FAQ

General Information

What is Hillsboro Online Academy (HOA)?

Hillsboro Online Academy (HOA) is a K-12 online hybrid school within the Hillsboro School District. We offer flexible, online learning combined with in-person support to help students succeed.

What is the Concurrent Enrollment Program?

The Concurrent Enrollment Program allows 9-12 students enrolled at their comprehensive high schools to take one elective course or more at HOA, providing additional learning opportunities not available at their home school.

Enrollment

How do I enroll in the Concurrent Enrollment Program?

To enroll, speak with your high school counselor. They will guide you through the process and help you select an elective course offered by HOA.

Is there a deadline to enroll?

Yes, the enrollment deadline is the third Friday of September of that school year. There may be flexibility based on your specific needs. This can be discussed with your school counselor. 

Courses

What elective courses are available?

HOA offers a variety of elective courses. For a current list of available courses, please visit our website or the district's course catalog or contact your counselor for more information. Some example classes include: 

Intro to Renewable Technologies, Digital Photography 1, Creative Writing, Business Law, Restaurant Management, Cosmetology, Fashion Design, Mythology & Folklore, Physical Education, Astronomy, Forensic Science, Marine Science, History of the Holocaust, National Security, and more! 

How do I choose the right course for me?

Consider your interests, future goals, and what credits you need when selecting a course. You can also speak with your high school counselor. 

Does HOA offer College and Career Pathways to Concurrent Students?

Yes! We offer (1) Agriculture Science & Technology, (2) Business & Marketing, (3) Teaching & Education, and (4) Criminal Justice. For more information, please visit the district's course catalog or contact your counselor for more information

Online Learning

How do I access my online courses?

All courses are accessed through our online learning platform, Canvas. Once enrolled, you will receive login credentials and instructions on how to access your coursework.

• Link to HOA's Canvas login page

What if I have trouble accessing the online platform?

Please email Mr. Burnsed at burnsedc@hsd.k12.or.us or call our main office at (503) 844-1050.

How do I use Canvas? 

There are required in-person orientations at each of the comprehensive schools during the first few weeks of schools. Please look out for more information from your school's counseling center. 

You may also use the Canvas Training page as a reference or to start learning how to use Canvas today! 

Why do we use Canvas instead of Google Classroom?

Before Google Classroom was used in HSD, HOA was here using Canvas! The majority of universities in Oregon use Canvas, as well as Harvard, Stanford, Duke, Georgetown, and many more! Using Canvas at the high school level will help you better prepare yourself for entering a college environment. 

Support

What kind of support is available to me?

Your teachers are full-time HOA teachers. We are onsite at the Oak Street Campus location most days of the week, and available online through Canvas. If you have questions or need help with the curriculum, please contact your teacher.

Mr. Burnsed, one of HOA's full-time elective teachers will be available to help students navigate Canvas in-person and online. Please contact him with any questions at burnsedc@hsd.k12.or.us.

How can I communicate with my teacher?

Teachers should be contacted first through the Canvas Inbox, second email, and third, you may call the phone listed on their class homepage. 

Flexibility

How flexible is the program?

Our program is designed to be flexible. Every course is asynchronous, meaning there is not required face-to-face time. All of the curriculum is online and you will be able to work through it independently. Each week content will be opened on Saturday and be due that following Friday. It is the responsibility of the student to create a schedule to work on their online class and meet the scheduled due dates. 

Are there specific times I need to be online?

There are no specific times you need to be online unless your comprehensive high school has placed time in your schedule to work on your online HOA class. There are due dates every week that students will need to meet. 

Generally, students need to spend between 3-4 hours a week working on their online class to be successful. 

Other Questions

How will this course affect my GPA?

Courses taken through HOA are counted towards your high school GPA. Please check with your high school counselor to understand how these credits will be applied.

Are HOA concurrent courses NCAA approved?

No! Our elective courses are not NCAA approved. Only our core courses--ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science--are approved. Please speak to your counselor if you have questions or concerns about this.