Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment & Application
No. You must reside in the state of Oregon to enroll at SHAPA. If you travel a lot, your home address must remain in Oregon. If you move out of Oregon, your student will be withdrawn from SHAPA.
Cost & Resources
No. SHAPA is tuition-free.
We provide funds/reimbursements for some things. Families have access to $400 per semester for curriculum, $250/$200 (Semester 1/Semester 2) for enrichment, activities, and supplies, for a total of $1,250 per year. A list of pre-approved curriculum is provided. Additional curriculum that is not faith-based can be approved by the principal. Find more information here.
SHAPA provides student chromebooks to check out for the school year. If a family needs Internet access, SHAPA checks out hotspots.
Curriculum & Academic Requirements
Sometimes. While we support students who want to take electives at their home schools, that decision is up to your local school/district.
- State testing is required at all public charter schools. Students test in April. Every January, parents are informed how to opt their students out of testing.
- Students participate in iReady testing three times per year as a method of showing teachers where learning can improve.
We provide funds/reimbursements for some things. Families have access to $400 per semester for curriculum, $250/$200 (Semester 1/Semester 2) for enrichment, activities, and supplies, for a total of $1,250 per year. A list of pre-approved curriculum is provided. Additional curriculum that is not faith-based can be approved by the principal. Find more information here.
All students are required to have two-way communication with a teacher twice a week. Students are also required to make weekly academic progress. Students who fulfill these two requirements are marked fully present for the week.
Accreditation, Graduation & Post-Graduation
Yes. SHAPA is fully accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC).
Yes. SHAPA is a fully accredited public charter school and awards diplomas and transcripts based on state requirements. Students need 24 high school credits to graduate.
Yes! We are very proud of our graduates. SHAPA has sent students off to universities such as Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Oregon Institute of Technology, Portland State University, Warner Pacific, Corban, Lewis and Clark, George Fox, Linfield, and Cal Poly.
We are proud to send students to careers into industries including:
- Healthcare/Dentistry
- Automotive Services
- Retail
- Performance Arts
- Law
- Military
- Emergency services
- Childcare
- Computer Science
- Beauty/Cosmetic Services.
Social & Extracurricular Opportunities
Yes. SHAPA has an associate membership with OSAA so students can play sports. Additionally, SHAPA will pay for any district imposed fees to play. The district can bill SHAPA directly.
- We plan several interactive field trips each year. Some of our previous locations include OMSI, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Zoo. We also provide an annual opportunity for middle school students to attend Outdoor School at Camp Meriweather, the Coastal Discovery Center, or Camp Hancock.
- EF Tours: Our staff and students have traveled the world together to locations including: Greece, Costa Rica, and the Eastern Seaboard.
- Several students meet regularly for: Book clubs, game days, read alouds, homerooms, holiday parties, etc.
Sometimes. While we support students who want to take electives at their home schools, that decision is up to your local school/district.
Teacher & Support Access
- All of our teachers are college graduates (most with advanced degrees) and certificated by the Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) of Oregon. Many of our teachers have a significant amount of experience in both online schools and brick-and-mortar schools. Additionally, our school is accredited by the NWAC.
- Many of our teachers and staff have also used charter schools/homeschooling personally and are experienced in that area, as well.
Registration Questions: Susan Watson, Registrar, [email protected]
Academic Programs & Stipends and Reimbursements: Julie Yakis, [email protected]
Counseling Questions: Kale Budgeon, [email protected]
Technology Questions: Jered Braun, [email protected]
Student Support & Additional Services
Students who feel bored in class might be experiencing one of the following: the content of the course does not hold their interest, the content is too challenging, the content is too easy, or the learning environment is just not right for them. Sometimes switching to an online-based class where the student has more autonomy in their work pace as well as their break time can solve many issues. When needed, SHAPA teachers adjust student course levels in consultation with caregivers.
We have a dedicated district staff person who provides specially designed instruction (SDI) with students weekly. All accommodations and modifications for students are followed. In addition, many items on IEPs or 504s are enhanced by the virtual school environment because students can take breaks, play music, move, stand, eat, or otherwise practice their best learning practices as needed without needing extra permission from their teachers.
Students who are above grade level have the option of demonstrating their skill level through work samples, STAR assessments, and caregiver knowledge. When appropriate, students have the option of working in higher grade level courses or asking for extension work.
Additionally, 8th grade students can earn high school credit. Students can choose from several high school electives, and, when qualified, can also earn high school credit in English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math.