NSSD Options Academy

Programs: Stayton Virtual Academy & Locust Street Academy
545 W Locust St Stayton, OR 97383 

**now partnering with Pearson Virtual Schools (a.k.a. Connections Academy) for grades K-5**

Brad Emmert, SHS Assistant Principal/Coordinator of Alternative Education  
Jeni Gabriel, Office Manager
Rachel Kreiger, K-12 Teacher
503-769-1618

NSSD Options Academy operates as an alternative to traditional learning environments.  For grades K-9, it is available only as a virtual (online) platform.  For grades 10-12, students can choose to learn solely online (Stayton Virtual Academy) or apply to participate in an in-person, teacher-led instructional environment (Locust St. Academy).  See below for more information.

To register, please call 503-769-1618

Registration requests made once a new school year or semester has started will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions, please email brad.emmert@nsantiam.k12.or.us

Stayton Virtual Academy K-12

The Stayton Virtual Academy was created to serve our families who wish to have their children learn from home rather than attending school in-person. This program provides the flexibility to allow students to work in a setting that can best meet their needs. However, it is important that each student has a designated adult to support them, especially for grades K-5. It is also important to note that delivery of instruction depends largely on a student’s ability to read (or listen to) text passages and respond accordingly. If reading comprehension is not a strong skill for your student, Options Academy may not be the best choice for them.  

All 9-12 grade students wishing to participate in online learning will have a parent meeting with the high school counseling department to discuss the program, expectations, future plans, scheduling, and timelines.  They also need to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/E26vKUGJ3kAQKV3U6

The program requires internet access. A district-owned chromebook will be provided during the school year for those who request one. Students who enroll in Stayton Virtual Academy may also be able to participate in elective classes such as art, woods, manufacturing, music or drama, if class size restrictions are not exceeded. Students in grades 6-12 can participate in NSSD athletics at no cost. Once classes have begun, students may be able to switch from "in-person" classroom attendance to Options Academy once per school year, depending on space availability at their grade level. 

For grades K-5, the "teacher of record" and curriculum is provided by Pearson Virtual Schools. These online teachers will directly oversee student progress and be available to answer questions, grade assignments and provide instructional support. NSSD staff will also connect with students regularly and provide additional technical support as needed. This is the same online curriculum used by OR Connections Academy, OR Charter Academy and Willamette Connections Academy so the experience for our students should be similar to those enrolled in those virtual schools. 

For grades 6-12, the "teacher of record" is an NSSD certified teacher.  The curriculum is provided by SchoolsPLP. NSSD staff will enroll students in the online portal,  grade assessments, track attendance and be available to answer questions as well as provide content support for core classes. They will not, however, directly deliver content in each subject as this is provided in the SchoolsPLP modules online. Staff will help students to create a schedule that includes electives that they choose.  

K-8 students may opt to go back to in-person instruction during the school year (following a short enrollment change process), but when they do, they will need to remain in-person for the rest of the school year. Because it is difficult to move 9-12 students from online to in-person in the middle of a term based on credits and curriculum, high school students who choose to enroll online will generally only be allowed to change to in-person at SHS at the end of the first semester (end of January).

HS students who are unsuccessful online will meet with counseling to consider a return to in-person learning.

Locust Street Academy (10-12)

(In-Person Alternative High School) 

       

            

Locust Street Academy operates out of a building located on the east end of the Stayton High School campus. It is based on teacher-led instruction in a smaller, more focused environment.  The number of seats is limited, so not all that apply may be able to attend. The Locust Street Academy program includes two core classes per day, as well as elective opportunities both online and (when feasible) at SHS.  Students will complete core classes in these blocks quickly, allowing for more credits to be earned in a shorter time than is typical.  For this reason, strong attendance will be critical.  LSA has a goal of supporting the whole student, teaching communication and relational skills, and ensuring the best opportunities towards completion.  Juniors and Seniors who are credit deficient will have the first priority towards admission. For more information, please contact Mr. Emmert at brad.emmert@nsantiam.k12.or.us.

Students who are currently enrolled at Stayton HS must contact their school counselor to begin their application for Locust St. Academy.

 Options Academy Parent/Student Handbook

*Students who wish to complete a GED will automatically be enrolled in Options Academy, and work through Chemeketa's GED program.

CHEMEKETA GED PROGRAM INFORMATION