It’s going into its second school year, and already Orcutt Academy’s independent study/blended program has reported a 100 percent increase in enrollment, from 33 to 66 students, according to an announcement from the school.
The program allows some of the charter school’s students to blend weekly independent study and classroom instruction to create a more individualized learning environment.
Sponsored and directed by Orcutt Academy School, the program teams parents with credentialed teachers who develop weekly lesson plans and evaluate student work using standards-based curriculum and texts provided by the school.
Students and their parents are also offered access to weekly enrichment activities, which challenge students to apply lessons learned from their combined home and classroom instruction, according to a press release.
“The blended program gives kids a chance to interact with kids in their grade level, and it gives the teachers more time to evaluate whether this is the right program for them,” program director Brigette DePalma said. “And parents like it because their kids are accountable to someone other than just the parent.”
For more information about Orcutt Academy’s independent study/blended program, visit orcutt-schools.net or call DePalma at 938-8984. m
School Scene is compiled by News Editor Amy Asman. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Oct 15-22, 2009.