Virtual Education- Washakie Online

Washakie #1 Online - Virtual Education Program

Washakie #1 Online is a fully accredited online virtual school for local students in need of an alternative to traditional brick and mortar education.  For the 2024-25 school year, Washakie #1 is offering virtual options on a strictly limited basis to middle and high school students who have demonstrated the ability to learn independently, have maintained a history of good attendance, and those students for whom online learning may be their last/best option to meet content standards and graduation requirements.

Washakie #1 Online is well established and has been serving local families with a variety of needs since 2008.  Washakie #1 Online offers rigorous curriculum options that are fully aligned to and inclusive of Wyoming Content and Performance Standards.  All courses have been approved by the Wyoming Department of Education.  

Families who are interested in Washakie #1 Online are requested to first contact their building principal for an initial conversation about the pros and cons of online learning. If online learning is deemed an appropriate fit for your student, principals will contact Jody Rakness, Assistant Superintendent who will then meet with families to develop a learning plan.

Students who begin to struggle with online learning will be encouraged, and possibly required, to participate onsite with face-to-face support in our alternative classroom where face-to-face support is immediately available.

For the 2024-25 school year two platforms are in place for middle and high school students:

  • Edgenuity - Imagine Learning.

    • Edgenuity provides standards-based, online curriculum. Each course has been customized by Washakie #1 teachers who monitor, assess, and support students as they progress through the lessons, assignments, and tests.

  • STRIDE Learning (K12, Inc.)

    • STRIDE K-12, Inc. also provides standards-based, online curriculum. Courses can be customized by Washakie #1 teachers who monitor, assess, and support students in their learning.

  • Both Systems Offer:

    • After school tutoring.

    • Face-to-Face support in our alternative classroom.

Washakie #1 Online - Student Parent Handbook

The elementary option for online learning was eliminated for the 2024-25 school year as no local students expressed interest.

Requirements:

  1. Prior approval from the building principal and/or district office is required. 

  2. Accepted students will start work at their brick and mortar school, working with building staff to ensure a successful start. Upon a successful transition to online, students may be allowed to work from home as long as daily progress is made.

  3. Students with an Individual Learning Plan must work with their case manager and district program coordinator prior to being accepted for admission.

  4. Families must assure the district that an at-home Learning Coach will be available full time to monitor and support their students.

  5. The Learning Coach is responsible for:

    1. Creating a school “structure” where students are connected and interacting with their courses daily.

    2. Overseeing learning and monitoring student progress.

    3. Ensuring daily “attendance” in each of the online classes.

  6. Students and/or their at home Learning Coach will connect with a school-based support person.  Sharing these responsibilities are:

    1. Katie Kirby, Alternative Education Coordinator

    2. Shari Rogers, WHS Graduation Coach

    3. Jody Rakness, Assistant Superintendent

  7. At any point in which the student struggles to make progress, he/she will be required to participate onsite with face-to-face learning with support in the alternative education program/classroom until they are back on track.

  8. Students are required to participate in district screening sessions and end of year assessments including WY-TOPP. 

  9. The district provides all technology, curriculum and supplies for each course/grade level.

Washakie #1 Online students can benefit from an online opportunity for a variety of reasons including:

  • Advanced Placement, Concurrent Enrollment (onsite participation required), and Dual Enrollment courses

  • Scheduling Conflicts

  • Credit Recovery

  • Any-time-learning. While students must connect to courses every day, course times can be arranged to accommodate family responsibilities, work responsibilities, etc.

  • Accelerated learning.

Washakie #1 Online students are members of Worland High School and must meet all graduation requirements.