Dallas Community School
Dallas Community School
Grades K-8
All home-taught or on-site classes in Dallas
Stipend $1,100
Curriculum is parent-choice
Meetings: 2 in-person meetings in Dallas twice a week, 2 online check-ins per week.
Sponsoring school district: Dallas, operated by Community Learning Partners, a local non-profit
Located in Dallas, OR (near Salem)
In operation since 2015
Web site: http://dallascommunityschool.org/
$1,100 per child, divided as follows:
$400 may be used for DCS on-site classes and field trips ($10 per class for one trimester).
$700 may be used for outside curriculum, experiences, enrichment and supplies that are part of the student's learning plan and approved by the school. These can include books, lessons or classes, educational games and materials, and other items. Items can be ordered through the school or privately paid and reimbursed. Non-consumable items must be returned at the end of the year.
In addition, students can check out items from the DCS lending library, such as: microscopes, science kits, books, curriculum, and many other materials.
Curriculum is parent-chosen print materials, or online subscription services, unless it is provided by the teacher of an on-site class.
Online classes are not offered by DCS except if parents choose a third-party provider and pay for it using the allotment.
Many core and enrichment classes are offered at the site in Dallas, which is 25 minutes west of Salem. On-site classes are optional, and paid through the student's allotment. Class offerings change three times per year, with enrollment through an online portal. DCS does not provide childcare for students who are not enrolled in classes, or for students who have a gap in their class schedule.
Core Classes
Core classes take place at the Dallas Community School site and are taught by certified teachers. Up to 30 students can enroll in morning core classes, which are held from 8:00 or 9:00 am until 12:00 noon. Topics include reading, math, writing, history, science, and project-based learning. Students can enroll two or four mornings per week.
Enrichment Classes
Enrichment classes are taught by community educators who are subject matter experts. Classes take place at the DCS site or at other locations in the region. Classes typically take place in the afternoon, are 1-2 hours in length and take place 1-2 days per week. Student interests are reflected in enrichment classes, with topics including music, science, engineering, art, foreign language, PE, music, and more.
Dozens of field trips are arranged every year as a means of reinforcing learning goals. Field trips include trips to interesting local sites, businesses, museums, and performances, family camp-outs, and hikes. Social activities include family workshops, parent-facilitated co-ops at the site in Dallas, parties at the Gilbert House and Dallas Aquatic Center, and regional meet ups.
No high school, K-8.
N/A
Special education services are provided through the Dallas school district staff.
Meet in-person once every two weeks with a teacher at the facility in Dallas, OR. There are no exceptions other than verifiable emergency or illness. Most meetings need to be in person, but some can be by phone or video chat.
Parents prepare and submit a weekly report identifying the specific learning activities scheduled for that week. Parents also fill out an attendance record that is emailed from the school twice a week.
Informal work samples are submitted once a month.
Formal work samples (Local Performance Assessment) are required every year in the areas of math, science, writing, and speaking for grades 3-8. This is an assignment that meets specific standards and is graded with a standard rubric.
Families are encouraged to volunteer at the school for 10 hours per year. Opportunities include supporting the school or working directly with children.
SBAC annually, plus progress monitoring assessments using LetsGoLearn as needed.
Attend an open house or parent information session to learn about the school. Complete an online or print application and submit by early May. Available openings will go to siblings of current students first, then to students living in the Dallas school district area. After that, a lottery process will be used to fill remaining openings and create a wait list. Applications submitted after the deadline will be placed on a secondary list to be put through in the next lottery.