Redefining School: How Oregon Charter Academy Works for Every Grade Level
Summer is coming to a close, and students and households across Oregon are beginning to shift back to their schooltime routines. Here at Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA), the day-to-day of our students may look different from that of students in a traditional school building. There are no cold mornings spent waiting at the bus stop or long days in the classroom. Instead, ORCA employs a learning model that offers both synchronous and asynchronous learning and prioritizes our students' individual needs by offering robust personalized support.
This dynamic learning model is an excellent option for families seeking something different from traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Some families choose ORCA because their children have health concerns that make in-person attendance challenging. Others prioritize safety or need the flexibility that ORCA offers. Many families are simply seeking a more individualized approach to education that adapts to their child's unique learning style and pace.
One of the most common questions we hear from prospective families is, "What does a typical school day at ORCA look like?" While a typical day may look much different from student to student or from elementary to high school, they do have a few commonalities. Here's what your student can expect.
Elementary School: Grades Kindergarten - 5th
Students in every grade attend live classes. However, they only make up a part of the student's day. Our elementary school students are typically enrolled in three courses, with 30-minute live classes via Zoom Monday through Thursday. Outside of live classes, elementary students have the flexibility to complete other assigned work at their own pace and take breaks for meals and outdoor play. Elementary students also have access to age-appropriate activities outside their core classes, like our ongoing NASA livestream series that's available to all ORCA students.
For our youngest learners, the flexible structure of online learning requires the active support of an at-home learning coach — typically a parent or caregiver. Learning coaches don't just help with homework, they also facilitate daily lessons, provide encouragement during challenging moments, and help their child navigate the technology and coursework throughout the school day.
Many younger students learn best by physically interacting with their lessons. At the start of each year, elementary students receive a kit containing hands-on materials like Base 10 blocks, which can encourage multi-sensory learning. Our elementary students also have opportunities to connect with their friends and classmates before their live classes or by participating in one of our many student-led clubs like Arts & Crafts or special interest activities. With the help of their learning coaches and teachers, ORCA elementary students receive an unmatched education, tailored to their learning preferences.
Middle School: Grades 6th - 8th
Once ORCA students reach middle school, they take on more coursework and function more independently. They typically don't need as much support from at-home learning coaches. However, middle school students will need someone who can help them stay on track with assignments and expectations over the longer term. When they need more support, students can always get help from their teachers by scheduling meetings whenever necessary.
Middle school students take three core classes, three electives, and two supplemental courses each semester. They participate in engaging science classes featuring live experiments and PE classes that encourage physical activity. Some of these courses meet live multiple times per week; others meet only once per week. Middle schoolers also have Fridays free from live classes to focus on other assigned projects.
Students in middle school can also participate in our student-led clubs that center around special interests like creative writing. Our clubs are safe places for students to have fun, connect through shared activities, and build community and belonging. ORCA middle school students enjoy a great balance between structured learning and self-directed work, which will prepare them well for the increased independence and expectations of high school.
High School: Grades 9th - 12th
Our oldest students take ownership of their education and time management. High school students typically take four core classes and three electives per semester. They are also a part of courses like counseling and the principal's corner, which don't require coursework, but instead offer resources that help students prepare for life after graduation — whether that’s college, career, or another path. Some high school classes meet multiple times per week, while others meet weekly, giving students even more scheduling flexibility.
High school students also have access to special programs. ASCEND is our career and technical education program, which offers five distinct study pathways, such as computer science, medical science, and business management. AVID is an optional college readiness program designed to prepare all students for success after high school. Like elementary and middle school students, ORCA high schoolers also enjoy participating in clubs that foster their interests in art, science, and even gaming.
ORCA's high school curriculum offers students maximum flexibility for different learning styles and schedules, or for learning that aligns with a student's natural rhythms. Students can attend live classes in a comfortable spot, take breaks when they need them, and work during their most productive hours. Our teachers are also available to provide personalized help and support.
Learning at ORCA
Regardless of grade level, ORCA students have access to many of the same tools. Most learning happens through Canvas, an open-source platform used by colleges and K-12 schools nationwide, which integrates seamlessly with other tools like Google and Zoom.
Each student receives a Chromebook that's been set up with their specific username and password so they can log on straight out of the box. Each Chromebook also comes with all of the necessary software and add-ons pre-installed. We also send out curriculum kits with all the materials your student needs to have a successful online learning experience.
Students perform best when they have access to a quiet, designated learning area in the home and have someone available to help track their progress. Younger students will need more at-home support than older students, so someone must be willing and capable to act as their learning coach.
Caregivers can begin the enrollment process by filling out our online application. Once you've submitted your application, a member of our enrollment team will reach out by phone with more information.
Join Us for a Virtual Information Session
If the day-to-day life of the average ORCA student sounds like just what you and your child have been missing, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Join one of our upcoming virtual information sessions where you can learn more about ORCA's curriculum and our approach to virtual learning. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet our staff and preview our learning platform. We hope to see your student join our community in the upcoming school year.