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How It Works

OREGON CHARTER ACADEMY IS A TUITION-FREE ONLINE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL THAT PROVIDES AN ADVANCED ONLINE SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE THAT PRIORITIZES THE DEMANDS OF AN EVOLVING GLOBAL SOCIETY.

The Online School Experience

In many ways, learning online is similar to learning in a brick-and-mortar setting; we are an accredited institution with licensed, experienced teachers, and as a public school, our curriculum aligns with Oregon state standards. But with online school, learning doesn’t have to happen in a school building. Our classes take place 100% online and allow students a more flexible schedule and the learning environment of their choosing. Students log on to our Learning Management System, Canvas, to complete their work and attend Live Class. Aside from Live Class, work is completed asynchronously according to teacher instructions, with our teachers available for extra help if needed. Check out A Day in the Life to learn more about what your student’s day might look like at ORCA.

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Is online school right for you?

Online school can be a great option for many different students with different types of needs. At Oregon Charter Academy, we strive to provide the best opportunities for every student, no matter where they are in their educational journey. 

Oregon Charter Academy is a great fit for students who:

  • Have trouble concentrating in a traditional classroom

  • Want an accelerated learning plan

  • Value a more flexible schedule

  • Want to learn from an accredited institution from their own home

What does a student’s day look like?

What a student’s day looks like can vary a lot more in online school than in a brick-and-mortar school, because at ORCA, students have the ability to set their own schedules and do work on their own time. Check out our videos below to see more about how the online classroom at ORCA works, or take a look at our Day in the Life page to see some of our student’s schedules and daily routines.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

Socialization

Many people have the perception that kids enrolled in online school don’t have the same socialization opportunities as they would in a brick and mortar school, but at ORCA, that’s not the case. Our students participate in Live Classes where they will interact with their classmates and teachers, and we have over 30 student clubs and activities that they can join to make friends and further their interests. We also offer regular field trips around the state, so students can meet up in person for educational and fun activities. Learn more about how students can socialize at ORCA!  

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Students enrolled in Oregon Charter Academy are able to participate in all OSAA sanctioned athletics and activities, including sports, band, orchestra and choir. This allows students to be active in their local school district while attending Oregon’s premier online school. With the flexibility offered at ORCA, students will be able to engage in their live classes, complete their coursework, and stay connected with their local community.

Your role as a guardian

At ORCA, we strive to create a team of support for our students. The primary members of the team are your child, you or the designated Learning Coach, and the teacher.

When you chose ORCA, you chose to be an active participant in your child’s education and your support is needed in order for your child to succeed this year.

A woman and a girl sitting at a kitchen island, engaging in a board game. The woman is dressed in a white cardigan and black headscarf, while the girl is in light green pajamas with a bow in her hair. The kitchen features white cabinets, a stainless steel stove, and decorative artwork on the wall.

The role of learning coach is essential in providing immediate and daily support for students’ learning. 

  • Observer Account - Regularly access and utilize the school-provided Observer Account to monitor student attendance, progress, and communications.

  • Routine/Daily Schedule - Help students follow a daily routine and schedule. Have a checklist of suggestions to help students establish and follow a routine.

  • Learning Environment - Provide students with a dedicated academic/school area that is free from distractions.

  • Live Classes - Ensure students attend all Live Classes.

    Encourage student interactive (not passive) participation in Live Class & small group opportunities.

    If applicable, ensure special education students attend specially designed instruction and/or special education services.

  • Learning Supports - Provide reasonable, clarifying support to students in successful engagement with and completion of assigned activities.

    Do not help students answer questions on assessments and/or diagnostic tests.

    Do not grade student assignments.

    Do not provide sole, in-depth technical support for students unless in coordination with the school’s Help Desk.

    If applicable, collaborate and coordinate with special education and general education teachers in order to support the efficacy of existing 504 or IEP accommodations or modifications.

Interested in Oregon Charter Academy?

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EXPERIENCE

How It Works  |  A Day in the Life  |  Parents  |  The Online Classroom  |  Socialization