Description

First Choice Online Academy (FCOA) is Oklahoma City Public Schools’ fully online learning pathway for students in grades 1st–12th. FCOA is designed to provide a flexible, rigorous, and innovative learning experience that supports academic achievement, social-emotional development, and college and career readiness through a blended learning model.

Implementation Year

FCOA represents a new approach, distinct from the prior e3 Virtual Program, and is designed to deliver a blended learning environment. For the 2025–2026 school year, FCOA will initially operate as a fully virtual program, with opportunities for in-person attendance for approved participation in small groups, targeted interventions, clubs, and projects. Additionally, students will have the option to participate in person in their Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and athletic courses located at their member (home) campus.

Vision

To provide more equitable access to a world-class education, OKCPS will establish Oklahoma’s first district-led, equity-centered online learning community, empowering every student with opportunities tailored to their individual needs.

Mission Statement

The mission of OKCPS’s equity-centered online learning community is to deliver a flexible, student-driven education that meets the diverse needs of all learners. Through rigorous instruction, innovative technology, and strong community partnerships, we equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in school, career, and life.

Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in FCOA, students must:

• Reside within OKCPS attendance boundaries or hold an approved transfer.

• Complete registration in Infinite Campus.

• Commit to a semester-long enrollment period.

Enrollment Commitment

• All students enrolling in FCOA must commit to remaining in the program for the semester.

• Enrollment changes are permitted only at the start of a new semester.

Core Academic Instruction

Core instruction will be provided through Edgenuity and certified teachers (mentors) facilitation. Instruction is aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards and OKCPS curriculum maps.

• For Grades 1st-4th, standards-based core courses will be delivered by mentors, with the platform for delivery SeeSaw/Clever/Canvas.

• For Grades 5th-12th, core instruction will be primarily delivered through Edgenuity and mentor facilitation.

Curriculum Alignment Initiative 

At First Choice Online Academy, we are cultivating a new philosophy of learning where our educators serve as mentors to students. This elevated role moves beyond traditional instruction, focusing on guiding students through personalized learning pathways, fostering discovery, building strong relationships, and providing holistic support to ensure every student thrives in our flexible, digital environment.

During the upcoming fall semester, our team will collaborate closely with the district to strategically redesign the Edgenuity curriculum for 5th and 9th-grade core classes, ensuring full alignment with the district's established pacing guides.

High School Credit Management

FCOA will manage High School Credit Recovery and Comprehensive Credit, ensuring consistent oversight and student success in earning necessary credits. 

Grade-Level Course Delivery

• Grades 1–4: Standards-based core courses in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, plus elective opportunities as appropriate.

• Grades 5–8: Core courses, project-based enrichment, and virtual clubs.

• Grades 9–12: High school graduation requirements, select AP offerings, and electives.

Secondary Instructional Schedule

Students will participate in structured academic learning Monday through Friday with a designated subject focus:

• Monday/Wednesday: English Language Arts & Social Studies (minimum 2 hours per day).

• Tuesday/Thursday: Math & Science (minimum 2 hours per day).

• Fridays: Targeted intervention for Math/Science & English/Social Studies (minimum 2 hours per day).

Touchpoint Tuesdays 

Weekly virtual engagement designed to provide:

• Targeted academic support

• Enrichment activities

• Community-building experiences

Elementary Instructional Schedule

Students will participate in structured academic learning Monday through Friday with a designated subject focus:

• Monday - Thursday: Language Arts & Math

• Thursday:  Weaving in Social Studies & Science

• Fridays: Targeted intervention for Math/Science & Language Arts/Social Studies.

Focus Fridays (in-person opportunities)

Weekly opportunities for:

• Small Groups

• Targeted Interventions (MTSS) & Tutoring

• Specials which could include PE, Music, Art, and projects. 

• High School internships (beginning SY 26)

Attendance and Participation

Students enrolled in First Choice Online Academy are expected to attend all scheduled live sessions and complete asynchronous assignments on time. Attendance is tracked through daily participation in Canvas and Google Meet. Failure to log in and participate regularly may result in truancy interventions and could impact a student’s enrollment status.

Families are responsible for notifying the school of absences in advance when possible. Absences must be reported within 24 hours to the FCOA attendance office. Extended absences require documentation (doctor’s note, court documents, etc.) and may require an academic success plan.

• Daily login and engagement are required Monday through Friday.

• Weekly assignment completion is required to maintain satisfactory progress.

• Participation in Touchpoint Tuesdays and Focus Fridays is mandatory unless otherwise approved.

Make-Up Work / Late Work

Students who have excused absences will be allowed to make up missed work within the same number of days as the absence, unless otherwise arranged with the teacher. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with teachers about missed assignments and due dates.

Late work policies for unexcused absences or missed deadlines may vary by course, but in general:

• Work submitted within one week of the due date may receive partial credit.

• Work submitted after one week may not receive credit unless approved by the teacher.

• Long-term projects, essays, or assessments may have stricter deadlines.

Consistent late work may trigger an academic support plan or parent/guardian conference.

Course Completion / Grading

Students must complete all required assignments, discussions, quizzes, and exams in order to earn course credit. Final grades are based on cumulative performance across all modules in Edgenuity/Canvas.

Courses not completed by the end of the semester may result in a failing grade, unless a formal extension is approved due to extenuating circumstances. Students are encouraged to monitor their grades regularly and communicate with teachers if they fall behind.

Non-Compliance Procedures

• Mentors will monitor attendance and engagement.

• Parents/guardians will be notified if concerns arise.

• Persistent non-compliance will result in a conference and may require placement on a Student Success Plan as an intervention.

Academic Integrity & Plagiarism Policy

First Choice Online Academy upholds Oklahoma City Public Schools’ district-wide expectations for academic integrity. All students are expected to complete their own work, demonstrate honesty in all academic endeavors, and avoid any form of cheating or plagiarism.

All students are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty in their coursework. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

• Submitting work that is not your own (plagiarism, copying from online sources, or using AI without teacher permission).

• Sharing answers on quizzes, tests, or assignments.

• Allowing another person to complete your work.

• Using unauthorized resources during assessments.

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

1. A grade of zero on the assignment or assessment.

2. Required resubmission of work.

3. Parent/guardian conference.

4. Referral to administration and potential removal from FCOA for repeated offenses.

Academic integrity is essential for student success, college readiness, and trust within the learning community.

Technology Provision

All enrolled students will be issued a district device:

• 1st–2nd: iPad

• Grades 3–12: Chromebook

Internet Access

• Reliable internet access is required for participation.

• Hotspots may be available for families who qualify.

Responsible Use

• All students and families must adhere to the OKCPS Responsible Use Policy and Digital Citizenship expectations.

Netiquette

• Be Polite: Always use respectful and courteous language in all online communication, including live sessions, chat, and email. Treat your mentors and classmates with the same respect you would in a physical classroom.

• Appropriate Language: Do not use swearing, vulgar, suggestive, obscene, or threatening language. Avoid any language that is offensive or discriminatory, including jokes or materials based on slurs or stereotypes related to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

• Respect Privacy: Always ask for permission before sharing information, photos, or videos that belong to others. Do not forward emails or materials from others without their explicit consent.

• Consider File Size: Be mindful of the file size when sending attachments to ensure the recipient can easily open and access the file.

Cell Phone Usage

In accordance with Oklahoma State Law (Senate Bill 139) and OKCPS Policy F-25, the use of personal electronic devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, smart headphones, and tablets—is prohibited during all structured learning time. This applies to:

• Live Virtual Sessions: During all scheduled Google Meet, Canvas, or other live sessions, students are expected to have their cell phones and other personal devices turned off and put away to minimize distractions.

• In-Person Activities: When on campus for required assessments, Focus Fridays, or optional extracurricular activities, the "bell-to-bell" policy is in effect. Students must keep their devices turned off and stored away from the first arrival bell until final dismissal, unless a teacher or staff member gives explicit permission for educational purposes.

Exceptions to this policy are limited to:

• Emergency situations as directed by FCOA mentors or school personnel.

• Health monitoring or managing medical needs with signed authorization from a medical provider and approval from school administration or the school nurse.

• Special education or medical accommodations if explicitly required by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

• The student's district-issued device (Chromebook or iPad) when used for its designated educational purpose.

Any misuse of personal electronic devices in violation of this policy or the OKCPS Student Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.

Counseling and Social-Emotional Support

School counselors will provide virtual guidance services, including:

• MTSS; Social-emotional support

• Academic advising

• College and career readiness planning

Special Education and English Language Development

• Services will be provided in alignment with each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or English Learner Academic Plan (ELAP).

• Member site (home school) teams will determine placement and support before enrollment.

Library Services

FCOA students have access to a wide range of academic resources, both digital and physical, to support their learning journey.

• Digital Access: As an OKCPS student, you have full access to the district's extensive digital library resources, including databases, eBooks, and research tools through your OKCPS login.

• Physical Library Access: You may also visit your home campus library during school hours. To do so, you must first check in at the main office and proceed directly to the library. Upon leaving the building, you are required to check out at the main office. Or you may make an appointment with your FCOA administrator to visit the campus’s on campus library during school hours.

Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and Athletics

• Students may participate in VPA or Athletics programs only if enrolled in the associated course at their member campus, in accordance with OSSAA eligibility guidelines.

• Transportation to and from member campuses is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

NCAA Eligibility and College Athletics

For high school students aspiring to play sports at the college level, it's crucial to meet NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) academic requirements. First Choice Online Academy's high school curriculum is designed to support student-athletes on this path.

• Responsibility: It is the student's responsibility to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and to ensure all necessary academic requirements are met.

• Counseling Support: FCOA students should work closely with their counselor to confirm that their chosen courses, including any taken at their home school for in-person electives or athletics, are NCAA-approved. Counselors can help students track their progress and ensure they meet core course, GPA, and graduation requirements.

• Dual Enrollment: If you are a student participating in FCOA and also taking classes at a physical OKCPS campus, you must ensure that all courses, both online and in-person, are compliant with NCAA rules.

Clubs and Enrichment Opportunities

First Choice Online Academy (FCOA) offers a variety of clubs, enrichment activities, and leadership opportunities to engage students academically, socially, and creatively. Participation is designed to complement the core academic program, promote skill development, and foster a sense of community.

Virtual Clubs and Activities

• Weekly virtual clubs focusing on STEM, arts, literature, debate, coding, and more.

• Project-based enrichment opportunities to explore real-world applications of academic concepts.

• Leadership and service-learning opportunities for student officers and club participants.

• College and career exploration sessions, including guest speakers and mentorship opportunities.

• Social-emotional learning activities to build collaboration, communication, and resilience.

Focus Fridays In-Person Opportunities (Optional)

• Small group enrichment workshops in subjects such as art, music, science experiments, and engineering projects.

• Targeted interventions and tutoring sessions to support academic growth.

• Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) clubs and practices for students enrolled in member campus courses.

• Athletics and team-building experiences aligned with OSSAA eligibility rules.

• Community service and leadership projects coordinated with school mentors and local partners.

Goals of Clubs and Enrichment at FCOA

• Develop academic, creative, and leadership skills in a flexible, student-centered environment.

• Provide opportunities for social engagement and relationship building across grade levels.

• Prepare students for college, career, and life through hands-on, experiential learning.

Students are encouraged to participate in enrichment activities that align with their interests, strengths, and academic goals. Transportation for in-person activities remains the responsibility of parents/guardians.

Required Assessments

All FCOA students must participate in:

• OSTP, CCRA, ACT as required by the OSDE 

• District benchmarks and progress monitoring assessments, including NWEA and grade-level Common Formative Assessments (CFAs).

• If enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) course, students must sit for the AP exam

• WIDA and diagnostic screeners, including other required evaluations

Progress Monitoring

• Student progress will be tracked through Edgenuity dashboards, Mentor feedback, project-based assessments, and the utilization of NWEA and CFA data to inform targeted interventions.

• Ongoing reviews will be conducted to evaluate academic standing and growth.

Family Role in Student Success

Parents/guardians are expected to:

• Ensure students have daily access to a working device and reliable internet.

• Support students in creating a structured daily learning routine.

• Monitor assignment completion and progress weekly.

• Communicate regularly with mentors and school staff.

• Provide transportation for all required assessments and approved on-campus activities.

Program Evaluation

FCOA leadership will gather feedback throughout the year to inform continuous improvement and prepare for program expansion in future years.