How It Works
How Online Middle School Works
Who can attend?
The Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA) middle school program serves students in grades 6–8 who reside in the state of Colorado.
What are the costs?
Because CPA is part of the public school system, it’s tuition-free. Enrolled families receive the K12 curriculum and qualified students receive a loaner computer, printer, and internet stipend.
What’s my role as a parent?
Middle school is a time when students become more independent, taking on more responsibility and ownership for their learning. A parent (or other responsible adult) serves as a “Learning Coach” to the child. Parent/Learning Coach involvement is critical for student success, as middle school students continue to build their organization and time-management skills. Teachers set the pace of instruction, but the Learning Coach helps the student stay on track.
Parent/Learning Coach involvement may vary per child and grade level. The initial 4–8 weeks can be intensive as families settle into a routine. Students in grades 6–8 build self-advocacy skills and work more directly with teachers, but parent/Learning Coach involvement is essential for approximately 20 hours a week.
Expectations for Completing Schoolwork
In middle school, student learning changes to a semester-based approach where students are required to earn a passing grade of 60 percent or above on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.
While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students are required to attend live, online Class Connect sessions with their teachers based on their individual needs. During Class Connects, students receive online instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact virtually with classmates.
Attending Class Connects and completing coursework according to the assigned pacing schedule will help set up your student for success.
Working with Your Teacher
To help students prepare for the transition from elementary school to high school, and because of specialization in instruction, middle school students take their core classes and electives with subject-specific teachers.
In addition to Class Connects, teachers may offer support or small group sessions to assist students. Middle school teachers work with families to ensure students are progressing academically as expected. Parents/Learning Coaches are encouraged to contact their child’s homeroom teacher any time they have questions or concerns.
Attendance
Attendance is expected during scheduled school days according to the school calendar. But academic progress can also be achieved during the weekends or other days when school is not scheduled to be in session. Middle school students are expected to spend about 4–7 hours on schoolwork per school day.
Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails daily.
Assessments
Our testing is purposeful and meaningful, and drives our instructional practices to best serve the individual needs of your child.
State Testing
CPA students must comply with all Colorado-mandated testing requirements.