What is the Statewide Online Education Program?

Utah’s newest public school choice option! This program allows all public school students statewide in grades 9-12 to customize their class schedule by blending online learning with traditional classroom learning. A student is allowed to take the equivalent of four full-year online courses each year. Students can select the online courses from Mountain Heights Academy or any state-authorized Course Provider while still being enrolled in their public high school.

Is Mountain Heights Academy an approved Course Provider?

Yes. Mountain Heights Academy is a public charter school approved by the Utah State Board of Education and fully accredited through AdvancED.

Who is eligible for this program?

Any student statewide who is enrolled in a public school in grades 9-12.

Is there a cost for the online courses?

No. There is no cost to the student. This is a public school option and the online courses become part of the student’s regular class schedule. Typical lab/materials fees would still apply to AP and courses, however.

How many courses can a student take?

A student can enroll in the equivalent of four full-year courses  to earn up to four credits.

What types of courses are available?

Students participating in the statewide online education program will have access to most classes that Mountain Heights Academy offers, including high-tech graphics, web-design, financial literacy, and physical education courses.

What if a student wants to take one course from Mountain Heights Academy and another online course from a different Course Provider?

The student can choose different Course Providers for each course. This allows them to choose the courses and providers that best meet their academic needs.

Where does the student take their online courses?

One of the best things about online learning is the flexibility it allows. The student accesses the course from any computer, anywhere, when they’re ready to learn – deciding when and where they want to do the course work. Learning online accommodates their schedule and peak learning times. Student will be given log in information at a brief orientation session prior to school starting so he or she has the tools necessary to be successful.

Are the Mountain Heights Academy Statewide Online Education Program teachers certified and highly qualified?

Yes. In fact, Mountain Heights Academy is one of the few schools in the state to boast a 100% highly qualified faculty. Each teacher has a degree in the field they are teaching, is certified by the state and is subject to the same qualifications as all Utah public school teachers.

How will participating in the Statewide Online Education Program affect a student’s overall schedule and or Released Time?

This program will not affect a student’s ability to participate in extra-curricular activities, co-curricular activities or released time for off campus religious classes. In fact, it may help provide greater flexibility in scheduling courses and released time at the student’s high school because they will be taking online courses, freeing up more available class times. The neighborhood high school is the “school of record.”

Do the online courses from Mountain Heights Academy count toward graduation?

Yes. All Online Course Providers are part of the public school system. Mountain Heights Academy is an accredited education agency. Successfully completed courses will provide full credit toward graduation and are part of the student’s counselor-led College and Career Readiness Plan (CCR).

Can a student use this to program to graduate early?

Yes. A student can take additional courses to graduate early in accordance with their counselor-led College and Career Readiness Plan (CCR).

What is a College and Career Readiness (CCR) Plan?

It is the student’s counselor-led plan that tracks the required credits needed for graduation and post-secondary goals. Students should be meeting annually with their school guidance counselor to review progress and ensure they are on track for graduation.

What is the role of the student’s guidance counselor?

The student’s guidance counselor at their neighborhood  school is responsible for directing their CCR. Their role in the Statewide Online Education program is to help ensure that the student is fulfilling the credits necessary for graduation and post-secondary goals. The counselor may not impose restrictions on a student’s selection or choice of an online course that fulfills graduation requirements and is consistent with the student’s CCR. The selection of the Course Provider and the specific course is at the discretion of the student and their parents, not the counselor, so long as it aligns with the students CCR.

What is a Course Credit Agreement, and does the student need one?

A Course Credit Agreement verifies to the State Office of Education that the student and parent(s), primary school of enrollment, and Mountain Heights Academy all have a knowledge and understanding that the student will be taking an online course and that it is in accordance with their CCR. A Course Credit Agreement must be completed by both the primary school of enrollment and Mountain Heights Academy.

How does a student enroll in Statewide Online courses at Mountain Heights Academy?

Students can register for courses today through Mountain Heights Academy website. The student is allowed to pre-register for online courses without completing a Course Credit Agreement; however, it will be necessary to complete the agreement form before course work begins this fall.

Step 1: Review the list of available courses on Mountain Heights Academy website.

Step 2: Select any combination of full year (1.0 credit) or semester (0.5 credit) courses as long as the total does not exceed 4.0 credits.

Step 3: Complete the pre-registration process here.

Step 4: Mountain Heights Academy will notify you on how to proceed with the Course Credit Agreement.

The Utah State Office of Education is required to list a directory of all Course Providers and comprehensive information about the Statewide Online Education Program on their website. School Districts and Charters are required to provide students with informational materials about the program during the class registration period and provide comprehensive information on their websites.