All students in 5th through 8th grade will be taught using the Switched-On Online (SOS) web-based learning tool.

We’re sure you have questions, so we’ve put together some FAQ’s to help you understand a little more about what to expect for your child this coming school year.

What is Switched-On Online School?
Switched-On Online (SOS) is a Web-based learning environment featuring a media-rich, online curriculum for our students in grades 5th through 8th. This Web-based curriculum can be accessed through any Internet connection and browser using a personal computer (PC) or Macintosh. With this flexible, state-of-the-art curriculum, our teachers are able to customize lessons to fit each student’s individual learning needs.

Students in 5th through 8th grades will have access to a vibrant mix of entertaining lessons, assignments, and quizzes. Fun-filled lessons are created to captivate students’ attention and engage them in learning. Interactive learning games, Web links, and off-computer projects create opportunities for in-depth study.

These curriculums contain a day-to-day lesson plan that is written for Christian schools and is based on a Christian education.  They include all main subjects for every grade level.

What happens if my child needs help? Will there be a teacher to assist them in taking these classes?
Yes. There will be a dedicated teacher in the classroom assisting the children with getting online and clarifying any concepts they may not understand as they go through each course.

Will my child have regular books or is all work done on the computer?
The majority of their school work, quizzes and assignments are done on the computer with the exception of Spelling, Bible and Poetry which will be taught by the class teacher. On a monthly basis, students will also have a written test in Math and Language Arts. Each child is expected to take notes on all lessons taught online and in the classroom in order to properly prepare for all tests and quizzes. Your child’s assignments and all coursework for core subjects will be accessed using any computer with a web browser. They can access the login from our school’s home page and work at their own pace.

Note: Please ensure that your home computer has the latest version of Java installed so that all components of the pages can be viewed correctly. You can download the latest java plug-in for free at www.java.com.

Can my child advance ahead in their curriculum?
Yes. Initially for the first few months of the school year they will be on a set schedule to complete certain assignments according to their grade level to ensure they gain a good level of understanding of what is being taught and how to properly use the web tool. After they are comfortable using the web tool, they are able to work at their own pace and even advance beyond their current grade level into the next grade level based upon successful completion of each module in each subject.

Is there a fee for my child to switch to this method of learning?
Yes. Instead of a “Book Fee”, that K4-Grade 4 students must pay, students in grades 5-8 will be required to pay an SOS “Seat Fee” of $350 per student. This gives them access to all of their coursework including reading assignments, videos, tutorials, quizzes and tests all online.

Can I check my child’s progress during the school year?
Yes. Each child has a login and password to enter into their online classroom. You can use the same login and password to check on your child’s progress at any time and see what your child is currently working on, or what they have completed for that day. You can also see their current grades on each assignment.

Will my child still have all of their core courses?
Absolutely! In fact SOS offers core classes with a Christ-Centered focus for grades 3-12. See the following descriptions for more information.

Bible
Switched-On Online Bible is a Christ-centered curriculum for grades 3-12 with a developmental, in-depth study of the Old and New Testaments. Using the King James Version, this Bible curriculum covers a variety of biblical material to assist in the development of practical Christian living. The Bible curriculum provides seven major themes: Theology, Attributes of God, Biblical literature, Biblical geography, Christian growth, Christian evidence, and a special emphasis for each grade level.

History & Geography
Switched-On Online History and Geography is a complete, Bible-based curriculum for grades 3-12. The goal of these courses is to develop students’ understanding of and appreciation for God’s activity as seen in the record of man and his relationships. The curriculum targets this goal by focusing on six major themes: Geography (World and American), History (World, History, and Religious History), Government and Citizenship, Economics, and Social Studies.

Language Arts
Switched-On Online Language Arts, for grades 3-12, targets the sequential development of communication skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Because Language Arts is an integrated program, the elementary grades weave skill topics (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) together within units. In the middle and high school grades, skills are developed unit by unit. The major strands are detailed as follows: Reading (Vocabulary, Comprehension Skills, Literature Studies), Writing (Spelling, Penmanship, Grammar, Composition), Speaking and Listening, and Special Topics (Visual Media, History of the English Language, The Bible as Literature, Book Reports, and Study and Research Skills).

Math
Switched-On Online Math is a comprehensive, easy-to-use curriculum for grades 3-12. Students will develop and build math skills through various question formats, multiple exercise techniques, and fun learning games. This motivating math curriculum prepares students for using math successfully in real-life situations. Concepts are developed through grade levels to endure mastery. The curriculum targets this goal by focusing on six major themes: Number Skills, Geometry, Algebra, Data Analysis, and Pre-calculus.

Science
Switched-On Online Science is an exciting, Bible-based curriculum for grades 3-12. Students develop observational skills as they study the physical universe God created. The program involves a combination of on- and off-computer assignments including experiments. Elementary and middle-school grades (3-9) observe each area of science on an individual survey basis, usually unit by unit. The high school grades (10-12) focus on specific areas of science— Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The four major strands are as follows: Life Science (Plants and Animals, Human Anatomy and Personal Care, Biology), Space and Earth Science (Geology, Weather, Space), Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics), Nature of Science (Scientific Method, Experimentation, Technology.)

If you have additional questions about the Switched-On Online School, please contact our office.