High School
Your Guide to a Brighter Future
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.
Through an engaging online platform, California Online Public Schools provides an environment where students can thrive academically while building the resilience and self-assuredness that will serve as the cornerstones of their promising future.
A High School Student’s Day
Parent’s have the luxury of designing their child’s daily schedule. Daily school start and end times are at the discretion of parents. Students should strive to complete the following minimum hours of schooling:
Grades 9-12
Recommended 6 hours minimum per day (could be more with advanced courses).
Recommended 30 hours on average per week.
Students are required to attend school and complete school work up to and including the last day of the 180-day school year.
For students to succeed in our online school, parent involvement is essential.
How Our Online High School Works
- Students must log into the school’s education management system on each school day (Monday – Friday) and complete the daily lessons assigned Monday through Friday.
- Students at all grade levels will spend most of their day online completing lessons independently without teacher led instruction.
- Students are required to be physically working from the county used to establish residency eligibility for the majority of the school year. Any absence longer than three consecutive weeks from this location must receive prior approval from school administrators. If students do not live and are not physically at the address used to establish residency during the enrollment process, they are not eligible to remain enrolled.
- As a public charter school, we are required to participate in in-person state assessments. If your students are in grades 3 through 8 and/or 11, please plan to attend testing during the end of April and the month of May. Students in grades 5, 7 and 9 should plan to take part in in-person physical fitness testing (typically) in March.
- Teachers support students during regularly scheduled synchronous Live Class (webinar) sessions, as well as through virtual office hours, telephone calls and email communication.
- While many LiveClass sessions are optional, some LiveClass sessions may be mandatory.
- High school students will speak live, at minimum, weekly with their homeroom teacher. There is one LiveClass weekly for core courses.
- Our schools serve K-12 English Learners. Contact the grade-level English Language Coordinator to receive further information on the services provided.
- Our schools serve students with IEPs (individualized education programs) and students on 504 plans. Call one of our grade level Assistant Directors to receive more information regarding the implementation of student IEPs.
- Parent involvement is essential for all students; see below for more information.
Parent Expectations for Online High School
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:
- Set a consistent routine to support daily lesson completion
- Spend 1 to 2 hours a day overseeing schoolwork
- Ensure students meet communication requirements with teachers
- Double-check to make sure your child is completing their assignments
- Connect your child to their teacher when needed
- Communicate with teachers throughout the school year as needed
- Attend regular teacher conferences
- Take students to in-person state testing, depending on the student’s grade level
High School Honors and AP Courses
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.
University of California/California State University courses
A college degree gets students ready for a successful future, and at California Online Public Schools, we prepare students for that journey. We offer a comprehensive selection of University of California and California State University A-G courses, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need for college success.
National College Athletic Association (NCAA)
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.
High School AVID Courses
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 Decade of Academic Achievement
In the past 10 years, California Online Public Schools has experienced extraordinary growth, both in enrollment and graduation rates. Starting with just a few hundred graduates in 2015, we are proud to celebrate over 1,000 graduates in 2024. This remarkable progress reflects our commitment to helping every student achieve their full potential.
Community and Resources
To help you support your student’s success, we offer plenty of resources and support. This includes:
- Easy ways to connect with teachers and our staff whenever you have a question or need additional support
- California Online Public Schools technical support representative, who’ll help you troubleshoot computer-related issues
- Parent network where you can join other parents and share tips and advice
Whether you live in one of the small towns or big cities of California, your local community is a part of who you are. And that makes it a part of who we are, too.
Learn More and Stay in the Know
Sign up to learn more about our online schools and stay up to date on our latest announcements and news.
How does CalOPS work?
CalOPS, short for California Online Public Schools, has been serving students since 2004, offering WASC-accredited, tuition-free schooling to guarantee students in grades TK–12 the highest quality education tailored to their individual needs. At the heart of CalOPS are our dedicated staff members who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of their students. Their deep level of care and commitment is what sets CalOPS apart and helps foster a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
The operation of CalOPS centers around a user-friendly, digital learning environment where students engage with credentialed teachers, course materials, and classmates through a combination of interactive live online classes, and independent study. This blended approach allows for a personalized learning experience, enabling students to progress at their own daily pace while adhering to state educational standards.
Enrollment in CalOPS is similar to that of any public school in California, but with the added convenience of completing the process online. Once enrolled, students receive the necessary resources and, in some cases, technology devices like laptops or tablets, to facilitate their learning.
A typical day for a CalOPS student varies depending on grade level and individual schedules but generally includes a mix of synchronous (live) instruction, asynchronous assignments, and periodic online and in-person social activities. The school’s convenient daily scheduling is particularly beneficial for students with special circumstances, such as young athletes or artists with demanding training or rehearsal schedules, allowing them to pursue their education without compromising their passions or talents.
Furthermore, CalOPS places a strong emphasis on community and support, offering various resources such as academic counseling, college and career planning services, and virtual high school clubs to enhance the educational experience.
In summary, CalOPS works by providing a flexible, comprehensive, and supportive online educational environment that caters to the unique needs of each student, ensuring that all have the opportunity to succeed academically, regardless of their personal circumstances or learning styles.
What do I need to enroll my child in school in California?
Enrolling your child in a school in California requires gathering several key documents and fulfilling specific criteria to ensure a smooth and compliant registration process. A concise overview of what you’ll need is provided below. Please note that different schools may have varying requirements:
- Proof of Age: A birth certificate, passport, or baptism certificate can serve as proof of your child’s age. Schools typically require students to be of a certain age by a specific date to enroll in kindergarten or first grade.
- Proof of Residency: You’ll need to provide evidence that you reside within the school district. Acceptable documents often include utility bills (like water, gas, electric), lease agreements, or property tax receipts with your address.
- Immunization Records: California schools require up-to-date immunization records for diseases such as measles, mumps, polio, and others.
- Academic Records: For students transferring from another school, you may need to provide academic records or transcripts to help place your child in the appropriate grade level and classes.
- Special Needs Documentation:If your child has any special educational needs or an active 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP), you may need to submit these documents.
- Legal Documentation: If applicable, legal documents such as custody agreements or restraining orders may need to be provided to the school administration.
It’s advisable to contact the specific school or school district you’re interested in for a comprehensive list of requirements, as there might be additional forms or documents needed. The enrollment process can often be initiated online for convenience, but finalizing enrollment may require an in-person visit to submit documents and meet with school officials.
How long is each day in online school?
The duration of each day in an online school varies by school, grade, program, and individual schedules, typically reflecting traditional school hours but with greater flexibility. Elementary students might engage in 3-5 hours of both instruction and independent work daily, whereas middle and high school students could expect 6-8 hours, encompassing live classes, asynchronous tasks, and study time. Additionally, students are generally required to attend school and complete coursework through the last day of the school year, ensuring a full and comprehensive educational experience.
Online schools offer the advantage of flexible scheduling, allowing students to spread their workload throughout the day and week to suit their personal and family commitments. This adaptability extends to completing asynchronous assignments at convenient times and attending live sessions within the school’s set time frames.
Online schools not only match the daily educational commitment of traditional schools but also enhance the learning experience by incorporating breaks, extracurricular activities, and self-guided learning periods into the schedule. This holistic approach enriches education, supports a balanced lifestyle, and caters to diverse learning styles and external commitments, such as sports or arts. The flexible structure of online education makes it a viable and adaptable option for families, allowing for a personalized approach to learning and time management that accommodates the unique needs and schedules of each student.