2024/2025 School Overview
How Our School Works
- Students must log into the school’s learning 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 who are away from California longer than three weeks must receive school administrator approval in advance.
- As a public charter school, we are required to participate in state assessments. If your students are in grades 3 through 8 and/or 11, please plan to participate in 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 February.
- Teachers support students during regularly scheduled synchronous LiveClass (webinar) sessions, as well as through virtual office hours, telephone calls and email communication.
- Elementary students, and older students as needed, are expected to spend most of their day completing lessons online alongside a parent or other trusted adult. Elementary students have opportunities for daily LiveClass sessions and are expected to communicate synchronously (live) with teachers daily. Parents of elementary students are expected to communicate with teachers throughout the school year via phone calls. Adults must be listed on the student's school account in order to speak with our teachers.
- Middle school students are expected to communicate synchronously (live) with a requirement of speaking bi-weekly by phone with staff. There are daily offerings of synchronous instruction; the schedule varies by day.
- High school students will speak live, at minimum, biweekly with their homeroom teacher. There is one LiveClass weekly for core courses.
- Our schools serve TK-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.
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 Level | Hours 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
Students are required to attend school and complete school work up to and including the last day of the 180-day school year.
- Set a consistent routine to support daily lesson completion
- Monitor student’s daily attendance, lesson completion and grades
- Guide students through daily lessons as needed
- Ensure students meet communication requirements with teachers
- Work collaboratively with students and teachers for support
- Read all communications
- Take student(s) to state and physical fitness testing sites
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.

School mascot: California Grizzly called “Gig”
College Acceptances
Our students have been accepted to many of the nation’s finest colleges and universities including:
- Baylor University
- Berklee College of Music
- Boston College
- Brigham Young University
- Brown University
- California Maritime Academy
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Georgetown University
- Georgia Tech
- Harvard University
- New York University
- Northeastern University
- Stanford University
- United States Air Force Academy
- United States Military Academy West Point
- UC Berkeley
- UC Davis
- UC Irvine
- UCLA
- UC Merced
- UC Riverside
- UC San Diego
- UC San Francisco
- UC Santa Barbara
- UC Santa Cruz
- University of Colorado, Boulder
- University of Michigan
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Southern California (USC)
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
School | Open to Residents of | Established 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. |

Are Online Schools Free in California?
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.
How does California Online Public Schools (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 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.
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.