General Program Information:

• DDOA curriculum follows the same standards as all DDSD schools, however it is independent of the other schools. As such, mid-year transfers are not in a student’s best interest. Middle and High school course progress does not transfer between schools.
• Enrolling with DDOA is a commitment for the full school year. 
• A caregiver must commit to be their student’s at-home learning coach, especially for younger students and students with an IEP or 504 Plan.
• DDOA provides comprehensive services with dedicated staff – Principal, office staff, Learning Specialist, Speech Language Pathologist, Certified teachers, Instructional Assistants.
• DDOA is for the independent learner with consistent at-home support. 
• DDOA is not a good option for students in temporary situations for medical or housing reasons.
• DDOA is not like the CDL education in the 2020-21 school year.

DDOA Elementary (Kindergarten – 5th Grade):

• Daily live online instruction by a certified DDSD educator, as well as asynchronous lessons.
• Requires the support of a caregiver who will be an at-home learning coach who will help their student login at specific times, ensure they complete their school work, and provide other student monitoring support. Plan to be hands-on and available for 4 to 6 hours per day for support. 
• Music and Physical Education asynchronous lessons
• Monthly in person meet-up activities and field trips (optional), quarterly online assemblies and weekly student recognitions.

DDOA Middle School (Grades 6-8):

• Students are able to control their pace while learning independently through Apex online curriculum and Google classrooms supported by certified DDSD educators.  Teachers do not deliver live instruction.
• Daily Teacher Connection Times for academic support.
• Weekly online clubs/groups and student recognitions.
• Students must be self-motivated and able to learn independently.
• Requires the support of a caregiver who will help their student manage their time.  Plan to provide support 1-3 hours per day.

DDOA High School (Grades 9-12):

• Students are able to control their pace while learning independently through Apex online curriculum and Google classrooms supported by certified DDSD educators.  Teachers do not deliver live instruction.
• Post-secondary planning support and monitoring of credit accrual and diploma requirements. 
• Daily Teacher Connection Times for academic support.
• Weekly online clubs/groups and student recognitions.
• Students must be self-motivated and able to learn independently.
• Other credit opportunities include Work Experience Credit and Language Proficiency Credit
• Early graduation is an option.

Additional Supports:

• IEP and 504 Case Management
• K-12 School Counselor
• TAG Services
• Related Services
• Required technology and school supplies provided
• Mental Health Services

DDOA students are eligible to participate in various activities and events at their physical home school.  Options include the following: 

• In person courses at home school
• School Meals
• Food Pantries
• Clothes Closet
• School Social Worker
• Mental Health Therapists (Trillium Family Services)
• SUN School & after school programming
• Library     
• Athletics
• Band/Orchestra/Choir
• After School Scots Center Tutoring at DDHS
• College and Career Center
• Driver’s Ed
• Student Health Center
• Activities such as dances, graduation, etc
• Outdoor School

Caregiver and Staff Commitments 

Strong collaboration and open communication between the home and school is critical to the success of all learners. This is true for in-person models of learning and arguably more important for virtual settings given the various constraints that are involved. To this end, we are setting expectations for staff and families that will help ensure the successful implementation of DDOA. 

Staff will: 

● commit to frequently communicating with families with updated reports regarding students’ attendance and participation, academic progress, and socio-emotional development.

● reply to questions, comments, and concerns from families in a timely manner. Communication from school will be made available so that all families are able to access it. 

● provide materials and resources to continue supporting students’ learning as well as opportunities to develop better ways for families to support students and each other. 

● continue to develop ourselves as teachers and non-teaching staff including how we support students’ academic and socio-emotional development. 

● provide quality learning opportunities by highly qualified staff and all mandated services that our diverse body of students need to succeed. 

● ensure a learning environment that fosters care, curiosity, motivation, teamwork, and self-determination 

Families will: 

● review and take ownership of the rights and responsibilities as caregivers who are equal partners in students’ success. 

● understand the expectations for student work completion, schedules, and monitor students’ work habits. It will also be important to become familiar with the learning management systems and contact the school with questions, concerns, or needs for technical troubleshooting. 

● communicate with the school staff and engage with all information that is sent home. This includes promptly responding to phone calls, text messages, and/or emails and attending required family meetings. 

● ensure that students have access to high-speed internet in order to log in to scheduled synchronous sessions, access assignments, and communicate with teaching staff. When difficulties with internet access arise, families will contact DDOA staff immediately for assistance. 

● provide a calm space away from distractions for students to learn and foster healthy habits. 

● model for their student(s) how to balance work expectations and self-care while working remotely. 

Caregivers should plan to spend more time as a learning coach for younger students and students on an IEP or 504 who may require this additional support. 

● For K-5 students, caregivers should plan to be hands-on and available for 4 to 6 hours per day.
● For 6-12 student, caregivers should plan to provide support 1-3 hours per day
● For students on an IEP or 504 Plan that may require additional support, times will vary. 

By enrolling in David Douglas Online Academy, caregiver understands: 

• This application does not guarantee placement in the DDOA. My child will remain enrolled at their neighborhood school for in-person instruction until DDOA staff informs me that space is available.
• The program may require in-person engagement at a DDSD location, such as the administration of assessments in alignment with state and local requirements. 
• The program will initially offer a limited set of core and elective courses to provide pathways to graduation. 
• There will not be continuous face-to-face (synchronous) interaction. Learning and assignments will at times be independent and self-directed. 
• For students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan, the placement process will include an IEP or 504 meeting to review. 
• My commitment to be my student’s at-home learning coach is critical to their success, especially for younger students and students who may require support such as an IEP or 504 Plan. 
• My student is committing to enrollment in DDOA for the full school year. 

Enrollment Process:

• Click the Enrollment Application button below. All new students/families must complete the enrollment application which includes the caregiver agreements.
• You will receive a confirmation email upon completion of the form with a timeline to enroll in DDOA.
• Students are enrolled on a space available basis.

This application is for currently enrolled David Douglas students. If you are not yet enrolled in a David Douglas school, please go to the David Douglas Enrollment page.

Enrollment for 2023-24

DDOA is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. We will be offering the same program as this year, with continued additions. This is the initial interest form and does not guarantee enrollment.  You will receive confirmation at a later date when enrollment is confirmed.   

Note:  If you live outside of the David Douglas School District, you will need to obtain permission to attend DDOA. You will be responsible for transportation to our office for supply pickup and return, required in-person assessments, and optional in-person activities. Contact the school district where you live and request an inter-district transfer to David Douglas School District in order to attend DD Online Academy. Approval is likely if they do not offer an online option. Please also fill out our application below.

Questions? Call, text or email:
(503) 389-0288
online_academy@ddsd40.org