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 on the student’s own schedule, 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.

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!

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

As a parent or guardian of a student at Oregon Charter Academy, you can be as hands-on (or hands-off) as you and your student need. Guardians can create Observer accounts to be paired with their student’s accounts, where they can see grades, upcoming due dates, and course materials. Observers can also use these accounts to communicate with their students’ teachers and view school-wide announcements. Unlike other online schools, we do not require a weekly time commitment from guardians. It is up to the family to decide how involved the observer needs to be to keep your student on track.