Frequently Asked Questions

Flex Online School is a separate option school in the Beaverton School District that provides curriculum and support services for grades K–12 in an online format. Families support students as they interact with BSD teachers to make progress on District learning targets.

Complete the application by July 24. Application available July 1.

There is no cost to attend FLEX Online School as long as students live within the BSD boundaries.

Similar to other BSD schools, core courses include language arts, math, science, and social studies. Electives are offered at appropriate grade levels. For elementary students PE, Art and Computer Science will be offered. At the secondary level (6-12), it is difficult to list elective course offerings when we do not yet have students enrolled or forecasted. We hope to have more information for middle and high school students on elective course offerings soon. 

FLEX Online School uses the same learning objectives and standards as the other BSD schools. For more information about the curriculum or to see a demo please visit the Academics Page.

The daily schedule will include structured lesson times where students interact with teachers and classmates. Your student will also complete activities outside of this "live" lesson time; both on the screen and off. To provide balance, there's flexibility in the day for added outdoor or indoor activities. Lesson plans and sample schedules will be provided for families to use in developing a structure that ensures success. 

For K–8 students, parents, guardians and even older siblings act as guides who serve as face-to-face learning coaches, responsible for the students' day-to-day activities. Suggested weekly lesson plans are provided. The lesson plans can vary to accommodate students' pace and abilities. A wide array of practical advice, tips, and substantial support is available.

In the high school program, learning coaches still play an important supportive role in helping students stay on task and ensure completion of their assignments. However, high school students are expected to manage their own time and academic schedule.

Along with the curriculum, FLEX Online School provides planning and progress tools to help students and families plan their day, including an electronic calendar with suggested daily lessons and a detailed outline of the total time required for each lesson. In addition, a built-in online tracking system helps students and families to determine progress in terms of pace and development.

Students who are self-motivated and like to work independently are often successful in online schools. This option is also a good fit for families who want to work and learn at home with the support of qualified BSD teachers.

Some students enrolled in this school will complete work that is advanced for their grade level, while others will complete work at their grade level. Still other students will complete work supported by an IEP and a special education team.

FLEX Online School uses the same grade level standards and learning targets as other Beaverton schools. For a full list of standards, visit the District's learning target webpage.

The curriculum and learning platform are delivered online. This platform includes lesson plans, attendance tracking, planning and progress tools, resources, materials lists and much more. Students enrolled in FLEX Online School will use an internet-connected device that is provided by the District, either an iPad (K-3) or a Chromebook (4-12). 

Generally, students in grades K–5 will complete about 20 to 30% of their work online. However, they'll also do much of the work offline: reading books, solving math problems on paper, drawing and conducting science experiments. Middle and high school students have more refined reading skills, so they'll spend more time online. High school students will spend an average of 6 to 9 hours per week for a regular course and 8 to 12 hours for an Advanced Placement (AP)® course. However, offline work will always be essential.

Computer use is an important part of the program, but in the early grades, it's mostly the learning coach who interacts on the computer. The program is user-friendly.

Throughout the year, our hope is to invite students to participate in social events, per COVID-19 guidelines. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities will be formed, based on shared interests and not geography. Students can also join a wide variety of student-led or teacher-guided clubs, connecting them to their peers around the District.

Family connection and partnership is a key part of school success. We'll provide ways for families to connect with one another both digitally and in person. FLEX Online School will host in-person and video-conferencing events that allow families to build school community and relationships. FLEX Online School will also have a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). 

FLEX Online School will provide all instructional materials needed to complete the program at no cost to families. These books and materials will be available for pickup or delivered directly to families.

FLEX Online School works for students who need extra time or assistance to master a subject, as well as those who learn quickly. The school is staffed with a special education teacher. Depending on students' IEPs, the school can tailor the curriculum to meet students' needs. FLEX Online School is also designed to meet the needs of students identified as Talented and Gifted (TAG). 

FLEX Online School will offer all English Language Development services virtually.  Courses will be available at the different language proficiency levels: newcomer, emerging and progressing. It's strongly recommended that a school’s comprehensive student team review whether the student is able to access the language services remotely. Additional language support may be needed, especially for newcomers and students at the emerging level.

Every public school must be accredited through the state of Oregon. FLEX Online School is working through the accreditation process.

While there are no home visits or other intrusions, it will be necessary to set aside a quiet space for your child to learn and complete assignments.

FLEX Online School will provide the same opportunities as any other BSD school.

For students to participate in programs such as SUMMA or IB, they must remain enrolled in the school offering those programs. FLEX Online School will not offer SUMMA or IB classes.