- Aspire Online Academy K-12
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
-
1. How is Aspire Online Academy different from other online learning options?
Aspire Online Academy's unique structure provides students the opportunity to participate in Asynchronous (independent pacing) and Synchronous (Teacher-led) learning experiences. Staff offer both virtual and in-person studies and interaction. Students have the opportunity to participate in weekly in-person learning pods, which enrich or provide additional support for the academic needs of each individual student.
As a multi-district school, students may enroll from all areas throughout Colorado.
-
2. Will students have in-person opportunities to reinforce learning skills and standards?
Students will have an opportunity to attend weekly in-person learning activities. Our staff provides both online and in-person interventions, extensions, and social-emotional learning opportunities to meet the unique needs and interests of our students.
-
3. What are the technology requirements, and do I have to provide a laptop for my student?
AOA will provide each student with a laptop and the essential device tools. Parent/Guardian(s) will need to provide reliable internet access for their AOA learner(s). Students will receive their 1-to-1 device once student(s) and parent/guardian(s) have completed the AOA Device Orientation.
-
4. How many hours do you expect students to spend on online course work?
Students will be expected to complete 3 ½ - 4 hours of synchronous (live session or in-person) learning time per day. Synchronous learning time includes teacher-led instruction, collaborative settings, student practice, and cooperative learning sessions. The remaining time within the school day will include Asynchronous learning (independent learning), lunch, SEL, office hours (as needed), and personalized learning courses.
-
5. Does the curriculum focus mainly on academics? Or are there social emotional learning activities to help develop skills like self-advocacy and working in groups?
AOA’s curriculum does focus on traditional academics, reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. However, social-emotional learning will be embedded into all academic areas and within separate outlined course times. SEL learning will focus on skills like self-advocacy, conflict, resolution, and time management. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in exploratory and discovery learning.
-
6. How will parents stay informed of their students’ progress or communicate with the staff?
The AOA staff believes parents/guardians are a critical piece in the student’s success within the online school setting. Parents will have access to the parent portal (Infinite Campus) to check student grades and academic progress. Parents will also receive progress reports and informal communications that provide insight into their student’s academic progress. Parents may utilize teachers' office hours, Class Dojo, or email to communicate with their student’s teachers.
-
7. Where is Aspire Online Academy’s physical location?
AOA is located in Stratmoor Hills
200 Loomis Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
719-266-7285
-
8. Will Aspire Online Academy High School offer traditional high school courses the same as in-person comprehensive high schools?
Yes, our high school follows the traditional pathways that are offered through Harrison School District 2. Our students have the opportunity to follow two different pathways, College and Career Readiness and Concurrent Enrollment.
-
9. What opportunities will there be for our family to be involved in our child’s school and education?
The decision to enroll at Aspire Online Academy requires a big commitment for both the student and family.
Students who experience the most success, have an adult at home who is willing and able to support their child as needed. Younger students, of course, need higher degrees of supervision and support from parents/guardians in their learning day.
Since the learning environment is under the control of the students and their families, it is the responsibility of the family to support the redirection of their students in their daily schedules and behaviors.
Regular opportunities for family engagement include feedback surveys, parent/ teacher/ student organizations, school accountability committee, and learning and growing alongside us with workshops on relevant topics for student success.