Overview Questions
Are teachers certified?
How does my child participate in teacher-led/LIVE courses?
To participate in LIVE courses, students access teacher-led sessions through Microsoft Teams, experiencing interactive learning with peers and instructors in real-time. These sessions offer dynamic opportunities for direct instruction and engagement, complemented by designated tutoring hours over Teams for additional support. Additionally, the VR component enriches learning for grades 4 and above. VR enhances remote learning by facilitating immersive experiences within lessons, promoting deeper connections and student engagement.
How does the incorporation of VR enhance the remote learning experience compared to traditional online schooling in terms of social interaction and mitigating feelings of isolation?
While we don’t aim to replace traditional schooling, the integration of VR in remote learning offers unique opportunities to enrich the educational experience. VR facilitates immersive and interactive learning environments, allowing students to engage with course material in ways that traditional online schooling cannot replicate. Through VR, students can collaborate with peers, participate in virtual field trips, and interact with 3D models, fostering socialization and reducing feelings of loneliness commonly associated with remote learning. By leveraging VR technology, we aim to create a more dynamic and engaging educational experience for students, helping them stay connected and motivated in their learning journey.
If we live close to a brick-and-mortar school, can our child participate in their extracurricular activities, sports, field trips, etc.?
Is OAO accredited?
Yes, Optima Academy Online offers accredited course work approved in the state of Florida. Course work is accredited through Cognia.
What is Art like in Virtual Reality(VR)?
What is the difference between teacher-led/LIVE and self-paced/on-demand courses?
Please visit our webpage HERE, for more information.
What is the tech/system requirements needed to attend virtual school at OAO?
Current Families
How do I access Canvas for Optima Academy Online?
Use this link to access OAO’s specific Canvas site: https://optimadomi.instructure.com. Current families can contact the school at oao-frontoffice@optimaed.com for login information.
How do I connect with other families?
Please join the school Facebook group. Join here It’s a wonderful platform for interacting with other families and offers opportunities to host or attend meetups.
How do I obtain my child(ren)’s elementary progress report(s) and/or secondary report card(s)?
Progress reports, report cards, and transcripts are available through our Student Information System, Genius. They may also be obtained through the enrollment office. For further assistance, please contact oao-registrar@optimaed.com.
How do I return school equipment?
What do we do if we are a current OAO family and already have a VR headset?
- Please keep your current VR headset for the upcoming school year!
- It is recommended to plug the VR headset in and turn it on a few times throughout the summer to ensure it gets updated.
- Students can go into Engage to explore and keep their VR skills sharp over the summer. This will be a locked room where students will be on their own without any other students or OAO Staff.
What is Art like in Virtual Reality(VR)?
Equipment and Technology
What equipment is required to attend Optima Academy Online?
Laptops are required to complete school assignments in Canvas, our Learning Management System, whether on-demand/self-paced or live/teacher-led. Also, to join Microsoft Teams for any teacher instruction. Please see System Requirements – Optima Academy Online and Supported Devices – ENGAGE | Enterprise Metaverse Applications (engagevr.io)
Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are required for grades 4 and up to complete teacher-led courses (on demand students can also use VR headsets to enhance the learning experience).
Please reach out to IT at support@optimaed.com with any specific questions related to required equipment.
Prospective Families
Are the middle school/high school courses one credit or half credit?
Are there summer classes available for enrollment?
Can my child be enrolled with Optima Academy Online as well as another school?
Does my child get credit if he takes an extra class from the on-demand/self-paced classes for middle school or high school?
How do I determine placement for scheduling?
Please view student progression to determine placement: Sample Course Progression
**Reach out to oao-registrar@optimaed.com with any questions
How do I double-check that my child is enrolled? Or what if I want to change my child’s schedule?
Confirmation of completed enrollment is emailed and available for viewing through our Student Information System, Genius. Once course selections are made available, and submitted, schedules can be viewed in Genius. Please feel free to email our enrollment office to verify and confirm enrollment information oao-registrar@optimaed.com
What curriculum will be used for language and how will it reach children with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, or Dyscalculia?
We will be using a combination of Shirley for grammar, Core Knowledge for phoenix, cursive logic, and reading great books. Individual tutoring will be available in the afternoons. Our Special Services team will work closely with you, your scholar, and your teacher. In addition, our virtual reality locations also have holographic great books that can be read to the scholars. Our scholars will be exposed to grade-level content and fill in the gaps, depending on the scholar’s level. We are also developing our own writing program to assist with this group of scholars.
What happens after I complete the enrollment process?
Please stay connected through email and the school newsletter, as it is distributed regularly. More information about course selection, schedules, the start of school, school supplies, VR headsets, orientation, and more will be provided. More information will be provided by the school team. For more information, reach out to the front office at oao-frontoffice@optimaed.com.
What is the enrollment process for incoming families
We are thrilled that you are interested in enrolling! If you haven’t already attended a Parent Information Meeting, you can sign up HERE. Our school team will provide you with pertinent information about the course offerings and what learning at Optima Academy Online is like. The meeting includes a short presentation followed by a Q&A session.
If you’re ready to apply, click here.
When is School Orientation?
Orientation will be provided for all students, with detailed information to be provided over the summer. Please stay connected and read the school newsletter to receive updated information. If you have any questions, you can contact the front office at oao-frontoffice@optimaed.com.
When will I receive my child’s class schedule?
Which classes give you credit, if any?
What are the tuition fees for Optima Academy Online courses?
What equipment is required to attend Optima Academy Online?
OAO is a public charter school, so it is tuition-free. Families can join us through our charter or through a scholarship program, and each route has its own funding process. When families enroll using a scholarship, the scholarship covers the cost of courses on their behalf.
Either way, families never receive a bill from OAO.
Contact Information
Admissions – I have not started the enrollment process or selected courses, but I want to learn more!
Thank you for your interest! Please sign up for our next Paret Information meeting. These virtual calls are a great time to hear directly from our school team. There is a short presentation and then a time for questions. Sign up here: Parent Information Meetings – Optima Academy Online Please feel free to email our admissions department if you are ready to get started: oao-admissions@optimaed.com.
If you are ready to submit your application and get started, please click here.
