If you've ever spent time around little kids, you've probably heard the phrase, "I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up." It's easy to understand why taking care of animals would be such an attractive idea, especially for a kid. However, turning dreamy aspirations into a real-life career takes a lot of hard work and determination.  At Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA), our staff is working to close the gap between our student's dreams and their future realities with ASCEND, our career and technical education program. ASCEND students explore one of several dedicated career pathways that ..read more

Bullying has been an issue children, caregivers, and educators have faced for generations. Fortunately, our attitudes towards bullying have evolved over time, making bullying prevention a priority for many. Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) sees new students enroll in our school for a safe place to learn. While our unique approach to online learning keeps our students safe from traditional bullying, they're still vulnerable to negative online behavior outside our virtual walls. That's why, during National Bullying Prevention Month, ORCA is highlighting cyberbullying as a critical issue and the ro ..read more

As Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) students return to their virtual classrooms for another year of learning, we pause to reflect on a few highlights from the 2023-2024 school year. Last year was a testament to ORCA’s commitment to innovation, personal achievement, and academic excellence. The remarkable accomplishments of our students and staff demonstrate how ORCA’s unique approach to education creates a significant impact in Oregon and beyond.  Community Accolades Everyone at ORCA knows what we're capable of. However, seeing our efforts recognized by people outside our school is always ..read more

High school is often the time when students take their first steps into the working world, with many landing part-time jobs in restaurants, fast food outlets, or retail settings. These early experiences provide useful lessons in responsibility, customer service, and teamwork — skills that form a solid foundation for a successful career in any field. Recognizing the potential of these experiences, Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) has introduced a new pathway in its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, ASCEND: the Hospitality and Tourism Management pathway. This program — the first of it ..read more

Healthcare plays a significant role in the American economy. Over the last 60 years, the sector has grown from just five percent of the country’s GDP to more than 17 percent. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be 1.8 million annual healthcare job openings each year from 2022 to 2032 — faster growth than almost all other parts of the economy.  While some 22 million people hold healthcare roles, the sector is experiencing employee shortages in nearly every area, from doctors to home health aides. As a result of rising demand and ongoing worker shortages, healthcare ..read more

June marks the end of another amazing school year here at Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA).  Summer break is not only a great chance to rest and recharge but also to find adventurous ways to learn beyond the classroom. This year, we're celebrating everyone's hard work during the 2023-2024 school year by highlighting how our diverse community of teachers, students, and families will spend their breaks. Our Teachers Have BIG Plans ORCA teachers are ready for summer break, with their plans reflecting the varied and dynamic interests they carry into every school year. From hiking, camping, and ..read more

With graduation season upon us, high school seniors across the country are taking the next step in their journey to adulthood. Over our long history, Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) has supported kids in finding their unique path to success. It’s been a privilege to watch these students achieve their dreams with the backing of our dynamic educational community. We say goodbye with joy and a touch of sadness, confident that these extraordinary graduates will find success no matter where they look.  With that celebration in mind, we’re highlighting the stories of three remarkable ORCA stude ..read more

Enrolling in an online school can be an adjustment for students used to attending traditional in-person classes. After all, the touchpoints of a typical school day look and feel different when they’re centered at home instead of a brick-and-mortar classroom. Students thrive at Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) when they are willing to engage with the curriculum and the support of their teachers. Here are five groups of students that may benefit most from learning at ORCA.  Five Groups of Students Who Thrive at ORCA Students have unique needs, like requiring more flexibility, increased pers ..read more

As part of our mission to prepare students for life outside our virtual school walls, Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) developed ASCEND, our career and technical education (CTE) program that equips students with strategic and relevant knowledge for the real world. ORCA students can choose one of five professional pathways that pair intensive classroom instruction with on-the-job learning opportunities.  We highlighted our computer science pathway in a previous post. This time, we’ll turn our lens on the Business + Management pathway and learn how it offers students an incredible head start ..read more

February is a month for affirming connections with the people who matter most to us. For Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA), those people are our incredible students, families, and staff members. Together, we've created a supportive and engaged community dedicated to self-improvement and personal growth. However, building that community in the unique environment of an online public charter school requires thoughtful choices about how we interact with each other and the larger community outside our virtual school walls. Over the years, we've strengthened our internal connections by seeking opportun ..read more