Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are field trips and festivals required?

A: Absolutely not! However, it is highly encouraged that you attend! You will get the opportunity to meet our staff and other California Online Public Schools families. Online school from home is a fantastic option but getting out of the house to engage with other real people is still necessary for healthy development! 

Q: Do field trips and festivals cost money?

A: No! All our field trips and festivals are free of charge to our students and their families. Some field trips do cost the school money to put on. For those trips we provide a suggested donation. While not required, we highly encourage donations so we can continue offering high quality field trips in the future! 

Q: How do I RSVP for a field trip?

A: While you browse through our field trip flyers you will see a link to our RSVP form and waiver for the individual trip. Simply click the link and fill out the Google Form RSVP waiver to register for the specified trip. Space is not guaranteed for any field trip so look out for information from the field trip host for updates and confirmation of your RSVP once the trip gets closer. 

Q: Why isn't there a trip in my county?

A: Our teachers plan field trips all over the state. However, we don't have enough staff to plan trips in every single county in which we have students. We do our best to offer localized trips but you may have to drive to attend trips if they aren't offered in your county. Keep checking back on our site, as more trips are added every few weeks! 

Q: I don't see any upcoming trips or future trips!

A: Field Trips usually begin their planning phases about 1 month before they occur. Some are planned earlier but you should continually check back here to see if any new trips have been added to your region for the month you hope to attend. Bookmark this site and check often for new trips!  

Q: Do I have to attend with my child?

A: YES! Field trips with California Online Public Schools do require caretakers to chaperone their own children to any field trips or festivals. Please DO NOT send your child to any field trip or festival alone! 

Q: What should I bring?
A: All field trips are different so please check your WebMail for more information from your field trip host as to what you may want to bring along the day of. For outdoor trips sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are always a safe bet! 

Q: I RSVP'ed for a trip but I am not sure it went through

A: Every field trip has a staff member who is the host. Please send a WebMail to the host if you aren't sure if your RSVP went through. If you click submit on the Google Form, you did RSVP, but you will not get any kind of confirmation email. We apologize for any confusion this causes. 

Q: Can I bring a friend?

A: The short answer is no. Field Trips and Festivals are for California Online Public Schools Students and their families only. Siblings of CalOPS students who are not students themselves can sometimes be accommodated, but this does depend on the space available. Please reach out to your field trip host to inquire about siblings. 

Q: My question isn't covered!

A: This list of questions is not exhaustive, although we tried to answer those most commonly asked. If you still have questions please reach out to anyone on the Field Trip Team via WebMail and we will try to answer your question, or find you someone who can! 

Q: How do I order a cap and gown?

A: Please use the following Cap and Gown Ordering Link.

Q: How much does the cap and gown cost?

A: Cost will vary by package. You can compare pricing here.

Q: When is the deadline to purchase a cap and gown set from the vendor?

A: Friday, March 15, 2024

Q: What if I missed the deadline to order a cap and gown from the vendor?

A: That's ok! There are options available through Amazon, but any black cap and gown set will be acceptable (even borrowed!). 

Q: Will cap and gowns be shipped to the customer?

A: Yes, cap and gowns will ship to the customer/student. *Note that you will receive your tassel separately from the cap and gown, they will both be sent to your home address.

Q: What color are the cap and gown?

A: The cap and gown are black, and the tassels are teal and black. 

Q: Will there be tickets / limits on guests for either graduation location? 

A: At this time, graduation will be non-ticketed open seating and there are no guest limits. There is no cost for attending the ceremony.

Q: What should I wear for graduation? 

A: Students should wear business casual - examples: dress pants or slacks, a nice dress of appropriate length, and flat shoes. There will be long periods of time where students will be standing and walking up / down stairs. For safety purposes, flats or low heels are highly recommended.

Q. Is parking free/covered at the graduation ceremony?

A: Parking is up to $20 per vehicle at the Northern California ceremony location and $18 per vehicle at the Southern California location. We encourage students and families to carpool. 

Q: Does the school offer senior portraits? 

A: Portraits are offered at the beginning of the year and mid-year festivals. Please see our Festivals Page for more info. 

Q: Can families order class rings? 

A: Yes, they can be ordered directly through Josten's. 

Q: Can I decorate my cap? 

A: Yes! Have fun with it, but it must be free of explicit, offensive language, and images and must be school appropriate. If you are not sure that your selected design is appropriate for the event, please contact our State Events Lead Paige Wall at 909-494-6395. 

Q: What items are allowed at the venue?

A: Only clear bags will be permitted with a maximum size of 12"x12"x6" — the size of a one-gallon freezer bag.

Bags, backpacks, large purses, etc., are no longer permitted with the exception of bags carried for medical reasons or manufactured diaper bags that accompany infants and young children. 

The Bren Events Center is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all patrons. Safety protocol will include a walk-through metal detector screening along with the standard bag check policy for all attendees prior to entering the facility.  Guests should plan their arrival accordingly to allow ample time for the screening process.

Items Not Permitted include:

• Balloons

• Alcohol

• Animals, with the exception of trained disability service animals

• Artificial noisemakers

• Bottles, Cans or Coolers

• Flash Photography

• Glass

• Outside food or beverage

• Professional Cameras

• Sealed or wrapped packages of any kind

• Selfie Sticks, monopods, tripods or telescopic devices

• Signs larger than 20" x 24"

• Video recording devices

• Weapons

For security purposes, all bags are subject to search prior to entry for any event.

Q: Will there be a handicap and special needs seating area? 

A: Yes, there will be designated seating on the arena floor. Seating is limited to one companion seat due to space limitations. There is an elevator and ramps in the seating of the venue to provide easy access to those in need. 

Q: Will my graduate with special needs be able to access the stage? 

A: Absolutely! However, this request must be made no later than 30 days in advance directly to our State Event Lead Paige Wall to ensure this accommodation is put into place by the venue. 

Q: How will I receive my diploma? 

A: Diplomas for all graduating seniors will be mailed approximately two weeks after the graduation ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed to the address listed in Connexus. To change your mailing address, please contact school support at 800-382-6010. Please note that all diplomas will be mailed, regardless of attendance at one of our Commencement ceremonies.

Q: What if I don’t have enough credits to graduate (summer graduate, etc.), can I still attend the ceremony? 

A: Students who do not meet graduation requirements by the senior deadline (Tuesday, June 11th at 8:59pm) will not be eligible to participate in the ceremony.

Q: Can I change my name on my diploma? 

A: The legal name listed in Connexus is the name that will be listed on the diploma, no exceptions. To change your legal name, please contact school support at 800-382-6010. 

Q: Where do I RSVP for the Graduation Ceremony?

A: Learning Coaches and Caretakers will find the "CalCA High School 2024 Graduation Ceremony RSVP" Data View in their “to-do list” on their Pearson Online Classroom account home page. Students will not have access to fill out this Data View / RSVP from their student accounts. This Data View is now available. 

Q: Can I attend both ceremonies?

A: Yes. The RSVP Data View will only allow you to select one ceremony to attend. If you plan on attending both, please webmail Paige Wall so we can accommodate you. 

Q: Does my guest need to be a California Online Public Schools (CalOPS) student?

A: No, your guest does not need to be a CalOPS student. However, guests must be under the age of 21 on the day of the event. Guests must be in 9th grade at minimum. 

Q: Are parents/guardians, or other adults permitted to attend?

A: Due to privacy and security reasons, guests age 21 and over are not permitted. However, all students and guests need to be signed in/out by their caretaker unless the Student Authorization Form has been completed and submitted prior to the event. 

Q: Is there a deadline to purchase tickets?

A: Tickets will be available for purchase from February 8th - May 31st. Please be aware that tickets are limited due to venue capacity, and may sell out before the deadline. We encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

Q: Will my check be cashed once you receive it?

A: Checks will not be cashed until after the event. 

Q: I want to attend another school's prom - who signs my guest attendance form?

A: Please request to have your form signed by your school counselor. 

Q: I am not a Junior or Senior, can I attend?

A: Attendance is limited to Juniors/Seniors and their guests. However, students in lower grades are able to attend if invited and attending as the guest of a Junior/Senior student. Guests must be in 9th grade at minimum. 

Q: Will my ticket be mailed to me?

A: Students and guests will get their tickets at the door in the form of a wrist band. You don't need to bring anything with you except your personal belongings. All required forms will be digitally submitted prior to the event.

Q: Is there a dress code? Do I need to dress to the theme? 

A: Aim for a classy and semi-formal look; this is your chance to dress up and have fun with it! Overall, have fun with your outfit, but be sure to respect school policies and guidelines. Students and guests do not need to dress to the theme (Roaring 20's) but are welcome to!  There will be security and purse checks upon entry.

• Appropriate Attire:

  1. 1. • Dresses or skirts with blouses

        • Dress shirts with dress pants or khakis

        • Ties/bow ties are optional, but encouraged

        • Jackets/blazers are optional, but encouraged

        • We suggest wearing closed-toed shoes, low heels or platforms. The venue is big and the floors are concrete!

        • Clutches/small bags are allowed

• What to Avoid:

  1. 1. • Excessively short dresses/skirts (dress should reach the bottom of your fingertips)

        • Excessively low necklines or overly revealing outfits

        • Profanity or otherwise inappropriate material

        • Avoid athletic shoes and casual sandals

The following items are prohibited from the venue and any CalOPS Student Events: 

• Alcohol

• Tobacco or smokeless tobacco products of any kind (including vapes)

• Chewing gum

• Weapons of any kind

If you are unsure of anything or have further questions, send a webmail to Paige Wall or Taylor Kubel!

Q: Who is this event for? 

• This event is for graduating seniors and their guests. 

Q: Can I bring a guest? 

• Yes, they must be under 21 on the day of the event, and must have the guest form completed and uploaded

Q: Deadline for purchasing tickets: 

• March 8, 2024

Q: Can I leave early? 

• No, this is a closed event so students will not be allowed to leave or be signed out early.

Q: Can parents attend/chaperone? 

A: No, for security reasons guests must be under 21 on the day of the event and all chaperones will be CalOPS staff and teachers.

Q: What should I bring? 

• You need to bring an ID and spending money for any food/drinks. Bringing water is also recommended.

• Prohibited items: alcohol, vapes, weapons of any kind.

Q: What’s the dress code?

• We will provide dress code information closer to the event date. 

Q: Where do we meet? 

• Our school will have a central meeting location for drop-off and pick-up, more info will be sent out to registered guests closer to the event.

Q: Are tickets refundable? 

• Since the tickets are purchased through Disneyland, they are non-refundable. Please be sure you are able to attend before purchasing a ticket.