High School
California Online Public Schools is committed to cultivating independent High School learners to lay the foundations for a brighter future. With an unwavering dedication to empowering students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success, our High School program offers more than just academic excellence—it fosters the growth of self-motivated, critical thinkers who are prepared to take charge of their own education and shape their destinies.
Why Choose CalOPS?
California Online Public Schools (CalOPS) empowers high school students with a flexible, personalized learning experience designed to support academic success and future goals.
Roles and Expectations
For California Online Public Schools students in grades 9-12, parents give their children plenty of freedom to work independently and gain the resilience they’ll need to succeed in adulthood. You should expect to:
Students are expected to actively participate in their learning journey. Here's what students should expect:
Academics
Student Life
*Recommended Minimum
**Recommended Average
| Course Type | Hours per Day* | Hours per Week** |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Courses | 5-6 Hours | 25-30 hours |
| Honors / Advanced Placement Courses | 7-8 hours | 35-40 hours |
California Online Public Schools is committed to providing a personalized and flexible learning experience tailored to each student’s needs. At the high school level, every student benefits from a customized daily schedule designed to accommodate their unique requirements. While this flexibility empowers students to manage their time effectively, they are expected to complete their daily lessons. We encourage students to collaborate with their homeroom teacher to develop an individualized schedule that supports their academic success.
Teachers offer daily LiveClasses for students to attend that align with course pacing and content.
High School LiveClass sessions typically take place Monday through Friday (one subject per day) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am PST.
- M – Social Studies
- T- English
- W – Math
- TH – Science
- F- electives varies
*Some unique courses may have LiveClass sessions offered at other times during the school day.
*For students with IEPs – Specialized Academic Instruction for students with an IEP will be delivered by a Special Education Teacher depending on the student’s IEP. Specialized Academic Instruction is offered Monday through Thursday from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM, and Transition Lessons are offered on Fridays from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM.
California Online Public School teachers create an engaging high school experience that keeps students motivated, connected, and actively involved in their learning journey.
Make every moment of your high school journey unforgettable! From Commencement and Grad Nite to Prom and the Senior Awards Virtual Ceremony, these milestones are opportunities to celebrate achievements, create lasting memories, and share special moments with friends, family, and your school community.
Advanced Courses for College Readiness
High school students have the opportunity to take a broad selection of honors courses that not only fulfill basic graduation requirements, but also offer a more rigorous curriculum and challenging academic environment in online school for gifted students. College-bound students who wish to enhance the strength of their college applications should consider enrolling in our honors and Advanced Placement (AP®)* courses. Those who take AP courses prepare to take national AP exams, which may enable students to earn early credit or secure advanced course placement in college.
Our honors students are a group of dedicated learners who work together to discuss advanced topics, collaborate in group projects, and sharpen their critical-thinking skills while preparing for academic success beyond graduation.
* AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
CalOPS High School offers a wide selection of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP®)* courses that go beyond graduation requirements to challenge motivated learners. These advanced courses help students strengthen college applications, prepare for AP exams, and even earn early college credit. Our Honors students engage in collaborative projects, explore advanced topics, and develop critical-thinking skills that prepare them for success in college and beyond.
AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a global nonprofit organization that offers academic support programs for students in grades 6–12 to help them prepare for college and careers. AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap and help students succeed in challenging curricula, participate in their school communities, and become responsible leaders. California Online Public Schools offers AVID as an elective with required LiveClass sessions for students in grades 6–12.
A-G requirements are a specific set of high school courses that students must complete, with a grade of C or better, to be eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems as freshmen. These requirements ensure students have a strong academic foundation for college-level work.
NCAA is the National College Athletic Association, a non-profit organization that is member driven, and houses 3 major college athletic divisions – Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. Each student athlete must meet eligibility requirements required by each division that houses their potential college.
Students that are looking to pursue a sport in college should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This is required if the school and sport you are looking to pursue is part of the NCAA organization.
Students should work with their high school counselor for more information.
The National Honor Society (NHS) recognizes and encourages academic excellence, leadership, character, and service among high school students. NHS provides a framework for students to develop these qualities and contribute to their schools and communities. NHS chapters engage students in various activities focused on scholarship, service, leadership, and character development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer summer school?
We offer a summer school program for currently enrolled students who need to make up missed credits. This four-week program helps students stay on track, and enrollment requires confirmation from both the student and their parent or guardian.
How are high school science labs handled?
Science courses are lab-based, and students earn lab credit as part of the curriculum. Labs are embedded in the courses and designed to be engaging and flexible. Most labs are simulation-based, allowing students to safely explore scientific concepts online, while a few hands-on labs are also offered, often for extra credit.
How are courses chosen once we are enrolled?
A school counselor will review your student’s academic history. To help with this process, it’s best if the family provides a current report card and/or transcript. After the review, the counselor will reach out to discuss course placement, credits, and graduation plans. If we’re unable to reach the family, the counselor will assign courses they believe are the best fit for the student.
How do credit transfers work if we transfer to CalOPS mid-year?
CalOPS accepts credits from other accredited high schools. To review and transfer credits, we require an official transcript. For students transferring mid-semester, a CalOPS counselor will reach out to discuss previous enrollment and request necessary academic documents. For the 2025/2026 school year, CalOPS has introduced a new Partial Credits system for late-enrolling students.
Are there any high school clubs?
We offer a wide variety of virtual clubs called Social Meetups, including Book Club, Chess Club, Online Gaming, K-Pop, Spanish Club, and so many more. These groups meet regularly and are a great way for students to connect with peers who share their interests.
Do colleges and universities recognize and accept your students?
Yes! Our students are accepted into the most prestigious universities. We offer over 100 UC/CSU a-g courses as well as NCAA. Some of the schools our students have been accepted to are Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Cornell, United States Military Academy West Point, United States Air Force Academy, all USC and CalState schools, Stanford University, Baylor University, Brigham Young University, Berklee College of Music, New York University, University of Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and many more.
When do LiveClass sessions take place?
For the 2025/2026 school year, all LiveClasses for content courses (Social Studies, English, Math, and Science) take place from 10:00-11:00 AM PST. LiveClasses for Elective take place on Fridays between 9:00 AM PST and 1:30 PM PST.
Are there in-person celebrations for High School milestones like Prom and Graduation?
Absolutely! Juniors and seniors are invited to our in-person prom (in Southern California), and seniors can take part in memorable end of year events like Grad Night (in Southern California) and our in-person commencement ceremonies (in both Northern California and Southern California).
What are the age eligibility requirements for enrolling in California Online Public Schools?
Any student who turns nineteen (19) years old on or before the first day of school and has a break in public school enrollment will not be eligible to enroll in California Online Public Schools. The maximum age for general education students with continuous enrollment is twenty (20) years old. The maximum age for special education students with continuous enrollment is twenty-two (22) years old.
Meet Our Team
“The best part of CalOPS is its collaborative environment where building strong relationships with families and staff drives success.”
“I love that we get to work with students with a variety of backgrounds and support them all in their current and future endeavors.”
“I love that over the twelve years I have worked here we are always striving to do better and be better to provide the best educational experience for our students and families.”
“I love being able to support and inspire students in a flexible, creative learning environment while encouraging students’ academic and personal growth.”
“I love working with such a diverse group of students who are all a part of CalOPS for different reasons.”
“I love seeing how successful our students can be when a program is non-traditional and can meet their individualized needs.”
“I love working for CalOPS because the flexibility of our program allows us to be able to support students in meaningful, personalized ways that help them reach their academic and personal goals.”
“I love working for CalOPS because we prioritize the whole student, offering individualized support that meets their unique academic, social, and emotional needs. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that truly puts students first and helps them thrive in a flexible, supportive environment.”
“I love working at CalOPS because each day we get to see the power of connection in action! I love that we serve all learners with heart and purpose, and get to help them see their own potential, sometimes for the first time. There is nothing better than witnessing when a student realizes what they’re truly capable of.”
Community & Resources
Whether you live in one of California’s small towns or big cities, your local community is a part of who you are. And that makes it a part of who we are too. To help you support your student’s success, we offer plenty of resources or support, including:
- Easy ways to connect with teachers and our staff whenever you have questions or need additional support
- Technical support from California Online Public Schools representatives to help troubleshoot computer-related issues
- A parent network where you can connect with other parents to share tips and advice
Get Started Here
Find Out Why Families Choose CalOPS
“My son thrives at CalOPS, earning High Honor Roll! CalOPS is one of the top tuition-free schools, fostering his success. Thank you for contributing to his academic achievement!”
– PARENT OF STUDENT IN ALAMEDA COUNTY
“My son thrives at CalOPS, earning High Honor Roll! CalOPS is one of the top tuition-free schools, fostering his success. Thank you for contributing to his academic achievement!”
– PARENT OF STUDENT IN ALAMEDA COUNTY
