• What is the best way to have future questions answered?
  • Optima Acdemy Online has dedicated staff to support the emails coming in. Please submit your questions to oca-info@optimaed.com and we will respond within 24 business day hours.
• What is the first day of school for OAO for the 2022/23 school year?
  • August 10th, 2022
• What is the Cost to attend Optima Academy Online?
  • Optima Classical Academy is a tuition-free school available to all Florida students.
•  Is part-time an option?
  • Currently, we are launching Optima Academy Online as a full-time school.  We will have opportunities in the future to have part-time/flex models to accommodate family and scholar needs.
• What grades are available for enrollment?
  • We are launching with grades 3rd through 8th.  Each subsequent year we will add a grade starting with 9th grade in the 2023/24 school year. No scholar at OAO will age out or need to complete their classical education elsewhere once enrolled.
• Will you add Kindergarten - 2nd grade?
  • Our K-2 scholars require more parent involvement to complete student-led activities. After grades 9-12 are added, the implementation of grades K-2 will be explored. Please stay in contact.
• How many scholars are currently on the lottery list?
  • The list changes each day, and we are hesitant to put a number to it in a static document.  However, we can assure you that we have significant early interest and expect a dramatic uptick in the very near future with the launch of our statewide marketing efforts.
• How many seats per grade?
  • We are going to keep the ratio to the Florida State standards (18-22 scholars per grade)
• How is VR different from traditional online schooling with regards to socializing and feeling lonely?
  • This is one of the driving forces that inspired Optima Foundation and OptimaEd to come together and offer Optima Academy Online!  VR is very different because scholars are immersed in the environment (not like zoom looking at a checkerboard screen), and each day has social opportunities built-in throughout the day.  We encourage you to join us at one of our in-person Family Information Meetings to experience the social aspects of VR.

• How do I enroll my child?
  • You can go to our website and enter into our lottery.  We are a public charter school where admissions are made via a lottery system. 
• My child attends one of the Optima sister schools.  Will my child lose my seat?
  • No, you can be on multiple waiting lists.  If your child is currently active in one of our sister schools, you would need to let the administration know in June if you are keeping your child’s seat in the upcoming school year; however you can remain on our OCA lottery waiting list.
• Will I lose my seat if I am on a waiting list for Optima sister school?
  • No, your child(ren) can be listed on multiple Optima sister schools waiting lists.  You will need to make a decision in June if your child(ren) is accepted into a sister brick-and-mortar school.
• How long do I have to make my decision?
  • When you receive the initial offer email, you need to accept within 4 days.  The lottery system will automatically remove you from that lottery window if you do not take action.  IF you do accept that offer, you have 14 days to upload all the registration information.  Once your paperwork is validated you will receive an email from the registrar stating you have secured a seat for your child(ren).

Will handwriting and cursive be available?

• Yes, there will be plenty of opportunities for our scholars to practice and demonstrate handwriting and cursive skills, and that will be an essential part of the curriculum in our early grades.  We will be using the Shurley program.

• Can we view the curriculum?
  • Our team will be sharing an overview soon, it will be posted to our website.
• Do you teach Latin or other languages?
  • Yes, 3rd - 8th grade will be taught Latin.  When we add high school, scholars in grades 9-12 will also have the opportunity to learn different languages.  As a classical education curriculum, scholars must have three (3) consecutive years of Latin.  Florida standard, scholars must complete two (2) consecutive years of a language.
• If my child is entering 7th grade, will she be behind in Latin, or will there be sections for different levels? Also, what is the Latin curriculum?
  • No, similar to our sister schools, some scholars entered the new school year with Latin, little Latin, or no Latin experience.  Our curriculum, LMS, and educators can provide a highly differentiated experience.  One important thing to mention, our curriculum follows a core knowledge sequence (not to be mixed up with common core).  Our curriculum is also proprietary to Optima Classical Academy.
• Who provides the Great Books?  The parent or the school?
  • Optima Academy Online will offer digital versions with links.  Within virtual reality we have a unique product called holographic great books and they are read to the scholar.  In addition, if you and your scholar prefer hard copies of the great books, we will provide an amazon list of the “classics you keep” with links to purchase so families can enjoy them together.
• How much homework will be given?
  • This is a difficult question to answer due to the individual needs of each scholar.  The best way to answer is that OAO will give an appropriate amount for the age and stage of our scholars.   We ask scholars to work hard, and much of that good hard work happens during the day with their teachers in live lessons.  However, a lot of that hard work is enjoyed outside of live instruction and is one of the ways we develop self-government, persistence, responsibility, and other virtues.
• Will the teachers be certified?
  • Yes, all teachers will be certified.  If teachers do not have a Florida certification, they will be in the process to get one within 3 years but will meet the criteria for emergency certification from day 1 (content area expertise).  We have received applications from numerous Ph.Ds, National Board Certified teachers, veteran teachers, and classical educators.  We will have the privilege to select the best educators in the country.
• Do teachers live in Florida?
  • No, that is the unique advantage of OAO: we can hire the best teachers across our nation.

• What are the recommended web browsers for completing assignments and attending class via laptop?
  • We recommend that you use either Google Chrome or Firefox as your main web browser. Certain web browsers, specifically Microsoft Edge, does not support necessary platforms such as Formative.
• Which type of laptop specs are needed for canvas and Meta-headset?
  • OCA will provide the Meta-headset and there is no additional tech support needed.  For the laptops, the ability to stream video and have word processing capability (such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, etc.) Specific technical specs are: Operating System: Windows 10, Processor: Intel i5, Memory: 8GB RAM, Storage: 9GB available space, Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
• What platform will you be using?  Is there a possibility of using other platforms like Adobe or Zoom?
  • Synchronous (teacher-led) instruction will take place primarily in virtual reality using the headset.  We are using a learning management system platform called Canvas, which has built-in functionality for Microsoft Teams.   There are certain assignments that are better suited for video chat, such as assessments, one-on-one meetings, and special projects that will be better suited to work in Canvas/Microsoft Teams.
• What equipment is necessary? Who provides and covers the cost of the headset and any other equipment necessary?
  • All scholars will need headsets and laptops/computers.  Optima Academy Online will provide the headsets at no additional cost.
• What platform is used for students to upload their work?
  • All communication and academics will be transmitted in our learning management system Canvas.  This provides an environment of safety and integrity.
• Why is virtual reality so cartoonish, more like unreality?
  • We can understand your viewpoint watching it in two (2) dimensions such as Zoom or YouTube, but we humbly disagree that VR feels unrealistic.  We are confident that parents and scholars will not view our academy as “cartoonish” once they experience virtual reality with the headset.  We encourage you to attend an in-person Family Information Meeting.
• If a family experiences an internet outage, will lessons be recorded?
  • Yes, all our live lessons will be recorded and posted onto our LMS (Canvas) for scholars to have access.  Recording sessions will be a best practice to the scholars and an opportunity to revisit a class even if they attended live. 
• Do scholars need to wear the Meta-headset Headsets all day?
  • No, they are using the Meta-headset Headsets for live virtual class time, four (4) days a week.  Not every class will be in the headset.  During Math and Science, the headset will most likely be used most.  They will also be used for one on one workshops, tutoring, and conferences based on the arrangement made in advance.  We are doing our best to minimize it 2 hours a day.
• Is there an alternative if my child does not want to use the Meta-headset Headset?
  • Yes, if your child wants to take a break from the headset they may view the live lessons 2 dimensionally.  The child will not get the same experience, however, they will have the ability to participate.  Keep in mind, while participating in the live lesson in the 2 dimensional browser they will not have all the functionality that they would in a headset.
• Who provides and covers the cost of the Meta-headset headset and any other equipment necessary?
  • Optima Academy Online will provide the headsets at no additional cost.  For the homes that do not have a laptop/computer with the required specs to run the programs, scholars that are eligible for free or reduced lunch, OAO will provide a laptop, but all other students must provide their own.
• Can students use the Meta-headset headsets for games and other uses during the school day?
  • No, the headset you receive from Optima Academy Online will only allow your scholar to access our learning management system Canvas or programs we have authorized to accommodate their classical education.  They will be pre-programmed prior to being shipped to your scholar.  Our headsets are managed remotely to eliminate any distractions or put your scholar in harm's way.  If you choose to give permission to your scholar to use a headset for games, you would need to purchase a “personal” headset. 
• What platform is used for students to upload their work?
  • All communication and academics will be transmitted in our learning management system Canvas. This provides an environment of safety and integrity.
• What if we do not have a laptop or computer that has the technical specs needed for my child to have no issues?
  • If you do not have a compatible computer in your home and your child(ren) is on free or reduced lunch, OAO will provide a laptop for each child that was accepted into our academy.
• How secure is the Meta-headset headset?
  • OAO uses a closed system platform that requires logging into the environment.  For anyone to gain unauthorized entry to the online school they would have to compromise two different systems which are linked.  There are two additional security measures in place beside the ones described above. Every action and interaction that your child has while in a headset is logged and can be retrieved and reviewed by the platform operator.  There is additional software on the headset that limits the child’s exploration of virtual reality to only the applications and spaces designated by the OAO administration.

• Will there be an FSA?
  • No, FSA will be replaced with the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (F.A.S.T)starting this school year 22/23; this new assessment will take place three times a year to monitor students' growth from 3rd to 10th grade. More details to come.
  • https://www.fldoe.org/fast/
  • https://feaweb.org/fsa-transition-to-fast/
• What kind of student coursework will be included in this curriculum?
  • We will have a combination of traditional schools, such as, but not limited to; assignments, quizzes, tests, discussion based-assessments, and class participation.   In the afternoon, Canvas assignments are listed for independent study, Friday assessments,  and written project-based.
• What is the testing structure?
  • Testing will take place online, it will look very similar to traditional online learning management systems.  If your child has a 504 plan or IEP, the Services Team will work out details on an individual basis.
• Will they take tests while live or on their own time?
  • Both, we will encourage our scholars to review our pillars of virtue; we will have a very high bar on integrity when submitting all course work, including tests.  We also encourage parents/guardians to not assist their scholars while taking the tests.  This will allow teachers to determine where the scholar needs assistance for future tests.
• Are parents allowed to opt-out of state testing?
  • No, we are Collier County public charter school; therefore, we must comply with all Florida State laws for testing. 
• Are children with 504/IEP’s eligible for OAO and what does state testing look like for the scholar?
  • Your child would take your state test at your local zoned school.  The school will have your child’s 504/IEPS have their accommodations.  OCA’s Scholar Services Team will assist with that communication.
  • There would be a limitation on use of the Oculus (and likely some other media usually used in schools) if the student had a history of seizures that were brought on by photo-sensitivity.  As far as autism or other learning differences, we are able to accept any student who applies, with the exception of those who would require physical assistance from the school (i.e non-ambulatory students etc.) in which case they would be zoned already for the school in the county that had facilities equipped for specific needs.  Otherwise, we are able to accept any and all students and already have a Student Services Director in place to manage those accommodations.

• I noticed that you have a gifted program, what will that entail?
  • We will have a Student Services team that will work with you based on your child's needs.  Our team is currently working on the gifted components of our curriculum.
• What curriculum will be used for language and how will it reach children with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, or Dyscalculia?
  • We will be using a combination of Shirley for grammar, Core Knowledge for phoenix, cursive logic, and reading great books. 
  • Individual tutoring in the afternoons. 
  • Our Special Services team will work closely with you, your scholar, and your teacher. 
  • In addition, our virtual reality locations also have holographic great books that can be read to the scholars.  Our scholars will be exposed to grade-level content and fill in the gaps, depending on the level of the scholar.  We are also developing our own writing program to assist with this group of scholars.
• Are you able to modify the curriculum?
  • Parents are not to modify however teachers modify assignments based on the child's 504 or IEPs.  We encourage scholars to stay aligned with grade-level exposure to standards and modify.
• Will there be ST or OT if a child needs them per their IEP?
  • If a scholar needs more than what OAO has available, the Social Services team will work closely with the district to ensure scholars have resources available to them through their district.
• How will accommodations be made in the live class for my child if they have an IEP/ 504 to avoid any unnecessary frustration?
  • Our teachers are trained and will continue to have training on virtual reality support while in the metaverse.  Our scholars will also have coaching on session management, this will eliminate some of the frustrations.  In addition, there will be one on one conversations as well outside of the headset; possibly phone or video conferencing.
• How much homework will be expected of my child that has IEPs/504 plans?
  • With IEPs/504s there are some homework assignments that are modified to accommodate the scholars.  This is the benefit of having asynchronous work after 12:00 Monday through Thursday and having all of Friday. 
• If my child is performing below grade level, how will you accommodate my child?
  • Our team will work with each scholar to support and provide the resources to fill that gap while considering their IEPs/504 plans.

• If we are close to a brick and mortar school, may our child participate in their extracurricular, sports, field trips, etc?
  • Yes, we are a Florida public charter school, therefore like our sister schools, your scholar(s) may attend their zoned schools to participate in extracurriculars, sports, band, etc.
• How would music or artwork be taught in virtual reality? Are these sectors of learning that the parents would need to facilitate.
  • We will have art and music classes, as well as Physical Education.  If a scholar is interested in band/orchestra or chorus, there is an opportunity to participate in those at their zoned school, in a similar way as athletics.
• Will there be any plans or intentions for field trips or meet-ups with other families around the state?
  • Yes, this is one of our goals to have many opportunities for our scholars and families to meet in person for:  field trips, meet-ups, study groups, and more.
• Would you be encouraging local families to get together for co-ops?
  • Yes, another goal of ours is to have hubs/pods/co-ops for our families.  With that said, this takes some logistical work and planning.  If you are interested in learning more and/or being an ambassador to work with Melissa Rocchio, Director of Family Success, please email oca-info@optimaed.com and we can discuss this in greater detail. 
• How will PE class work?
  • We will have a PE teacher who will put together a schedule of activities and other Florida state requirements. There will be asynchronous assignments pertaining to health and wellness.
  • Students can report their physical activities in extracurricular to count towards PE.
  • If your child enjoys a team sports activity they can participate in their locally zoned school athletics.
• Do you have in person Family Information Meetings or Virtual Reality meetings?
  • Yes, all of the sessions we host in person, zoom, or in virtual reality are posted on our website under ‘Meetings & Events’, this is a great way for families to get to know the team and ask questions.