Explore Your Student’s Educational Options During National School Choice Week
Every student comes to their classroom with a unique set of needs. They could be educational, they could be emotional, they could be social — and they all impact a student's readiness to learn. When a single educator faces the collective needs of 30 or more students in a traditional classroom setting, it's easy to see how individualized quality learning can suffer. It's this dynamic that created the need for National School Choice Week.
What is School Choice?
National School Choice Week is an annual event that celebrates the different educational options available to families and students, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, online learning and homeschooling. This year's National School Choice Week takes place from Jan. 23-29 and is an opportunity for caregivers to explore various education options and to advocate for the choice that's right for their families.
Without school choice, caregivers and students are forced into a one-size-fits-all solution that often doesn't serve kids with different needs, social challenges or special talents. Fortunately, there are more education alternatives available today than ever before. All it takes is for caregivers to do a little research to discover which option best fits their student's needs.
The Benefits of a Virtual Education
Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) was an early leader in school choice. Eighteen years ago, ORCA launched as the state's first virtual school under the name Oregon Connections Academy. Over nearly two decades, ORCA has developed a proven online learning environment that provides students with approximately 40 clubs, over 200 field trips each year, career and technical education programs, college credit options, honors and advanced placement coursework, teen parent programs, AVID implementation and monthly learning sessions with NASA.
Virtual learning can be a fantastic option for almost any student. A virtual learning environment is an excellent option for students who need more flexibility for their studies, don't feel challenged in their current learning environment or struggle with classroom-related anxiety.
ORCA’s Student Enrollment Process
Enrolling in ORCA is easy to do. Your first action is to begin the enrollment process by visiting www.oregoncharter.org/enroll or calling 1-877-691-9921.
Oregon’s 3% Enrollment Cap Law
According to Oregon law, districts may deny enrollment in a public charter school if that school is virtual and more than three percent of the district's students are enrolled in a virtual public charter school sponsored by another district. This law doesn't take student needs into account; instead, it's based solely on their physical location. As a result, this law is regressive and can harm students who would benefit most from school choice. The first step to learning whether your district is at 3% or not, is by starting the enrollment process, and ORCA will navigate this district process on your behalf.
A school district may approve a transfer request even if they're above the three percent enrollment threshold. However, caregivers have options even if their transfer request is denied.
Caregiver Action Steps After a Transfer Denial
Caregivers should call the the enrollment phone number for guidance and take these three steps if their district denies a transfer request:
Step 1: File an Appeal with the State
Caregivers have 10 days to appeal a transfer denial decision with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). When the ODE reviews appeals, it only confirms that the district met the legal requirement and won't consider a child's individual needs.
Step 2: Talk with the Superintendent
Immediately after filing an appeal, caregivers should attempt to meet with their superintendent to explain why a transfer is in their student's best interest. These conversations should focus on the unique opportunities the virtual school provides rather than the shortcomings of the current school.
Step 3: Be a Persistent Advocate
Caregivers can still advocate for their students even if steps one and two fail. It's likely that the underlying issues will still be present for the students. So caregivers should stay in touch with their superintendent and update them on how their decision affects the student. They may change their mind in the future.
Is ORCA the Right Choice?
A virtual school is just one of many educational options. Caregivers interested in learning more about the benefits of online learning can attend an ORCA virtual informational session to help determine if it's the right choice for their child. During these virtual sessions, staff will offer a preview of ORCA's user-friendly online platform, an understanding of the dynamic curriculum and more information about the school's unique social enrichment programs and special services. Each session concludes with an opportunity to ask questions and gather enrollment information.
ORCA has several information sessions scheduled through February:
Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 13, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Caregivers can reserve a spot at their preferred meeting here.
Working for Students
School choice is a critical issue for caregivers who want their students to have access to the educational environments that fit them best. Regardless of which option a student chooses, ORCA will continue advocating so that every Oregon student gets the best education possible.
FAQ for Parents
Q: How long does the enrollment process take?
A: Phase one of the enrollment process is about 30 minutes and includes sending family and student information, like the student’s birth date. Phase two can take anywhere from one day up to two weeks, depending on how quickly parents submit the required documents and if the family resides in a district that has reached the three percent cap.
Q: My child has an IEP. How can your school support them?
A: ORCA addresses a student’s needs based on the incoming IEP. We offer a variety of services, including academic, social and functional services (speech and language, occupational therapy, etc.).