Is AOA accredited?
Yes. Alpha Omega Academy is fully accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) and by the North Central Association (NCA).
Our curriculum has arrived—what do we do first?
Check your curriculum order and go online to read the Parent/Student Handbook. This handbook should address most of your questions and concerns. If you are using SOS, read and follow the SOS Reference Guide. This will guide you in completing the SOS installation process.
How much time does my student have to finish the school year?
The school year is typically 180 days, which is about nine months. Students have up to one calendar year (12 months) to complete one school year’s course work. If a course is not completed within 12 months, the student may be permitted to re-enroll in the same course in the next term in order to complete it and receive full credit. A semester is 90 days, or approximately three months. Students enrolled in a one-semester course will have up to 6 months to complete the course.
How fast can my student work through the curriculum?
While there is flexibility to doing schoolwork at home, the Academy requires approximately 180 school days of instruction for each school year. It is especially important to meet these requirements at the high school level in order to receive credit. Students can complete their courses over a shorter period of time by occasionally doubling up on the hours of study, working on weekends, or adding a summer session.
I’m not able to help my student master academic concepts—what should I do?
SOS Teachers will answer academic questions for your student in the Switched-On Schoolhouse program using the message system and the problem notepad. For more extensive explanations, your student (or you) may call one of our Iowa teachers during school hours (8am-4:30pm CST). Students receive 60 minutes of free telephone support for every course they enroll in – a student enrolled in 5 courses starts with a total of 300 minutes that he or she can use to talk to a teacher in any department. Between our well-written curriculum, the regular SOS Teacher, and our call center teachers, your student will get plenty of help.
How often should I check my student’s progress?
Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their student’s education. Parents are essential in actively teaching and working with the student throughout each lesson. We encourage daily review of student progress. Your involvement is critical to your student’s success.
Does the Academy offer achievement testing?
Yes. Achievement testing is included at no charge for all full-time students. The Academy offers our students the Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) test through the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). MAP is a nationally formed and accepted achievement test delivered to Academy students through the home computer.
The first year it is scheduled before you begin the curriculum (after the counselor consultation, while you are waiting for curriculum), in order to provide a baseline of comparison. Thereafter, it is scheduled after completion of each year’s program.
Do you know my particular state’s distance learning requirements?
Some states view enrollment in any form of distance education as “home-schooling”. Other states will recognize accredited distance education institutions for what they are, such as Alpha Omega Academy. Parents are responsible to know or be familiar with the education laws in their home state and how enrollment in Alpha Omega Academy is viewed by their state.
How does the content of the SOS curriculum compare to LIFEPAC®?
SOS originally drew from the LIFEPAC curriculum. SOS authors and editors have since updated the content, rewritten sections, and enriched the material with multimedia presentations.
Can I use other curriculum?
All students must use AOP curriculum. High school students may, for an additional fee, include outside courses. Outside courses must be pre-approved by a counselor and not be offered in AOP’s curriculum.
Will your program prepare my student for college?
Alpha Omega Academy’s college preparatory course of study is designed to prepare students for entrance into most universities and colleges. Because each college or university has its own entrance requirements, the student or parent will want to consult with the chosen school(s) to tailor a high school program which meets specific requirements of that institution.
Will the credits be accepted if my student transfers to another school?
Alpha Omega Academy’s transcript is accepted by most high schools; however, each school can accept or reject any transfer credits. If you anticipate a transfer to a local high school, we recommend that you contact the high school. Verify that all credits earned while in the Academy will be accepted towards graduation.
When do we get a transcript with my student’s high school credits and GPA?
When your high school student transfers from the Academy, we will, upon written request from the parent or school district, supply the new school with an official transcript. When your high school senior graduates, we will send an unofficial transcript to you. We will forward an official transcript to any college(s) upon written request only.
Will my Internet filter cause any problems with sending school work?
If your internet service provider allows you to set a filter, you may need to contact them if you have trouble connecting. Third-party software filters should work satisfactorily with the Academy’s distance learning software.
Does my student have to be connected to the Internet while doing schoolwork?
If you are using Remote Access, you need to be connected to the Internet to do your schoolwork. If you are using the synchronization option, you do not need to be connected to the internet while your student is working. You only need to connect when synchronizing. This needs to be done at the beginning of the school day and at the end of the school day.
What should I do if my student misses a scheduled day of work? Do we need to notify the Academy?
One of the benefits of educating in the home is the flexibility of the schedule. The parent has the freedom to change the student’s schedule when it becomes necessary. Parents do not need to notify the Academy of a school day that has been missed. If the student will not be working for a week or more, we recommend informing the Academy.
What can I do to improve my student’s penmanship if we decide to use SOS?
Projects can be completed on paper for writing practice. Then students can type their work into the SOS project page. Penmanship courses are also available for additional writing practice.
