Q: What is the LWSD Online Academy?
A: This program offers a selection of online courses taught by LWSD teachers for qualifying full-time high school students needing to recover credit in required courses or to earn graduation credits.
Q: What courses are eligible for enrollment?
A: The following five classes:
- Online Washington History-for seniors or students moving in from out of state who did not take their own state history course
- Online World History 1-This ninth grade world history class focuses on the history and development of the Pacific Rim
- Online Health –personal health, wellness, safety, are just a few of the topics this class will cover
- Online English 9-literature and writing of the ninth grade year
- Online US Government-seniors only class covering what it means to be a citizen of the United States
Q: How much do they cost?
A: Courses taken as part of a six-period regular schedule are free. Courses taken in addition to and beyond the six-period schedule will require tuition and are paid for by the student. Please ask your counselor for the most up to date information on costs. Students pay fees directly to their school’s bookkeeper.
Q: Who may enroll in an Online Learning course?
A: All LWSD high school students needing these courses for graduation may enroll. Please check course prerequisites. Of special note, Washington History is also available to any student moving in from out of state who did not take their own state history course.
Q: Which students find success in an online learning environment?
A: Online Academy courses are approved by the LWSD, meet state standards, and are rigorous, lasting 17-18 consecutive weeks. Please know that online learning is not a good choice for every student. Those who find success are able to work independently and stay on target as well as feel comfortable learning on their own using a computer. Other types of students will find more success in other venues such as summer school. Find out if online learning is right for you by taking our student quiz.
Q: When are Online Learning courses available?
A: You will find a list of available online classes in your school registration catalog.
Q: How does a student enroll in an online class?
A: During annual registration for classes at your school, you may add an online class to your course request as you would any other class offered by your school. However, note the answer above about readiness for online learning. Also, please contact your counselor about class availability and tuition, if required. Note that classes may fill early and become unavailable for enrollment. As with all classes, they operate only with sufficient enrollment. Counselors will enroll qualified candidates. If accepted into an Online Academy class, the student will then pay any fees, if necessary, to the school bookkeeper before being allowed to start the class.
Q: When are Online Learning courses taken?
A: Students need to begin once the registration process is complete, the parent and student have attended the mandatory introductory meeting, and the learning plan has been signed. Courses run for 17-18 consecutive weeks from the start date, so students will need to maintain progress. Students earn credit in these classes by taking them any time outside of the normal school day.
Q: What are some advantages of taking online courses?
A: Students may complete work in a course from any location and at any time via web access. With extended effort on the part of the student, it may be completed ahead of the 17-18 week window for the class. Also, these courses are replacement credits, so once passed, the class being replaced will not count against the student’s GPA.
Q: What computer access will students have to take Online Learning classes?
A: Students will provide their own computers and internet connection. School computers will be accessible before and after school and during lunch time. Some schools have laptops for check out. Also, public libraries offer computer time. Students may work from home at any time. Low-income families may qualify for free computers through the district. Contact your school secretary for more information. However, please know that the LWSD does not provide internet access.
Q: Will Online Learning courses be accepted for replacement credit?
A: Yes. Once earned, the course credit will be added to the student’s transcript as a transfer grade and the original failed class will be changed to an NC and not count against a student’s GPA.
Q: What are the reasons for participating in the program?
A: Any high school student may be eligible for online learning if:
- Online learning fits well with the student’s learning style and schedule
- He or she chooses to register for online courses during the spring school registration process. Check the school’s course catalog for a list of available online class offerings.
- The required graduation course is not currently offered in his/her building
- There is an unavoidable scheduling conflict
- The student may have previously failed the course
Q: What are the expectations for students attending Online Learning courses?
A: They are the same as those for their school. All students are expected to follow all policies, procedures, and expectations of their school as specified and agreed to in their student handbook, as well as the district Acceptable Use Policy.
Q: May a student drop an Online Learning course?
A: Yes. The course fee will be refunded if a course is cancelled. Refunds for ongoing courses will be approved on or before the start day for the class. Please Note: NO refunds will be approved once classes have begun.
Q: Are online courses sometimes cancelled?
A: The Online Academy is a self-supported program dependent on adequate student enrollment. Courses which fail to achieve minimum student enrollment will be cancelled. Any fees will be refunded as soon as possible.
Q: Will I receive a textbook for the class?
A: No. Online classes are taught with all materials available digitally through the online class. If a student requires a physical textbook as part of a documented accommodation, the instructor will arrange access.
Q: Will the program offer more class choices in the future?
A: Yes. The district is developing additional options in order to expand the program and course offerings.