Frequently Asked Questions

Students are enrolled through their local school's online program and cannot be directly enrolled with CAOLA. Visit our list of member schools to see if your local school entity or Intermediate Unit partners with CAOLA.

Local online programs customize the specific number of courses a student can enroll in and designate full and part-time status. Visit our list of member schools to see if your local school entity or Intermediate Unit partners with CAOLA.

CAOLA students will need access to the following technology equipment:

• Computer and mobile device

• Headphones with microphone

• High-Speed Internet Access

All students must have essential computer skills such as, internet navigation, Microsoft Office/Google Docs, and a valid email account.

Students can access CAOLA courses from any PC laptop, Chromebook, MacBook, or similar. School-issued computers come equipped with software to protect your child's safety while he/she is online. Students who choose to use their personally owned computers will not be able to access technical support services offered through the school.

Our programs adhere to national and state policy for cybersecurity and student identity protection.

Yes, students can earn a diploma if they meet state and local graduation requirements.

Many students with special needs seek out CAOLA because of the flexibility, adaptation, and individualized programs it has available. The school's certified special-education staff is responsible for collaborating with students, families, and other instructors to develop the student's IEP, GIEP or 504 Plan and create learning plans that meet student needs. CAOLA courses can be adapted as necessary to assist in meeting student education goals.

Depending on the course, students can experience science concepts and extend their exploration beyond lessons in a virtual lab environment. Students may also have the opportunity to do hands-on lab work in their local school building or at home.

Physical education has two components, learning about healthy lifestyle and fitness, and doing physical activity.

Yes, all online instructional staff are Pennsylvania certified and highly qualified.

Progress can be tracked and reported in several ways. On their home page, students, parents, and instructional staff can easily see grades, incomplete assignments, and achievement alerts (when a student falls behind in a given content area). Progress is also discussed between the family and the advisor/mentor regularly to ensure that students are achieving their learning goals.

At CAOLA, we equip parents/guardians to guide, motivate, and monitor their student's progress and make it easy to take an active role by staying informed about the curriculum and student achievement. Parents/guardians receive log-ins for each student, which gives them access to relevant information for their courses. Parents/guardians at CAOLA are not required to provide instruction or tutoring, as they are in some other online programs.

Students have the ability to move through the material at an accelerated pace, attempt more challenging coursework, including honors and AP courses.

Local schools will work with families to schedule state-mandated exams.

Some of the differences students are provided:

• PA certified teachers with live instruction
• Curriculum aligned with PA Common Core Standards
• Interactive online learning with engaging curriculum

Students taking online courses remain enrolled in their local schools, so they are eligible to participate in social and extracurricular activities.