Elementary Options Program FAQs

Parents get to be the Learning Coach and instruct their child with the guidance and support of a licensed educator. Our elementary program provides a variety of text-based and/or virtual curriculum choices to promote K-5 learning as well as optional on-site and virtual extra curricular opportunities.

No! That’s the beauty of this program; you can engage with us as much or as little as you like. Whatever fits your schedule and student’s interest. However, these do cover state standards and are a rich addition to what you are doing at home.

Our program is set up to serve all students across Oregon. Many do not live anywhere near the campus and never attend enrichments. However, when we have special events, many students will attend so they feel connected to the school.

SLC is a tuition-free public charter school funded by the Oregon Department of Education. The only costs for families are providing an internet connection and any optional field trip fees.

A student must turn 5 years old on or before September 1st of the school year in which they wish to enroll.

No. Students can reside anywhere in Oregon. SLC currently serves students from over 30 districts.

No. When students enroll, they attend SLC full-time.

Yes! All instructors at SLC meet the required teaching qualifications in the state of Oregon. Summit teachers are licensed in their subject(s) by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but we encourage families to apply early to reserve their space and ensure timely access to curriculum and program resources. Space is limited. 

No, prior schooling from home experience is not required. Our team provides all the tools and support you need to succeed in a homeschooled elementary environment.

Parents are expected to be the Learning Coach and the primary educator for their student. Our teachers provide instructional support, strategies, and resources as needed. We encourage a high level of engagement between the student, learning coach and teacher for optimal learning.

Parents/Learning Coaches should expect to dedicate 3-5 hours per day to core subject instruction. At a minimum, Learning Coaches are required to check in twice per week to document attendance and share student learning and progress.

Teachers communicate with parents weekly and are available Monday-Friday via phone, Zoom, and email. They also instruct enrichment classes and attend field trips.

The learning coach is typically a parent or guardian, but another responsible adult can also take on this role.

Yes! Each student receives a $500 curriculum allowance if they’re enrolled at the start of the school year. Students also have access to supplemental online programs such as Reading Eggs, Math Seeds, and Lalilo. Students enrolled by December of the calendar school year can also apply for an additional $500 to help towards paying for outside resources.

The initial $500 allowance is applied toward approved purchases from trusted vendors. The additional $500 reimbursement is processed after specific program guidelines are met and distributed towards the end of the academic year.

Enrichments are optional virtual learning opportunities where we connect with students. They take place on Mondays and Wednesdays. Our extracurricular activities and classes take place at our Eagle Creek campus, and are also optional to attend. Both provide excellent social experiences for students to collaborate with their peers and learn from a licensed educator. Students who attend are given attendance for that day.