Online Learning at ORCA
Oregon Charter Academy is a public charter school serving Oregon’s students from kindergarten to 12th grade. While we offer the same educational opportunities and extracurricular activities as many other schools, one important difference sets us apart: all learning happens online. Through state-of-the-art educational platforms and cutting-edge practices, we provide a future-focused education with a fully virtual model. Thanks to this advanced online school learning environment, students gain benefits and opportunities that can’t be found in a physical classroom – all at no cost.
How It Works
Online learning at Oregon Charter Academy is made possible through Canvas LMS. This cutting-edge program integrates all learning tools into one centralized online platform. Students can accomplish anything they would in a physical classroom, including:
Attend class via video format
Share discussions with peers in the forum
Complete and submit assignments
Take tests and examinations
Review their grades
And more…
Meanwhile, online learning opens the door to unique experiences. Space and science enthusiasts, for instance, enjoy our monthly Remote and Distant Interactive Online Sessions (RADIOS) live streams from NASA Space Center Houston (SCH). We’re also constantly exploring new learning opportunities to help our students grow. Click here to learn more about a day in the life of an online student.
Why Learn Online?
Why pursue a virtual education at an online school? For many students, virtual classrooms offer several advantages over in-person learning. Students at Oregon Charter Academy will benefit from all of these, including:
INCLUSIVITY
Using the Canvas platform, teachers can offer more inclusive education than ever before. Our technology enables differentiated instruction based on the student’s unique needs, including 504s or Individual Education Programs (IEPs). Students can learn above, below, or at the level of their grade group while maintaining close interaction with their peers.
INTEGRATED RESOURCES
Instructors utilize materials from a variety of sources, including purchased resources and Open Educational Resources (OERs). All are carefully curated and integrated seamlessly with Canvas, creating a versatile educational experience from diverse platforms. Teachers frequently personalize materials, keeping classrooms dynamic and responsive to student needs.
FLEXIBILITY
Online learning offers continual access to curriculum and learning resources. Students can attend class from home, when visiting relatives or friends, or even while traveling. All that’s required is an internet connection. Canvas also offers limited download capabilities so students can review materials and get a head start on assignments while offline.
INTERACTIVITY
It’s a common misconception that online learning is less interactive than a physical classroom. At Oregon Charter Academy, students have daily face-to-face interactions with teachers. We also regularly utilize group projects and team-based work, keeping students connected while teaching vital skills surrounding collaboration and shared goal setting.
TECHNOLOGY ACCESS
Oregon Charter Academy understands that not every student has easy access to the tech tools required to succeed in an online environment. To ensure every student has the resources they need, we provide Chromebook computers to all enrolled students free of cost. We also provide books and other learning materials. This enables all students to approach their education with the same tools, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Enroll in Our K-12 Online School in Oregon
If your child is ready to get started with a high-quality online learning experience, enroll today at Oregon Charter Academy. We accept new students throughout the school year and offer effortless integration with ongoing classes as soon as registration is complete. If you’re still deciding or have any questions about our virtual model, contact us online or by calling 503-897-2272 to learn more.