OASIS in a Nutshell:  Is OASIS a good fit for our family?

It can be hard to determine exactly how a school will work for your students from the outside, so here are some things to consider.

• OASIS K12 is an alternative school that serves students across Washington State. We provide certificated teachers for each student and develop individual learning plans for each student with parental input. 

• We are part of the Orcas Island Public School District and, as such, must comply with all state education rules and regulations.

• As an alternative school, however, we allow more parental input into curriculum choices, methods, and opportunities.

How does OASIS work?

Once you determine that OASIS is right for you (please read through our website and our handbook before you make this choice), you will complete enrollment for your student. Our office manager will guide you through the process. Once enrolled, your student will be assigned to a certificated teacher who will consult with you to write an individualized student learning plan that addresses your student’s needs and learning style. This plan will cover topics and goals for each subject and will be supported by the curriculum from our approved list. Core academic subjects must be school board approved.

Weekly contact and instruction begins the first day of school as noted on the district calendar.  At the start of the year, contact must be made in the first 5 school days, in order for that student to be counted.  Once a month, parents provide an overview of student progress to the teacher, through a google form.  The teacher combines that information with weekly check-in notes to create a monthly report and determine progress. 

How is OASIS affected by state rules and regulations?

OASIS is an ALE (alternative learning experience) school that helps facilitate learning for students in Washington. ALE requirements in the state of Washington include:

• A Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP)

  • OASIS assigns each student to a certificated teacher who collaborates with families to create an individual learning plan based on state standards for each student that complements their learning style and includes OASIS School Board approved curriculum. 

  • OASIS requires an enrollment of 100%, unless approved by the OASIS principal to share enrollment with another public school.  In that case, 80% enrollment would be allowed. See 3.2

  • Parents have input with the curriculum used, but must choose materials from our board approved list that address state standards.  

  •  As a public school, OASIS can not provide or accept reporting on any materials that contain any non-secular bias or content. K-8 approved materials are listed on our website.

•  Weekly Contact

  • Two-way check-ins are required between students and their teachers each week.  This is documented communication between students and teachers where students will report details about weekly assignments, review progress, and submit work samples. This contact can be made in person, via video chats, email, or by phone depending on parent and teacher preferences. 

    • For younger students, student contact can be in collaboration with the parents/guardians.

  • Weekly contact also serves as attendance for the week. Being part of a public school, OASIS is subject to the same attendance requirements as other public schools in the State of Washington. If a student will miss his/her scheduled check-in, he or she must notify their teacher and reschedule within that week. 

• Monthly Progress

  • Once a month, teachers are required to create a Monthly Review of student progress to determine if the goals of the WSLP are being achieved satisfactorily.  This information is obtained during weekly contacts, work samples, and in OASIS K-8, from collaboration with parents, through the completion of a google form.  

What OASIS cannot do?

• OASIS cannot provide or accept reporting on any faith-based curriculum.

• OASIS cannot provide individual lessons or individual classes of any sort.

Requirements for enrollment:

• Must be Washington State residents

• Must have up to date vaccination forms or valid exemption forms on file.

• Must have access to reliable internet service for communication, weekly check-ins, and possibly classes.

What input, choices, and responsibilities do parents have?

OASIS has developed a list of school board approved materials for each subject which address a variety of learning styles. As an OASIS parent, you have input into the curriculum used for each of your student’s subjects. 

With teacher approval, students can attend group lessons for some subjects through Community Based Instructors pre-approved by OASIS which are subject to substantially similar rules.

Parent responsibilities:

• Read OASIS Handbook

• Collaborate with OASIS teacher to develop a SLP

• Work with the teacher to assure learning materials are correct level and style

• Oversee and deliver daily lessons and be sure that assignments are understood and completed 

• Prepare students for organized and productive weekly check ins

• Make sure the technology is in place and functional for check ins and online work

• Submit regular work samples

• Prepare students for annual state assessments