Frequently Asked Questions

Click a category for answers to common questions.

• accreditation, graduation, and diploma
  • Is the SoCal Online School Network program accredited?
    SoCal Online School Network's partnering school Golden Valley Virtual Charter School has received full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Juan Bautista de Anza Online Charter School, San Diego Virtual School, and Pivot Charter School San Diego, as new schools, are currently seeking regional accreditation as diploma-granting institution from WASC.
    
    Who will issue my diploma?
    Upon completion of the required credits for graduation and successfully passing the ELA and Math CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exams), the charter school in which you ultimately will be enrolled will issue the diploma.
    
    Will I attend a graduation ceremony?
    How graduation is handled will be up to the charter school in which you are enrolled. In most cases, virtual high school students will graduate in a traditional ceremony their fellow students in the school district.
    
    
• how our online education works
  • How does this program exist?
    SoCal Online School Network is a pioneering online program funded by and offered through by participating public schools in California.
    
    How does this online education work?
    Because all of our courses are online, your class schedule is flexible; class begins when you login online and ends when you log out. Our online curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and self-paced. All of our courses are backed by our highly qualified staff of California-certified teachers who are available via instant message, phone, or email. We also offer a 24/7 student support environment so that you can get help when you need it.
    
    When do I attend class?
    Just as in a traditional school, students must engage in their coursework regularly and show weekly progress. Students may log in to their courses any time of the day or evening. Failure to attend courses regularly may result in withdrawal from the program.
    
    How quickly can I move through the course?
    All of our courses are set up on a 120 calendar day schedule, similar to a typical semester. However, you move through the course at your own pace.
    
    What is the schedule like?
    Our courses are semester-length courses. You must complete your courses within the regular course term length to receive credit.
    
    
• qualifying as a student
  • Can I take classes part-time and still be a part of SoCal Online School Network?
    No, the SoCal Online School Network is a full-time program only.
    
    How many courses must a full-time student take?
    Just as in traditional school, students are expected to take a minimum of 5-6 courses (25-30 credit hours) per semester, depending on the program in which you are enrolled.
    
    Who chooses my courses?
    Students express their desired courses by filling out a course request form during the registration process. After review and approval by our online counselors, the student courses are assigned. Courses that a student is required to take are dependent on the student's prior transcript and progress towards graduation.
    
    Is online learning for me?
    The flexibility of online learning adds a unique level of responsibility. To succeed, you must be a self-directed learner, sufficiently self-motivated to manage your own learning schedule, and must have a basic grasp of Internet navigation.
    
    Are there any age restrictions?
    Yes, if a student is over the age of 18, they have to have been enrolled in a public school without a break and making satisfactory progress towards a high school diploma AND are not over the age of 22. Some other restrictions may apply.
    
    What grade levels does SoCal Online School Network serve?
    SoCal Online School Network serves students in middle and high school: grades 6 to 12.
    
    Does it matter where I live?
    Yes, the SoCal Online School Network provides educational services through 2 different charter schools to students who live in Santa Barbara, Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties.
    
    Can students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) participate in the program?
    The online learning experience will not accommodate all IEP students. We evaluate IEP applicants on an individual basis to ensure the opportunity for the student's success.
    
    
• teaching & curriculum
  • Who is my teacher?
    Your teacher for each course is a California highly qualified, credentialed teacher who has experience teaching online courses. Your first introduction to your teacher will be in a welcome phone call once your enrollment is approved. Your teacher will give you an overview of the course and answer any questions you have.
    
    How can I contact my teacher?
    You may contact your assigned teacher instantly through our popular instant messaging service. Also, you may use e-mail, fax, or toll-free telephone to contact your teacher. You can reach certified teachers 24/5 (Sunday 8pm – Friday 6pm). And, our customer support team monitors the phones 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week to help you.
    
    What do I need to do to succeed in a SoCal Online School Network course?
    When you take an online course you need to prepare yourself as you would for any course in a classroom setting. Key differences are that your teacher is online and not face-to-face, and your lessons are on a computer. In an online course, time management is critical to success because most activities can be accomplished asynchronously, which means you don't necessarily have to be online at the same time as your instructor or other students.
    
    What materials are needed in order to take SoCal Online School Network courses?
    All of the courses offered by SOCAL OSN can be taken 100% online so there is very little need for any additional materials, except for some advanced courses. All you truly need to begin your coursework is Internet access and a computer.
    
    As an online student, will I still be required to take District or State Mandated Tests – STAR and CAHSEE?
    Yes. All students in the online program will be required to physically attend and take all District defined testing or STAR testing at one of our testing locations throughout the region in the spring. Additionally, each 10th, 11th or 12th grade student who has not yet passed BOTH of their CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) tests will be required to attend and take these tests at one of our testing locations. Once enrolled, you will be notified of testing dates and locations.
    
    
• technical requirements
  • What type of software or hardware will I need on my computer to take these courses?
    There are some basic requirements for the computer on which you will be working. Click here to see the basic requirements.
    
    Do I need a high-speed connection?
    You can successfully access of our courses with a dial-up Internet connection, but we recommend high-speed access for the best experience.