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2024/2025 School Overview

How Our School Works

CALIFORNIA ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS - AT A GLANCE

Student Expectations

Daily school start and end times are at the discretion of parents. Students should strive to complete the following minimum hours of schooling:

Grade LevelHours per Day*Hours per Week**

TK / Kindergarten

3 – 4 hours

17 hours

Grades 1 – 3

5 hours

24 hours

Grades 4 – 5

5 hours

25 hours

Grades 6 – 8

6 hours

30 hours

Grades 9 – 12

6 hours
could be 8 with advanced courses

30 hours

*Recommended Minimum **Recommended Average
TK / KINDERGARTEN
hrs per day:* 3-4 | hrs per week:** 17
GRADES 1–3
hrs per day:* 3-4 | hrs per week:** 17
GRADES 4-5
hrs per day:* 5 | hrs per week:** 25
GRADES 6-8
hrs per day:* 6 | hrs per week:** 30
GRADES 9-12
hrs per day:* 6 | hrs per week:** 30
Daily hours for grades 9-12 could be up to 8 hours with advanced courses.

*Recommended Minimum **Recommended Average

Students are required to attend school and complete school work up to and including the last day of the 180-day school year.

Parent/Learning Coach Responsibilities
FOR STUDENTS TO SUCCEED IN OUR ONLINE SCHOOL, PARENT INVOLVEMENT IS ESSENTIAL.
IMPORTANT: Parents/Caretakers are recommended to be involved daily as follows. Each family’s individual circumstances may warrant different involvement time.
3-4 hours
Elementary School (grade TK/K)
5 hours
Elementary School (grade 1-5)
3-5 hours
Middle School (grade 6-8)
1 hour
High School (grade 9-12)
STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO

Much of student interaction with our teachers is through personal, one on one interactions as well as through our LiveClass sessions (virtual class sessions). As a California public school, we follow strict compliance guidelines regarding student to teacher ratios. The number of students on a teacher’s roster is usually similar to traditional public schools.

Overview

California Online Public Schools

A trusted educational institution that has served students in California since 2004. Our schools offer an academically rigorous curriculum and serve students in transitional kindergarten through grade 12.

Consists of six schools which are all WASC-accredited, offer University of California/California State University “A-G” core and elective courses as well as NCAA core courses.

Our 400+ teachers have California teaching credentials and are highly qualified; all have bachelor degrees and many have master’s degrees.

Has been a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) since 2010. All six schools participate in our organization’s chapter of NHS and National Junior Honor Society

Offer AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) for grades 6-12 which helps close the achievement gap and prepare students for college and success in a global society.

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School mascot: California Grizzly called “Gig”

College Acceptances

Our students have been accepted to many of the nation’s finest colleges and universities including:

Celebrations!

As long as public health guidelines allow, California Online Public Schools offers in-person commencement ceremonies for graduating seniors as well as a Junior/Senior Prom. The school also offers virtual kindergarten, virtual 5th grade and virtual 8th grade promotion ceremonies.

Individual School Specifics

SchoolOpen to Residents ofEstablished in

California Online Public Schools Southern California

Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties

2004. It is authorized under state law by the Capistrano Unified School District.

California Online Public Schools Northern California

Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties

2012. It is authorized under state law by the Ripon Unified School District.

California Online Public Schools Central Valley

Tulare, Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Inyo Counties

2006. It is authorized under state law by Alpaugh Unified School District.

California Online Public Schools Monterey Bay

Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties

2019. It is authorized under state law by the Scotts Valley Unified School District.

California Online Public Schools North Bay

Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and Yolo counties

2014. It is authorized under state law by the Middletown Unified School District.

California Online Public Schools Central Coast

Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties

2019. It is authorized under state law by the Cuyama Joint Unified School District.

CALIFORNIA ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Open to Residents of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties.
Established in 2004. It is authorized under state law by the Capistrano Unified School District.
CALIFORNIA ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Open to Residents of Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.
Established in 2012. It is authorized under state law by the Ripon Unified School District.
CALIFORNIA ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS CENTRAL VALLEY
Open to Residents of Tulare, Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Inyo Counties.
Established in 2006. It is authorized under state law by Alpaugh Unified School District.
CALIFORNIA ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS MONTEREY BAY
Open to Residents of Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
Established in 2019. It is authorized under state law by the Scotts Valley Unified School District.
CALIFORNIA ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS NORTH BAY
Open to Residents of Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
Established in 2014. It is authorized under state law by the Middletown Unified School District.
CALIFORNIA ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS CENTRAL COAST
Open to Residents of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Established in 2019. It is authorized under state law by the Cuyama Joint Unified School District.
Learn More and Stay in the Know
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California Online Public Schools offer a unique and flexible approach to education, allowing students to access high-quality learning experiences from the comfort of their homes or wherever they may be. A common question many parents and students have is: Are online schools free in California?

The answer is yes, California Online Public Schools are indeed free. These schools are funded by the state, just like traditional brick-and-mortar public schools, ensuring that every child has access to an education that fits their individual needs without the burden of tuition fees. This makes online public education an accessible option for families seeking an alternative to the conventional schooling system, catering to a wide range of students, including those who need a more flexible schedule due to professional commitments, personal circumstances, or learning preferences.

California Online Public Schools are committed to providing a comprehensive education that aligns with state standards, offering a range of courses from foundational subjects to advanced placement and specialized programs. These schools use innovative technology and teaching methods to deliver content, engage students, and foster an interactive learning environment. Support services such as counseling, tutoring, and extracurricular activities may be typically available to ensure students receive a well-rounded education.

Enrolling in an California Online Public Schools is a straightforward process, similar to enrolling in a traditional public school. Parents and students can explore the various online public school options available in their state, considering factors such as curriculum offerings, teaching approaches, and support services, to find the school that best meets their educational needs and goals.

In summary, California Online Public Schools provide a free, flexible, and comprehensive educational option for students, making quality education accessible to all and accommodating a diverse range of learning styles and needs.

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 all cases, each student will receive a Chromebook to facilitate their learning and testing requirements.

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.

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.

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.