WAY Program is a personalized learning experience for students who struggle with traditional high school. WAY offers an alternative approach to education; one that encourages self-esteem, independence, and the development of 21st century skills that will facilitate a college education and subsequent career paths.

WAY combines personalized, project-based, online learning experiences with face-to-face interaction. Our staff is invested in the success of each student, providing support 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, all year round. This dedication allows students to excel at their own pace, developing customized learning plans on topics that truly appeal to them.

Students in WAY Program become Researchers on track to receive a high school diploma. Each Researcher is provided with a customized, standards-based learning plan and paired with a Mentor to coach them toward graduation. Each student is equipped with a computer workstation and Internet connectivity within his or her home. WAY combines personalized, project-based, online learning experiences with face-to-face interaction. Our staff is invested in the success of each student, providing support 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, all year round. This dedication allows students to excel at their own pace, developing customized learning plans on topics that truly appeal to them.

Teacher-Student Interactions

In the WAY Program model teachers (online mentors and content area experts) and students engage in daily email, posting and responding to discussion boards, instant messaging, and video conferencing. Additionally, team leaders engage in telephone conversations and home visits with the students and parents. All students have live support available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

Teacher-Parent Interactions

Each cohort of sixty students is supported by a team leader, a certified teacher who conducts regular home visits and is available any time by phone and/or email. The team leader regularly updates parents related to the progress of each student. Parents also have access to their student's progress in real time via DRIVE, WAY's standards-based reporting tool.

Teacher Responsibilities

In the WAY Program model, all teachers (content area experts) are responsible for:

• Providing guidance and individualized learning.
• Communicating in a timely manner (within 24 hours or less).
• Building relationships with students through personalized feedback.
• Scaffolding learning based on students' needs and levels of understanding.
• Developing and co-creating (with the student) standards-focused projects.
• Having a deep working knowledge of their content.
• Observing the interests of students through online interactions.
• Creating authentic learning experiences that embed state and national standards that are based on student interests.
• Using organizational and formatting skills that make projects accessible.
• Personalizing responses to students' emails and community posts.
• Encouraging students to become self-directed learners through a constructivist approach.

for students disengaged with traditional education
80% online 20% face-to-face

students looking for an alternative to traditional school
50% online 50% face-to-face

middle school curriculum for disengaged students
50% online 50% face-to-face