Frequently Asked Questions

 A blend of synchronous and asynchronous time

• Elementary students will engage in synchronous virtual instruction (a morning meeting, reading, writing, math, and science/social studies) four mornings a week
• Elementary students will engage in core content instruction/grade-level curriculum through asynchronous modules that they will complete independently throughout the week

Access to in-person opportunities and online support

• Learning Center: Open 2 afternoons per week for students to receive individualized instruction and tutoring
• Peer Engagement Opportunities: Students will have the opportunity to meet with their peers one morning per week. This time will include interactive & hands-on activities.
• For students who are unable to come in person, our teachers offer a virtual learning lab and virtual peer engagement session.

Curriculum & Resources

• We will be using an outside online resource to ensure that students have access to high-quality, interactive supports while working asynchronously on grade-level content
• For reading, we are aligned to the district and State approved curriculum, Benchmark Advance.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools will provide students with a district Chromebook. Many of our students also found that a laptop or desktop computer was helpful.

Parents are responsible for ensuring students have internet access at home.

Even though students will have flexibility about when and where they complete some of their coursework, the amount of time spent will be equivalent to the amount of time spent attending a brick & mortar school.

Students will be in classes from 8am-12pm.  They will also have online modules to complete each week for social studies, science, math, and electives.  Plan for roughly 3-5 hours of independent work time per subject per week.

*For electives, students will have the option to either choose to complete the content via online modules OR attend live online classes in the afternoons four days a week.

Colorado State Statute 22-33-104.6(3)(a) states that “A child who is participating in an online program shall be subject to compulsory school attendance as provided by this article and shall be deemed to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements through participation in an online program.”

Attendance will be taken in two ways:

• Morning attendance: Students will be required to log in to each assigned synchronous session (mornings, four days per week) and verify their presence with voice or video in order to be marked present. Students will be required to attend their morning meeting, math group, and reading group in order to be marked present.

• Afternoon attendance: Students will be required to complete a specified number of assignments each week. Work completion will then count as attendance for their afternoon attendance that week *and* for morning attendance on Thursdays. Please note that work completion -- not simple submission -- is required.

If a student is unable to complete their work due to illness, parents will need to call the school's attendance line in accordance with Adams 12 policies. Students who do not attend synchronous classes or submit work will be considered truant, and appropriate disciplinary consequences will apply.

Synchronous: Students will engage in morning meeting and all core-content areas (reading, writing, math, science, and social studies) with their teacher during live virtual classes.  Students may also elect to have live virtual art, music, and PE classes.  

Asynchronous: Students will independently work on grade-level content instruction in math, social science, science, PE, music, and art. (*Specials will be asynchronous if students do not choose the live virtual classes). 

Students who receive support for learning English or who are on IEPs will have additional synchronous course sessions.

• Attend orientation

• Provide suitable learning space for your student

• Strong WiFi connection

• Holding students accountable for work and attendance

• Elementary: A greater level of support and involvement to ensure students are able to attend small group instruction and that they are completing their asynchronous work

Yes, Five Star Online Academy will offer a variety of clubs and activities for our elementary students.

Our building address is 1865 W 121st Ave. Westminster, CO 80234.

Blend of synchronous and asynchronous days

• Middle schools students will generally have 2 days of synchronous classes per week

• High school students will generally have 1-2 days of synchronous classes per week

Access to in-person opportunities

• Learning Lab: Open 2 days per week for students to receive individualized instruction and tutoring

• Peer Engagement Opportunities: Students will have the opportunity to meet with their peers one morning per week. This time will include clubs, activities, guest speakers, interactive & hands-on activities.

Curriculum & Resources

• We will be using an outside online resource to ensure that students have access to high-quality, interactive supports while working asynchronously.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools will provide students with a district Chromebook. Many of our secondary students also found that a laptop or desktop computer was helpful.

Parents are responsible for ensuring students have internet access at home.

Each student schedule will vary. Here is a sample of what one week for a student might look like.

• Monday: Attend the Learning Lab in the morning to receive support with math. Finish and submit the previous week's work before the end of the day.

• Tuesday: Attend virtual classes according the bell schedule. Begin the next week's asynchronous work.

• Wednesday: Attend Peer Engagement sessions in the morning to hear a guest speaker on careers in computer science and engage in coding practice OR to participate in clubs & activities.  Continue working on asynchronous work. 

• Thursday: Attend synchronous classes (for students in grades 6-9)

• Friday: Work independently on asynchronous work in the morning. Attend Learning Lab in the afternoon to receive support with an English project.

We will be closely aligned to the district high school bell schedule, so that high school students can have opportunities to attend classes at Washington Square and Bollman.  

Even though students will have flexibility about when and where they complete some of their coursework, the amount of time spent will be equivalent to the amount of time spent attending a brick & mortar school.

Colorado State Statute 22-33-104.6(3)(a) states that “A child who is participating in an online program shall be subject to compulsory school attendance as provided by this article and shall be deemed to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements through participation in an online program.”

Attendance will be taken in two ways:

• Virtual Classes (Synchronous): Students will be required to log in to each assigned synchronous session (1-2 days per week, depending on course and grade level) and verify their presence with voice or video in order to be marked present. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period and updated that day.

• Asynchronous Work: Students will be required to complete a specified number of assignments each week. Work will be assigned on Tuesday and due on Monday night. Work completion will then count as attendance for the other 3-4 days that week. Please note that work completion -- not simple submission -- is required.

If a student is unable to complete their work due to illness, parents will need to call the school's attendance line in accordance with Adams 12 policies. Students who do not attend synchronous classes or submit work will be considered truant, and appropriate disciplinary consequences will apply.

Course selection will begin in March. Students accepted into Five Star Online Academy will receive an email with an online course request form. As always, the specific courses offered will be dependent on student requests.

We are currently working to identify the curricular resources that will offer the greatest number of high-quality courses for students. At this point, we know that we will have the following:

• All regular core classes in English, Math, Social Science, and Science

• Courses in Spanish (Level 1)

• CTE courses in business and/or technology

• Elective courses in art, music, and PE

Students will be enrolled in four core classes (English, Math, Social Science, and Science) and two electives. Classes related to English Language Development or related to a student's IEP will take the place of one or both elective courses.

We are currently working to identify the curricular resources that will offer the greatest number of high-quality courses for students. At this point, we know that we will have the following:

• All regular core classes in English, Math, Social Science, and Science

• All courses required for graduation

• Courses in Spanish (Levels 1-4)

• CTE courses in business and technology

• Elective courses in art, music, PE, and health

• AP (Advanced Placement) courses

A most specific list of course offerings will be shared in late March.

Many of our AP courses will be taught as part of "Studio Sessions" for students. Here are the current classes we are offering:

• AP Biology

• AP Calculus

• AP Computer Science A (through a partnership with Bollman)

• AP Computer Science Principles

• AP English Language & Composition

• AP English Literature & Composition

• AP Environmental Science

• AP Psychology

• AP Statistics

• AP US History

• AP World History

All courses have been approved by the College Board and students will be required to take the AP exam in May.

Studio sessions are designed for independently motivated students in grades 10-12. These classes are fully asynchronous without any whole-group instruction. Students will meet with a teacher once per week to discuss their learning and ensure they are making appropriate progress.

Yes. In accordance with CDE (Colorado Department of Education) and CHSAA (Colorado High School Athletic Association) guidelines, students attending online school can participate in athletics at a brick & mortar school. Please contact the athletic director at your boundary high school for more information.

Yes.

Yes, Five Star Online Academy will offer a variety of clubs and activities for our middle and high school students.

The learning center and peer connection opportunities will be located at 1865 W 121st Ave  Westminster, CO 80234.