Compass Charter Schools (CCS) is a public charter school that offers two flexible independent study programs for families throughout California. Our Online Program is a virtual learning program that is dedicated to serving families that want flexible, personalized educational experiences for their children outside of the traditional classroom.
Virtual learning is a great option for families that want their children to have a more individualized learning experience. It allows parents to take a more hands-on, supportive approach to the learning experiences for their children. Parents who are new to virtual learning or even seasoned veterans often have questions about their journey and their child’s learning experience. That’s why we’ve gathered our six most commonly asked questions about virtual learning and compiled our thoughts and answers. Check them out below:
What are classes like for scholars in a virtual learning program?
At CCS, scholars in the Online program participate in live, virtual classrooms called, learning labs. During these live classroom sessions, the scholars meet with their teachers and peers to study English, social studies, math, science and elective courses. Learning labs encourage group discussion, problem-solving, and much more. Scholars are able to live chat with their teachers and peers, and often even video chat to create a very personalized learning experience. Depending on grade level, scholars can expect to participate in about three to six learning labs per week, and each session is usually about an hour long. Scholars in our Online high school also follow requirements for graduation, including participating in in-person science wet labs each semester.
What is a learning coach and what are their responsibilities?
A learning coach is a parent or guardian of a child in a virtual learning program. They are tasked with the responsibility of supporting the scholar while they learn outside of a traditional classroom. The learning coach helps guide the scholar through their coursework, helps them develop important skills like time management, and works with the school staff to track the scholar’s academic and personal growth. Learning coaches with younger scholars can expect to spend 20 to 30 hours per week supporting their child’s learning. This includes tracking their assignments, reviewing their completed work and ensuring that their coursework is properly submitted to the teacher for review. Learning coaches with older scholars can expect to spend about five to 10 hours each week supporting their scholar’s learning. Learning coaches are also responsible for accompanying their children during school field trips and other social activities.
How do scholars in a virtual learning program socialize with their peers?
As we previously mentioned, scholars have the opportunity to engage with their peers during their live learning labs each week. However, at CCS, there are several other ways for scholars to socialize with each other and build lasting relationships. Every month, CCS organizes several school field trips for scholars to extend and enhance scholar’s learning. Previously, scholars have enjoyed field trips to various art, science, history and technology museums to explore the world around them. These field trips allow scholars and their families to meet in person and enjoy some social time all while learning and having fun. CCS also organizes several virtual activities for scholars throughout the school year including virtual rallies and assemblies to celebrate scholars’ accomplishments, virtual talent shows, and virtual workshops to help scholars learn unique skills. Lastly, CCS also has several scholar clubs and a Scholar Leadership Council to help scholars explore their personal interests and hobbies, connect with their peers, and develop key skills like leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. Many virtual learning programs, like CCS, offer a wide variety of social opportunities for scholars!
What is the typical learning schedule like for scholars in a virtual learning program?
Many families choose virtual learning because of the flexibility the program can provide. In a virtual learning program, scholars have the ability to learn where they want, when they want as long as they have access to a computer and the Internet. Although learning labs do occur at scheduled times, scholars have the flexibility to design their own study and homework schedule based on their personal preferences. Some scholars at CCS travel across the country or around the world while they study and participate in their courses. Other scholars are actively pursuing careers in the entertainment industry and need to learn in between auditions, music lessons and long days on acting sets. The schedule for scholars in a virtual learning program varies based on each child’s needs, but that’s the beauty of virtual learning and the reason why many families choose it!
Can high school scholars in the Online program graduate early?
The online program at CCS gives high school scholars the opportunity to accelerate academically and graduate early. At CCS, high school scholars can work closely with their teachers and school counselor to complete the graduation requirements ahead of time. High school scholars also have the option to participate in the Concurrent Enrollment Program, which allows them to take classes at community college while still in high school. Some scholars choose this option to get a head start on earning advanced degrees like an Associate of Arts degree or college credits towards a Bachelor’s degree.
Do scholars in a virtual learning program have access to support services?
At CCS, scholars have access to support resources including special education and counseling programs and services. The special education program at CCS offers scholars guidance from a team of credentialed special education instructors who provide Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) to help scholars with learning or developmental disabilities succeed. The special education instructors meet with scholars and their families virtually to provide assessment and supportive services for Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychological Services and more. It’s a wonderful resource that helps CCS scholars who are living with a disability succeed.
The Counseling Services department is also an important support service that is offered to CCS’ middle and high school scholars. CCS has a great team of credential school counselors who support and guide scholars’ academic and personal journeys. The program ensures equitable access to opportunities and curriculum for all scholars to participate fully in the educational experience at CCS. The counselors focus their skills on providing their services including individual planning, responsive services, counseling workshops, one-on-one meetings, college and career readiness and more. The counseling team is fully committed to ensuring that scholars have a safe, inclusive, and well-supported experience at CCS.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Compass Charter Schools (CCS) is a WASC-accredited virtual charter school that serves families throughout California. Interested in learning more about CCS’ flexible academic programs? Visit our website, or contact our enrollment team at enrollment@compasscharters.org or (877) 506-8631.