Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Olympia Regional Learning Academy?
The Olympia Regional Learning Academy is part of the Olympia School District and currently operates two programs – iConnect Academy and the Parent Partnership Program. Both programs were started in November, 2006 and currently serves more than 350 students.
Do many students take courses online?
Online learning is the fastest growing area of education, particularly at the secondary and university/college levels. iConnect is learning that can be done anywhere you have Internet access at any time, week day or weekend – day or night. iConnect learning allows you to have a flexible schedule. You get to choose what time of the day you will work on your courses and for how long at a time. You also have the opportunity to move through your classes at your own pace – faster where you can, and slower when necessary to better learn the skills and subject content. You also gain valuable experience in learning how to learn in an online course format. Whether you plan to go to college, get additional technical training, or need to get additional training/education in whatever career you choose down the road, there is a very good chance that you will be receiving part of your additional education or training through online courses.
How does iConnect differ from other online programs?
The strength of iConnect comes from our commitment to providing quality instruction by certificated teachers who are local and supported by the excellent reputation of the Olympia School District. Most of the time you will get help from your teachers through electronic communication which is fast and efficient. However, your teachers are also just a local phone call away and you are always welcome to schedule a time for them to meet with you face-to-face to get help on your work. Our counselor will work with you on making sure you are taking the right courses for graduation, assist with information on scholarships, applying to colleges, as well as provide you assistance and counseling on matters that may be more personal rather than academic. We place a high priority on trying to keep you from feeling distant and disconnected from the teachers and support staff whose primary goal is to make sure you feel supported in your learning as you pursue your high school diploma.
What courses are offered at iConnect?
Course offerings are primarily in the core subject areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social sciences. Six world languages, Advanced Placement courses, health, and electives are also available. Most of the core subject areas are taught by Olympia School District teachers. Courses fall into the category of credit recovery online courses, online courses, and Advanced Placement online courses.
What are credit recovery courses?
Students may take a credit recovery course for any course they have previously taken but did not receive credit. Under certain circumstances, a student who previously received a “D” in a course and wants to better his/her understanding may also take a credit recovery course as an elective credit, if graduating from iConnect Academy. For students who plan to graduate from another high school, it is important that they make sure to check with the receiving school that a repeat credit will be counted toward their total number of credits needed to graduate.
How does taking online courses work?
After enrollment, students are able to access their classes at any time during the day or night, seven days a week. Students can move through courses at their own pace and get help from their online Olympia School District teachers Monday - Fridays, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM through instant messaging, emails, or by phone. For all courses, students must receive a “C” letter grade in order to receive credit for an online course. The “C” letter grade reflects mastery of all work (not a percentage of work completed or an average grade) at a minimum “C” level proficiency.
Can I earn a high school diploma from iConnect Academy?
Yes – the graduation credit requirements are the same as the other Olympia high schools. Meeting standard on the WASL, WASL alternatives, or on the new High School Proficiency Exam; the culminating project; and the High School & Beyond Plan also apply.
How many classes may I take at one time?
If the plan is for the student to be dually enrolled in two schools, the number of classes a student may take at a time is dependent on the student’s level of enrollment with us and with his/her resident school. Generally, students may take two or three courses at a time. To see how many online courses you may take at a time, contact our office at 596-7730.
Where do I go to access my online courses?
The online classes are accessed anywhere a student has access to a computer and the Internet. iConnect does not require students to maintain specific schedules to work on courses except for disciplinary actions associated with lack of progress. Students are expected to work on their courses without the direct supervision of a teacher, but are required to take their course exams in a proctored setting with one of our teachers. Exam times are scheduled through the teacher of the course and they are conducted at our location, 2001 26th Ave NE, Olympia (the former John Rogers Elementary School).
What type of student will find the most success through online courses?
Students will be the most successful if they have developed good habits in doing work at home. Self-discipline in doing work each day is key to a student’s success. Full-time students should plan to work 25 hours each week on their courses. Part-time students should be investing about 5-7 hours per course, each week. See attached "Are You Ready to Learn Online"
How is student progress monitored?
Teachers can generate progress reports that show the dates and times students log-on and log-off the system and the amount of progress students have made in their courses. Lack of progress and logged sessions are viewed as absences. Students who do not show satisfactory progress or an effort to progress in their coursework may be subject to the filing of a petition for truancy.
What if I’m already a full-time student in a high school – may I pay for a class?
Yes – students may pay to take a course. Fees are: $180 for Washington State History and credit recovery courses; $190 for online courses; $380 for online courses and $410 for AP courses (except AP biology, chemistry, and environmental science). Some courses have additional fees for texts that are also the student’s responsibility.
If I’m interested in enrolling in iConnect Academy, what should I do next?
Give us a call at 360-596-7730 if you have general questions. Our office staff will be able to answer most of your questions but if you have a situation you feel is unique and would like to talk to the Administrator directly, ask for Joy Walton. Students may also talk to their school counselor if they are thinking about being dually enrolled. Students receiving special education services should talk to their counselor or IEP advisor. Students should not withdraw from their school until they have been informed that they may enroll into iConnect. When accepted into iConnect, full-time students need to follow the steps necessary to withdraw from their current school (return books, pay fines if applicable, etc.). Part-time students become dually enrolled in their resident school and iConnect so they do not need to withdraw from their resident school. Students who reside outside of the Olympia School District may also apply for enrollment into iConnect Academy.