Flex Academy
What grades do the Flex Academy serve?
9th-12th grade
What grades do the VLA program serve?
3-12
What grades do the Home Connections and Home School Support serve?
K-8
What grades do the STAR and Open Doors programs serve?
9-12
Can families apply to a TLO program at any point in the year?
Yes, the applications are open year round. Some programs fill up fast and so if they are applying later in the year, they may be placed on a waitlist.
What is the "max" size of Flex Academy?
100 students
Are students able to come in person for support?
The 3-5th graders are fully remote and the 6-12th graders have the option to attend in person once a week.
What is the difference between Home Connections and Home School support?
Vancouver Home Connections is a home and school partnership program for K-8 students that combines in-person instruction with home-based learning. The Home School Support option is for K-8 students who are fully homeschooled but receive support from VHC faculty. These HSS students do not attend in-person or remotely.
What type of students do Open Doors serve?
The Open Doors Program at Heights Campus is designed for credit-deficient students aged 16 to 21 who struggle in traditional classroom settings or with online platforms. The program aims to re-engage students by providing a positive learning environment that encourages a desire and belief in learning
What are the two different ways that a family could get into any of these TLO programs?
1) Apply online at anytime through their ParentVue Synergy account.
2) A VPS staff member can complete a TLO form (usually completed by a counselor)
Is transportation provided?
Yes, it is the same system that the district uses for iTech and VSAA students.
Are there special education services provided?
There are some services provided. Some students may come in person more than others to get those additional services. Some students need more intensive support and a different program may be necessary.
On the days that a Home Connection student is not expected to be in person, what does their day look like?
Parents or guardians are expected to partner with teachers on instruction at home.
What type of student does STAR serve?
This program serves students with internalizing behaviors, offering a supportive environment to learn about and work through social/emotional issues
When should we direct a family to apply online and when should we complete a TLO?
If you and/or your team feels that a student would be better served in a TLO program, then complete a TLO form.
If a family is wanting to attend a TLO program and you and/or your team isn't the ones pursuing or recommending the program, then let the family complete the application.
How many days a week are students expected to come to campus?
5 days a week
How often do students need to meet with a teacher (online or in person) for progress monitoring and support?
3-5th graders are expected to meet remotely with a teacher twice a week and 6-12th graders are expected to meet (in person or remotely) once a week with a teacher for at least 2 hours.
How often are Open Doors and STAR students expected to be on campus?
Students in Open Doors attend one day a week for a 2.5-hour session, with transportation provided if needed.
Students in STAR attend Tuesday through Friday, in either a morning or afternoon sessions in a single classroom setting.
As a counselor, how can I help get my student into one of these TLO programs?
Counselors can fill out a TLO form. This is reviewed weekly by the TLO team. If a spot is available, a TLO request may be prioritized over the existing waitlist.
Is Flex an in person learning in a classroom setting learning environment, an online based program with teacher support, or a combination of both?
In person classroom setting
What happens if a student isn't making adequate progress in the online program?
Multiple meetings with the student, family, and teacher will be attempted to provide additional support for the student. If a student continues to not engage with the course work, they could be dropped from VLA or moved to another program.
How many days a week are Home Connection students expected to be on campus?
Students in grades K-6 attend classes 3 days a week (on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) and 7th and 8th graders attend four days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday).
How do Open Door and STAR students earn credit?
Open Door students earn credit through Project Based/Competency Learning.
STAR students earn credit through a combination of Project Based/Competency Based Learning and Online Learning.
Is applying to Flex the same as how you can apply to a Heights program.
Mostly... just like Heights, families can apply online anytime through Synergy ParentVue and counselors can fill out a TLO request to get them a spot. What is different, though, is that Flex runs a lottery for open spots every year during the school of choice application window. A lottery is run every year in February after the school of choice applications close. After the lottery is run, families can still apply at any point in the year but will likely be on the waitlist if they are a 9th or 10th grader. A family will have to re-apply each year if they are on the waitlist and wish to continue to be on it the following year.