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Name: Orion Online High School |
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Orion requires 23 credits to graduate. The 23 credits include 5 credits in English Language Arts/Reading, which includes an introductory course called Grammar & Composition; 4 credits of mathematics are required including Algebra I, II; Geometry; Personal Finance or Pre Calculus; 4 credits of science including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy; Five in Social Sciences including World Geography, World History, United States History, Economics/Free Enterprise, and United States Government; One credit in Communication Skills; One credit in Technology, focused on Technology's use in design; and an SAT Study Course. Oron's Career Studies Course helps learners identify and plan for careers and/or ongoing education after Orion. Orion accepts transfer credits from home school, other private school, or public school. Orion assists public and public charter schools with courses tailored for credit recovery and/or summer programs - students may take courses any time during the year. Orion assists public school districts with dropout recovery by serving as the dropout recovery program. In this Program, Orion enrolls students, accepts all transfer credits, and helps students complete their high school diploma. The diploma is from Orion, not from the "home" public school campus. Other services are available. |
Orion's 23 courses are built around the National Standards for mathematics, science, social studies, and Reading . The courses are developed by Orion certified teachers and integrate the major fields of study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Orion's courses combine visual media (streaming video); auditory media (streaming audio); Podcasts, Video Casts, and Cell Phone Technology for both academic learning and for communication purposes. All courses are ten modules in length and provide learners with a comprehensive study of the Standards with an integrated, problem-based, learning approach which enables learners to solve meaningful, real-world problems. Orion's courses require live-online real-time interaction periodically. The live interaction allows learners and mentors to discuss and collaborate around conceptual learning. Orion's courses also integrate the use of Active Worlds for some content (still under development). |
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Technology support services assist learners who need Orion Tech Help services. These services include e-maiil support, phone support, and live online support. Orion Advising Services assist learners through their studies by providing assistance for learner's questions. Advisors help learners understand and plan for life after graduation. Mentors are certified teachers in each of the content areas. Mentors provide daily email support/dialogue; weekly or bi-weekly live online interaction through the Orion Collaboration Center ; and are available via regular phone. |
Prospective learners apply to Orion at www.OrionHS.org. Transcripts are requested and evaluated against the 23 credits required for Orion graduation. Once learners are processed and accepted for Admission they must complete the Orion Demonstration Course before beginning their course work. Orion allows learners to only take two courses at the same time. Learners must complete courses in three months. Final examinations are online and are the sole-source for the learner's transcript grade. |
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Orion believes that all learners, regardless of their past history with education, deserve a high quality, flexible way to learn content in a rich, supportive, online environment. Orion believes that learning is active and not passive. That online content can be rigorous and challenging, but can help learners exceed their own expectations for learning. Orion believes that content is not departmental - content must be integrated to be meaningful - to provide meaningful learning for learners. Orion believes that improvement is continuous and that Orion's existence is critical for learners who need to be challenged and need to be provided with the support necessary to be part of a high performing world outside of Orion. |
Orion was founded and developed on November 27, 2006. After a year in online development, and content development, Orion opened on August 1, 2007. Orion currently assists 27 learners toward graduation. Orion's home offices are in Midland , Texas . Learners represent many of the States in the U.S. |
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"I love learning like this! Other students don't bug me when I'm trying to learn!" "I love my mentors! They help me every step of the way! I didn't think I could understand Algebra, but now I do!" "In my English III class, I get to study and critique films. I never thought I would enjoy writing as much as I do!"
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Orion has first-of-the month start dates. If prospective learners apply any time during the month, their transcripts are requested, processed, and then learners participate in a live online session to get acquainted with Orion. After learners complete the demonstration course, then they begin their course(s) on the first day of the month. Orion also assists other schools in developing their own online content. Orion's e-learning platform is proprietary. It was developed by the Orion Founder and has been improved using the Orion Improvement Protocol. |
