The Online Learning Program offers students, grade 9-12, the opportunity to earn their high school diploma in a manner that is different than going to a school building every day. Typically, online learning programs are an attractive option for students who are looking for more flexible scheduling, need to catch-up on credits, or who like to move through their classes at a pace that better fits their needs.

The graduation requirements for the Olympia Regional Learning Academy are the same as the other high schools in our district. All standard graduation requirements including number of 22 credits (in specified required and elective areas), passing the WASL exams, culminating project, and the High School and Beyond Plan all apply to the Olympia Regional Learning Academy diploma.

Full-time Students - Students take two to three classes at a time with a goal of finishing those classes in six to nine weeks. At this pace, students can expect to earn a full year’s worth of credits in a school year’s time. Because a student is not limited to a certain number of classes per term, students who are behind in credits have the opportunity to make-up credits if they are motivated and apply themselves to their studies. Students should plan to invest 25 hours each week into their classes at a minimum to move at the average pace of 6.0 year-long credits in a school year’s time. A minimum “C” letter grade is required in order to earn a credit.

Part-time Students – Students may take one to three classes in their resident school and be enrolled with us part-time. The maximum number of classes the student may take at the other school is three. A student who is taking three classes in his/her resident school should look at the Online Program as a way to temporarily supplement a shortened, daily schedule that resulted from the student being withdrawn from classes due to lack of progress, and not as a way to shorten their school day. A minimum “C” letter grade is required in order to earn a credit.

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 - the Online Program and the Parent Partnership Program. Both programs were started in November, 2006.

What courses are offered online?
Course offerings are primarily in the core subject areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social sciences. Six world languages, a small number of electives, Advanced Placement, and a health education course are also available. Most of the core subject areas are taught by Olympia School District teachers. Other courses are taught by teachers that are employed by our partner, Aventa Learning. 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 the Olympia Regional Learning 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. Aventa teachers hold separate office hours. 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 the Learning Academy?
Yes – the graduation credit requirements are the same as the other Olympia high schools. Meeting standard on the WASL, 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 one or two 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. The Learning Academy 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 course teacher and are conducted at our location, 2001 26^th 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 6-8 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 course. 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 taught by us; $190 for online courses taught by us; $380 for online courses taught by Aventa teachers; and $410 for AP courses (except AP biology, chemistry, and environmental science) taught by Aventa teachers. Some Aventa courses have additional fees for texts that are also the student’s responsibility.

 

If I’m interested in online courses, what should I do next?

Students should talk to their school counselor or contact us directly to find out more about the Online Program and to discuss whether or not online learning may be a good fit for the student’s needs and learning style. Students receiving special education services should talk to their counselor or IEP advisor. Specific questions about online learning may be answered by calling the Olympia Regional Learning Academy at (360) 596-7730. Students should not withdraw from their school until they have been informed that they may enroll into the Online Program. When accepted into the Online Program, 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 the Online Program 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 the Online Program.

My child has an Individulaized Education Plan (IEP). Who do I talk to about the online program?
It is a good idea to give us a call to learn more about how our program works and have us answer your questions that are specific to the program and that may relate to your child's learning needs. If you wish to pursue the Online Program at that point, you will be asked to contact your child's case manager to set up an IEP Team Meeting to further discuss this option for your child.

Am I required to have a computer and internet access at home to enroll in this program?
Yes, unless you have access to a computer and internet away from home on a daily basis.

Click here to view "Is Online Learning for Me"