Finding a Fresh Start: Why Families Choose Oregon Charter Academy

November is a time for people to examine their lives through a lens of gratitude and thankfulness. This month, Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) is thankful for fresh starts and second chances, a theme that resonates deeply with so many families who choose ORCA. 

Traditional schools may not be the best fit for every student. Thankfully, the internet and virtual learning tools have created a new learning environment that can be safer, more supportive, and more flexible than brick-and-mortar classrooms. 

During November, ORCA is highlighting families who found reasons to be thankful for this educational option.

Student Stories: Why Families Choose ORCA

Families choose ORCA for many reasons. Here are a few of their stories.

Finding Safety and Peace of Mind

For some students, brick-and-mortar schools become environments where safety concerns and disruptions make it difficult to focus on learning, and that stress takes a real toll on their health.

Leonard enrolled at ORCA during his sophomore year because there was pervasive vandalism, physical fights, and drug use at his old school. After two years at ORCA, Leonard's mother reported that he no longer suffers from migraines, and the entire family is enjoying the school culture. "It helps knowing that he can learn at home in his own environment, and be comfortable and relaxed, and his dad and I do not have to worry about his physical and mental safety like we did when he went to physical school," she said. "It has been a huge weight lifted off our shoulders." 

One family recently enrolled their eighth-grader at ORCA, seeking a greater sense of safety and a renewed focus on learning. "We wanted to give our kiddo better study skills and provide safety and less drama," the student's mother said. The contrast with their previous experience is striking. "So far, the teachers have all been so kind and encouraging. I especially love that the other kids have been so warm and kind to each other, even when talking about hard subjects in their advisory class!"

These families found that beyond physical safety, ORCA also supports students' mental and emotional well-being.

Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being

Sisters Lyla and Leena joined ORCA in elementary school after a difficult start to their academic careers. Fortunately, ORCA's supportive culture has been just what they needed. "In-person school started to affect me and my siblings mentally, and it affected our self-esteem," one of them shared. "So my parents enrolled us in online school and we have never been better."

Attending a traditional classroom wasn't the right choice for Kai either. He joined ORCA as a kindergartner because his parents knew in-person classes wouldn’t serve his unique needs. "We were looking for alternatives because my child has a ton of sensory issues and was not ready to be gone all day," his mother said. 

Now in the eighth grade, ORCA's online environment has exceeded Kai's family's expectations. "I cannot say enough good things about ORCA," his mother said. "The staff is amazing! Every year, I ask if he would like to try a brick & mortar school or if he thinks he is missing out on anything, and he chooses to continue with ORCA."

Lyla and Leena's mother shares a similar sentiment about her children's experience at ORCA. "School should be a place where we can focus on studying and make good connections," she said. "You'll find all that at ORCA!"

Flexibility for Personalized Learning and Unique Circumstances

ORCA families and students also appreciate the flexibility of an online environment compared to the more rigid approach of traditional classroom models. When students can learn in a manner that suits their individual needs, they're much more likely to find academic success. 

Second grader Emmett appreciates how much more efficient he can be with his lessons, saying, "It's more work in less time." For Leonard, a senior, ORCA's curriculum fits his independent learning style perfectly. "He can work at his own pace, and tackle as much school work, if not even harder material, at ORCA," his mother said. Sisters Lyla and Leena, whose mental health improved dramatically at ORCA, also travel frequently with their family, and ORCA's independent learning model enables them to continue their studies from anywhere with an internet connection. 

For many families, a flexible learning environment can be the key to creating a transformative school experience that offers more freedom for students and families alike.

Transparency and Support Make the Difference

Part of what makes ORCA such a special place is the warm and welcoming community, something Emmett's mother noticed right away. "We love the structure and planning of ORCA," she said. "We can see everything our student is learning and actually assist him. Communication is excellent!" Kai's mother agrees. "The staff makes us feel like family," she said. 

Parents also say they feel more in touch with their students' academic progress. "What I love about ORCA is that I know if my son is missing any homework, so I can remind him to get it done," said Leonard's mother. "I know more about my son's schoolwork and how he is doing now than I did when he was in [a brick-and-mortar] school, and that is really great." 

Kai's mother encourages families in similar situations to take the leap into online learning. "I say go for it! Give it a try, and it might be the best fit for your family," she said. "You won't know unless you try."

Ready for Your Fresh Start? Here’s How to Enroll

Making the switch to an online school may feel daunting, but enrolling at ORCA is simple and supportive from start to finish. First, visit the enrollment page and click the "Start Application Now" button. Fill out the application form with some basic information about yourself and your child, then click "submit." 

After you've completed your application, someone from ORCA's enrollment team will reach out and walk you through the enrollment process while answering any questions. You'll need to provide a few documents during registration, such as proof of residency and proof of age. The enrollment team is happy to assist you throughout the enrollment process.

When students enroll at ORCA, they'll gain access to a school community dedicated to preparing them for college and career success. They'll also have access to programs including: 

• ORCA's ASCEND program offers career and technical education and dual credit opportunities for high schoolers.

• The AVID college readiness program prepares high-performing students for the next phase of their education. 

• Over 50 student-led clubs provide students the opportunity to connect with their classmates through shared interests outside of the classroom. 

Starting the enrollment process is easy, and ORCA staff is here to help you take the first steps.

Join Us for a Virtual Information Session

These families found their fresh start at ORCA. Yours could be next. If you'd like to learn more about ORCA’s safe, supportive, and flexible learning environment before enrolling, join us for a virtual information session. You'll connect with staff, preview the learning platform, and discover whether ORCA is the right next step for your family.