WE KNOW YOU HAVE QUESTIONS….

+ WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON DISCIPLINE?

The 24/7 Learning academy approach to discipline is a minimalist one and founded on common sense. We begin by instituting the fewest rules necessary to maintain a positive learning environment. Misbehavior is often merely the symptom of a deeper issue, so we proactively address potential disciplinary issues and will modify the curriculum, if necessary, to accommodate a learners needs. Most importantly, we treat our learners with respect which we have found solves, and even prevents, most disciplinary problems.

+ DOES THE 24/7 LEARNING ACADEMY MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL OFFER ATHLETIC PROGRAMS?

No, 24/7 Learning Academy does not have a formal in person athletic program.

+WHAT SIZE ARE CLASSES?

We intentionally keep our classes small. The teachers of each class set the limit on the number of students they can handle. Except for PE, most classes range between 10 and 12 students.

**+HOW ARE CLASSES PLANNED EACH YEAR? CAN I SUGGEST A CLASS?

Activities are chosen according to a yearly theme determined by the 24/7 Learning Academy Education team. If you have a need or suggestion for a class, please notify the Leadership Team. We love to get new ideas. In addition to our parent and volunteer teachers, we partner with other online learning platforms to support with the core academic subjects.

+WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF CLASSES THIS SEMESTER?

Schedules are unique to each student and includes both syncronious and asyncronous learning.

+ARE CLASSES EVER CANCELLED?

Since we offer virtual sessons inclement weather should never be a reason we cannot provide a class. Also, our curriculum is completely online and can be accessed asynchronously 24/7.

+DO YOU GO ON FIELD TRIPS?

Although we do not plan field trips, interested parents may certainly organize field trips that relate to a class or project. Preferably, field trips should be scheduled on asyncronious days. As field trips may interfere with other school activities or family plans, the trips are not mandatory, but they make excellent opportunities for rounding out our children's education and helping them “see” what they are learning. In the meantime, we do invite guest speakers to the classes when possible, which sort of brings the field trip to co-op!

+HOW ARE CLASSES FILLED? HOW CAN I GUARANTEE MY CHILD WILL GET IN?

Our classes are first come, first serve. Families currently enrolled are given the chance to pre-register for the next year first, followed by families on the notification list (waiting list) for that year, then registration is open to the public.

+HOW ARE CLASSESS DIVIEDED?

Groups are divided by age as of September 1: High school (grades 9-12; 14+ years old), Middle school (grades 6-8; 11-14 years old).

+WHAT EXACTLY IS DONE IN THE CLASSES? IS IT LECTURE FORMAT OR PROJECTS, ETC.?

Classes are reserved for group activities, such as discussion, debate, experiments, labs, projects, re-enactments and simulations. Classes enrich and enhance what you do at home. This is why Middle and high school students are expected to read and study during the week in preparation for what they do during live sessions.

+MY CHILD IS OLDER, BUT CAN HE TAKE A CLASS FOR THE YOUNGER GROUP?

We request that students not be more than two years above their grade peers in age. In most cases, children can take a class for the younger group as long as they are within 2 to 3 years of the other students, they do not present a disruption to the group, and there is space in the class. Generally, parents should be able to decide which classes their learner’s attend based on each student's skill level, maturity and interests, but the teacher and Leadership Team make the final determination.

+MY CHILD IS 12 YEARS OLD (OR ANOTHER YOUNG AGE) BUT DOES HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL WORK. OR MY CHILD IS VERY INTERESTED IN ONE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES. WHY CAN'T HE TAKE A HIGH SCHOOL CLASS?

We request that students not be less than two years above their grade peers in age for many reasons. Most of our classes are limited by the space of the rooms and by the abilities of the teachers, who may be equipped to handle only a certain age-range with an expected maturity level. Furthermore, for many courses, particularly those offering credit hours to high school students, separation by age is necessary based on the skills required; after all, we want upper level courses to be challenging for high school students trying to earn high school credit. As a result, sometimes the skills required for a class outweigh the student's interest in that class. Additionally, when a student is far advanced in academics but young in age and maturity, he/she may not “fit” in most high school courses. An older student can effectively sit in on a class meant for a slightly younger age group, but a younger student may not work out as well in a class intended for older students. While accelerated learners may have an advantage in academics, they usually have not achieved the maturity to go with it. Even though they can handle algebra and read high school literature, they would not be able to discuss many of the broader topics that the other high school students are interested in discussing and studying. Furthermore, although accelerated learners may be intellectual equals of the teens, they are not equipped emotionally, physically, or in any other way to participate in the teens' social events, and one of the benefits of co-op is making friends and developing a social life. Fellow classmates, who would be so much older and more mature, may not accept them as equals or friends. In other words, their emotional/philosophical level is still in elementary school, where their age places them. For their self-esteem alone, it would be better for them to be with their age peers.

+HOW DOES MY HIGH SCHOOLER EARN HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT HOURS?

To earn the high school credits suggested for each class, parents should not only ensure that their students complete all homework, but also discuss topics during the week with their children in preparation for further class discussion. To use a science class as an example, such as chemistry or physical science, students read the text book and answer questions during the week at home; then during live online sessions, they do the experiments and participate in discussion.

+WHAT CURRICULUM DO YOU USE?

We use PBL projects created by the 24/7 Learning Academy along with other instructional materials, and additional online platforms. Each teacher determines the books and materials to be used in their class. The class and project descriptions will note if the learner must purchase additional supplies. Learners will need access to a smart device, we recommend a either a tablet or laptop, notebook, and writing utensils. You are free to use additional materials.

+ARE THERE TEST?

Testing is offered by 24/7 Learning Academy.

+IS THERE HOMEWORK?

Middle school groups have homework, and high school groups have homework. To earn the high school credits suggested for each class, students must complete all homework. If not, they may be asked to go to study hall or to their parent. Habitually unprepared students will be suspended or expelled from the class. It is virtually impossible to cover all necessary topics of a subject or even go in-depth on one issue in only one or two hours per week. No one expects high school students to retain everything in one or two days; instead, they are expected to work during the week to reinforce and prepare for what they do in live online sessions. For students to earn the high school credit, parents should make sure high school assignments are completed during the week. Also, they should discuss topics during the week with their children in preparation for further class discussion, and they should assign any additional coursework they feel may be necessary to complete the subject.

+WHAT IS A SYLLABUS?

Each teacher will use a class syllabus or project overview, which is simply a brief outline or list of what will be done each week. The syllabus supplies structure to the class and also provides a guideline that parents can use to devise supplemental lessons at home and to ensure their children are prepared for class each week.