develop independent learning skills that set them up for future success. They learn to manage their time effectively, advocate for themselves, and take ownership of their academic journey. These skills are highly valued by professors and employers alike, who expect future students and workers to be self-motivated.
ASCEND: Career-Focused Learning with Real-World Applications
ORCA students can strengthen their independent learning abilities through specialized coursework like ASCEND, our career and technical education (CTE) program. ASCEND allows students in grades 9-12 to explore specific career options and earn real-world experience in one of five distinct pathways, including Business + Management, Computer Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Medical Science, and Ag/Veterinary Science.
What makes ASCEND unique is its authentic approach to learning. Students study under teachers with relevant industry experience and take classes designed to give them career-relevant knowledge. Students also participate in professional internships to gain real-world experience and earn industry certifications and college credit. Along the way, they hone the same type of independent problem-solving and time-management skills they'll need outside of high school.
By graduation, ASCEND students have gained specialized knowledge in their chosen field and developed the confidence and independence to successfully transition from high school to higher education or directly into a fulfilling career.
AVID: Building Academic Readiness for College and Career
While ASCEND prepares students for specific career paths, our Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program focuses on building the academic foundations necessary for college and career success. ORCA is one of the few online schools in Oregon to offer this nationally recognized college and career readiness program.
AVID is available for students in grades 6-12 who share common characteristics like being highly engaged in school, having high aspirations for the future, demonstrating persistence and grit, and a desire to build a supportive community with their peers. The program consists of an ongoing elective that equips students with skills to succeed in higher education, like note-taking, time management strategies, critical reading techniques, effective writing methods, and group collaboration.
The AVID elective is challenging, requiring students to demonstrate self-motivation and discipline. However, it also serves as excellent preparation for the rigors of higher education and future careers. When combined with ORCA's independent learning approach, AVID graduates will be well-prepared to enter any post-secondary environment.
College Credit Opportunities: Getting Ahead While in High School
At ORCA, earning college credits is woven throughout our educational experience. While both ASCEND and AVID incorporate college credit options, we've developed a comprehensive dual-credit framework that allows all our high school students to accelerate their education by completing college-level coursework while still in high school.
Our College Now program enables students to take dual-credit classes through three local community college partners: Chemeketa Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, and Willamette Promise. When students complete a College Now course, they receive an official transcript from our partner institution that will transfer to any Oregon state school as well as many out-of-state institutions.
High-performing students can receive college credit for completing honors-level courses if enrolled in College Now. Additionally, students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses can earn college credit if they score sufficiently on the College Board's AP Exam.
Students who earn college credit while enrolled in high school enjoy several benefits, including early exposure to college-level work, significant cost savings on future college expenses, and a competitive advantage in college applications. When combined with the independent learning skills developed through these courses, these benefits greatly ease the often challenging transition between high school and higher education.
Beyond Academics: Developing Well-Rounded Students
Of course, a great education experience is about more than academics. It's a time when students can explore their interests and discover the passions that will fuel them for the rest of their lives. That's why we've developed a generous slate of extracurricular opportunities to enable students to learn outside the classroom while building peer relationships.
Our extracurricular activities include more than 50 student-led clubs spanning diverse interests, from coding and robotics to creative writing and esports. Students can participate in in-person activities like dances, field trips across Oregon, and student government roles where they develop leadership skills. Our unique partnership with NASA provides students with regular interactive sessions with space professionals, giving them an unmatched glimpse into real-world applications of STEM education.
These activities foster social connections and build independence as students take ownership of projects, organize events, and pursue their passions. When students have opportunities to explore their interests in an encouraging and supportive environment, they become more engaged and motivated learners, which serves them well whether they're heading to college or directly into the workforce.
The ORCA Advantage for Future Success
ORCA's approach to education is designed to develop students who excel academically and in the essential independent learning skills that will serve them throughout life. ASCEND shepherds students through focused career paths that give them real-world experience and industry certifications. AVID challenges ambitious students to expect more from themselves while providing the essential skills they'll need to achieve their dreams. Our college credit programs give all our high school students a jump start on their college journeys.
At every step, students have full access to ORCA's staff when they need individualized guidance and support. This well-structured online educational community enables ORCA to create confident, independent learners who are prepared for any path they choose once they leave.
If you want to learn more about ORCA's approach to creating independent learners, join us for a virtual information session to connect with ORCA staff and preview our learning platform. Whether your student dreams of college, career, or both, ORCA provides the foundation of independent learning skills to serve them as they navigate their unique path to success.