Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: I’m in Jr. High – can I still attend LPA?
A: Yes! LPA services students in grades 7-12.
Q: Are you WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Accredited?
A: Yes, we received a 6-year accreditation in 2019.
Q: How much is the tuition for Learning Post Academy (LPA)?
A: LPA is a public school. It is tuition-free.
Q: Online learning must be easy! I can just look up all the answers on Google, right?
A: Many students believe that an online class must be easy, however, this is not the case. The rigor is often higher than students anticipate, and it is very important to stay on task. If a student falls behind it can get very difficult to get back on track.
Also, please note that we have an Academic Integrity policy which is very strongly enforced since students do have access to online content. Our staff is very good at discovering when plagiarism has taken place and they will move swiftly and expeditiously to correct the problem. You can find out more by viewing our Academic Integrity policy.
Q: How does the Apex virtual curriculum work?
A: Link
Q: What if I’m sick and cannot do my work?
A: If anything in your life is going to get in the way of your studies, you are advised to reach out to your teacher(s) ahead of time to work out a plan for completing your work.
Q: Can I only do my work between 8 am-3 pm?
A: The beauty of an online curriculum is that you have 24/7 access to it! Some students do their best work in the wee hours of the night. Please note, however, that if you need teacher support, they are only available during school business hours.
Q: How many hours a day should I expect to be working?
A: As a rule of thumb, we recommend that our students spend an hour per class per day. Therefore, if you are taking 6 classes, you should expect to work around 6 hours per day.
Q: Can I get extra help from the teachers?
A: Yes, we have highly qualified teachers in each subject available to assist you when the need arises. Simply reach out to your teacher to schedule a time to come in (or to video conference), and they will be happy to guide you, as needed.
Q: Can I attend prom at my residence school if I am a student at LPA?
A: Yes, you may participate in all the extra-curricular activities offered at your residence school.
Q: Will I need to do all of my work on the computer?
A: Most of your work will be done on the computer. We encourage students to reach out to their teachers for supplemental information and guidance. Since it can sometimes be difficult to be on the computer all day, some students find it easier to work on our campus. This has the added benefit of being in close proximity to the teachers, and if assistance is needed (and if the teacher is available), you may be able to get help while you are on campus.
Q: Will I need to purchase any books?
A: Most of the resources you will need are available online, or you may check out books
through our office.
Q: Does LPA offer tutoring?
A: While we do not have a formal tutoring program, teachers are available (by appointment) to assist with one-on-one support as reasonably needed. We hope to implement a Peer Tutoring Center in the future.
Q: Do I physically have to attend classes on the LPA campus every day to receive
attendance?
A: No, attendance is based on the amount of work assigned vs. the amount of work completed. Your teachers will make this determination based on each student’s individual workload.
Q: So I don’t ever have to set foot on campus?
A: We do need to have “eyes” on you at least a couple of times a month. One of those must be in-person. The second time can be via phone, email, or video conference. Of course, we’d love to see you as frequently as you like, so please come in when you are available to do so.
Q: How do I do PE?
A: Apex provides a PE class for our students to engage in. Additionally, you are asked to keep a log of your physical activity to be turned in as requested by your teacher.
Q: What happens if I just don’t like one of my classes?
A: You will have a few weeks at the beginning of the semester to make a determination if you do not like a class. If you decide to switch a class, contact your LPA counselor for assistance. Please keep in mind, we strive to enroll you in courses that meet a number of criteria including our graduation requirements and A-G college admission requirements.
Q: What happens if I have scheduled a meeting with a teacher, but something comes up
and I can’t make it?
A: Please reach out to the teacher (or the office staff) to cancel the meeting. It is also expected that you would then please reschedule with the teacher.
Q: When will I find out what my classes are?
A: Returning students will have picked their classes during the Spring. New students will choose classes during the intake phone call by our counselor or School Office Manager. If changes are needed, these can be handled during the first week of school in the fall.
Q: Can I take more than 6 classes?
A: Most students take 6 classes. If there is a specific need for taking additional classes, please contact our School Counselor.
Q: What’s the difference between Honors Classes and AP Classes?
A: Both honors and AP classes have greater rigor than regular classes. Honors courses
typically cover the same curriculum as a regular college prep class and are adjusted to go deeper into the content. AP classes are going to be even more challenging than honors classes because they are taught like college courses. At the end of the semester, there is an AP Test that if passed (with a score of 3 or higher), can give the student college credit for the class (depending on the requirements from each individual college).
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Q: What is “dual enrollment”?
A: Dual Enrollment refers to being enrolled primarily with us (LPA), with the ability to take up to 2 classes at your residence Jr. High or High School.
Q: If I am dual enrolled, can I take 3 classes at my local high school and a couple with
LPA?
A: No, the maximum number of classes you can take at your residence school is two.
Q: Can I concurrently take classes at COC or another community college?
A: Yes, we can facilitate students in grades 11-12 taking classes at COC or another community college.
Q: Can I participate in athletics at my school of residence?
A: Yes. Students who are participating in sports must take 2 classes on the campus of your residence school. One class would be the sport, and the other class can be an elective or core class of your choice.
Q: What if I only want to take one class at LPA?
A: This may be something considered in the future, but for the time being, this is not allowed.
Q: What if I only need 3 classes to graduate, and I need to work? My residence school says I have to have at least 5 classes. Do I still have to take 5 classes at LPA?
A: Our counselor can work with you to take the necessary number of classes, and can possibly offer creative alternatives.
TESTING
Q: Do students still have to do State Testing if we are attending LPA?
A: State testing is a requirement for all public schools, so yes, you would be expected to take the tests when offered in the spring. These tests are taken on campus, and details will be provided when needed.
Q: Do we do all unit tests at home or do we need to come on campus?
A: Many tests will be done at home with parent supervision. Parents must sign off that they proctored the test, and that the student did not use any additional materials. Some tests will require the student to come onto our campus.
GRADUATION AND BEYOND
Q: Can I go directly to a 4-year college from LPA?
A: Yes, many of our students have been accepted to prestigious colleges straight out of high school. This includes the UC’s, Cal States, Stanford, USC, US Naval Academy, Carnegie Mellon, and many more!
Q: My student wishes to attend college after high school. Do you offer A-G classes?
A: Yes, we offer A-G approved classes including College Preparatory through Advanced
Placement classes.
Q: Do Colleges and Universities look “down” on homeschooling?
A: LPA is not a homeschool, it is classified as an “Independent Study” school. There are
profound differences between the two. When students are engaged in an independent study school they develop skills that will help them to be more successful in college as they refine their time-management skills, self-discipline skills, problem-solving skills, independent thinking & working skills, etc.
Q: Can I graduate early?
A: Students have graduated up to a year early. If this is your goal, your counselor can work with you to achieve this goal. Due to our offering of variable credits, if you finish English 10A in October, you can immediately begin English 10B, without having to wait until the semester.
Q: Can I take Career Pathway classes at LPA (grades 9-12)?
A: Yes, our counselor can work with you to develop a plan for your future.
Q: Does LPA have a Graduation Ceremony?
A: LPA offers a unique and personal graduation ceremony where the supervising teachers speak briefly about each of their students. Families rave time and time again about how much they appreciated the personal, up close ceremony for their LPA graduate. If an LPA student has dual enrollment during their final semester, they have the option of requesting to participate instead (or in addition to) in their residence area school’s graduation ceremony.
CAMPUS AMENITIES
Q: Does LPA have a computer lab where I can use a computer and a printer?
A: All of our classrooms are equipped with student computers (chrome books) and
desktop computers that are connected to printers. These are available for student use
during regular school hours.
Q: If I’m doing most of my work at home, how do I do wet Science Labs?
A: You will be provided with instructions for dry labs or home labs, as needed.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Q: Does LPA offer Extra-Curricular Activities?
A: LPA students are encouraged to participate in our Associated Student Body (ASB) Club. Students and the ASB Club Director meet weekly for fun, peer-building activities as well as planning school activities such as school dances, holiday-themed events, talent shows, charitable causes as well as community service activities. Students are also able to qualify for and participate in the California Scholarship Foundation (CSF) activities and honors. Additionally, students may take part in any extra-curricular activities offered at their residence area school. This includes dances and sporting activities. Please note that to participate in activities on other campuses, you might be required to purchase one of their ASB Cards.
ATHLETICS
Q: Is LPA sanctioned for CIF? NCAA?
A: LPA is NCAA approved, and CIF sanctioned. There are opportunities to play on CIF athletic
teams.
SPECIAL NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES
Q: My child has an IEP or 504. Can they still receive their necessary accommodations at
LPA?
A: When you apply for LPA, we ask that you provide us with a copy of your student’s 504 or IEP. This will allow us to review the documents to determine if we are able to meet the accommodations.
Q: I am a professional actor (musician, competitive athlete, actor/actress, dancer, etc.)
and practice my craft several hours a day. Is there any way I can get school credit for
doing so?
A: We do offer, “Independent Study” elective credit for students who fall into this category. Students must provide the school with a syllabus (at the beginning of the year), the benchmark progress, and a final project culminating the semester proving that you accomplished what you set out to accomplish.
SPECIFICALLY FOR INCOMING 9TH GRADERS
Q: Can I meet directly with my LPA counselor?
A: Our counselor is currently unable to meet with incoming families as she is extremely busy with our current students, supporting them through distance learning. Unfortunately, this includes multiple email inquiries. Please be patient if it takes a little longer to respond to your inquiries.
Q: Can a 9th grader take summer COC classes?
A: Students in grades K-10 may be admitted if identified at the “genius level” through the WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) test. A student identified as a genius would be a student in K-10 who has a score of 150 or higher on the most current version of the WISC test. 9th-grade students who have met this criterion should contact their Jr. High counselor.
Q: How do I find out about the curriculum choices at Learning Post Academy?
A: Learning Post Academy utilizes Apex as our curriculum provider. Our website has a link to our course offerings.
Q: How do I know if I have been placed into the proper math class?
A: Incoming 7th and 9th graders are required to take a Math Placement Test in the fall. The results of this test will determine the proper placement in the appropriate math class.