**Note – This is a newly independent charter as of the 2020-21 school year, but the staff have been together for 15 years. The former “Oregon Connections Academy”, which was run as a national franchise, decided to be independent. Most of the staff stayed, and many of the students. Their location is the same. The acronym is the same. They are not using the Connections Academy software or rules anymore, they have created all their own curriculum.**

About the School

• Sponsoring school district: Santiam

• Office location: Mill City, serving students statewide

• Size: 4,400 students (last year before the switch)

• In operation since 2005

• Web site: https://www.oregoncharter.org/

Stipend / Allotment

None, but everyone gets a Chromebook

Curriculum

For all grades, all content is online, with several live classes per week, depending on the age. Curriculum is created by ORCA teachers and all materials are provided either online or shipped to the student.

For grades K-5, students will have one teacher, and meet for one daily live class, about 30-45 minutes each, four days a week. These cover, 1) English, Science and Social Studies, 2) Math, 3) Art, PE and Health.

For grades 6-8, students have 2-3 live sessions per day, depending on their class load, with each class being about 45 minutes each. A typical 6^th grade schedule might be, live class at 10:00, 11:30, and 1:00 pm. Middle school electives include Coding, Game Design, Spanish, Art, Photography, Digital Arts, and Journalism.

For grades 9-12, students generally have 1-3 live classes per week, per class. Every attempt is made to keep the class schedules from overlapping. This usually involves 5-6 hours per day on the computer, plus independent work on assignments.

Online Classes

All classes are live online using Zoom, managed through the Canvas software for dashboard and assignment tracking. Average class size in a Zoom meeting is about 25-30 students.

For high school electives, certain classes are offered through the eDynamic provider, but their whole service is not available, just those chosen by the school. An ORCA course catalog is available to see specific listings.

On Site Classes

None

Field Trips

Field trips at ORCA provide a way for students and teachers to make connections in educational settings throughout Oregon. Labs at OMSI, a hike at Susan Creek Falls, college campus tours, Cranberry Bog farm tour, Shanghai Tunnel tour, and the Pendleton Woolen Mill provide rich experiences for students. ORCA will also be hosting a one-day Outdoor School field trip for 5^th and 6^th graders.

High School Options

In addition to a traditional diploma, ORCA offers four CTE career pathways for high school students: Computer Science, Business Management, Early Childhood Education, and Medical Science. Students will do internships and may be prepared for industry certificates.

Other high school opportunities include:

• Student government

• AVID

• Science Olympiad

• National honor society

• Prom dance event

• Teen parent support group

Community College options

Certain dual-credit classes are offered (taught by ORCA teachers), but there is no Early College tuition program.

Special Education Services

Students with IEP's and 504's can be supported by adjusting the content of daily assignments, providing extra help and tutoring, and other services as needed.

Meetings, Check-Ins and Reports

No required meetings. The twice-weekly checkin requirement is usually met by attending the live class sessions scheduled.

Standardized Testing

SBAC annually, administered at temporary proctored sites around the state.

Admissions

Use the application form on the web site, there is no cap for enrollment currently. Enrollment happens year round.