The Flex Program
At ISORPH, we know every student learns differently, and families have busy, unique schedules. That’s why we offer Flex, an online learning program designed for students who thrive with independence, motivation, and the support of engaged Learning Coaches. Unlike the standard ISORPH program, which has a full schedule of live classes, Flex gives students more flexibility to optimize and structure their day around appointments, arts programs, sports practices, or other needs and commitments.
What is the Flex program?
Families in the Flex program follow a daily schedule and pace that maintains the program’s structure and curriculum. Students can access coursework and class recordings anytime, and they’ll connect with a licensed teacher throughout their learning journey to ensure they’re staying on track.
It’s important to remember that flexibility doesn’t mean anything goes. Students in this program are still expected to attend all required sessions, including any related to state compliance, testing, special services, or interventions. The flexibility is in when and how your student engages with their assigned learning, not in meeting their core academic responsibilities.
Why Families Choose Flex
There are many reasons to choose Flex to fit your family’s needs. Here are some of the main benefits students enjoy:
Optimize Your Learning Time
Flex lets your child complete most schoolwork when it works best for your family’s routine. Morning person or night owl? Flex makes it easy to optimize your student’s learning time, while still having structured accountability and any required support throughout the week and year.
Stay on Track With Support
Students in the Flex program aren’t required to attend live class sessions, except for specific academic support related to Special Education, English Language Learner (ELL) services, dyslexia support, or other school-required sessions. They may also choose to attend live virtual classes as needed and can transition back to a more traditional online school model at any time. Students are still expected to demonstrate daily attendance through participation in a live instructional session or approved two-way communication with a teacher.
High-Quality Education, Greater Flexibility
Flex students use the same rigorous curriculum as traditional ISORPH students. They attend regular check-ins, participate in assessments, and receive all required special services based on their learning needs. They also have access to a variety of other school programs. Flex ensures that learning and growth continue while giving families the freedom to manage their own routines.
Who thrives in Flex?
Flex is ideal for students who are:
Motivated and independent learners
Able to participate in routine online coursework
Ready to set daily schedules and practice consistent time management
Supported by a Learning Coach at home
Students with IEPs, English Learner plans, or other required services will still have mandatory sessions that are part of their individual plans.
Flex Student Requirements
To succeed, Flex students must follow certain requirements while learning at ISORPH. Students are expected to maintain consistent passing grades, participate in regular check-ins, and respond to school outreach each day. All students must continue to meet school attendance and compliance expectations, including state testing, special services, interventions, and required IEP or MTSS sessions when applicable.
Questions? Email Sheila Heino at sheino@onlineoregon.org.
Daily Attendance
Flex students are expected to engage in learning every scheduled school day. To be counted as present, students must participate in one of the following:
- Attend a live instructional class or other required live learning session.
- Connect with a teacher through an approved two-way communication.
While students have flexibility when they complete their coursework, they are still expected to demonstrate daily participation in their learning. Accessing coursework or working independently without participating in one of the attendance options above does not meet the daily attendance requirements.
Flex Learning Coach Expectations
Learning Coaches play a key role in student success by:
- Establishing routines and monitoring learning time
- Supporting academic growth and encouraging problem-solving
- Teaching students to ask for help effectively from teachers
- Celebrating progress while allowing students to learn from productive struggle
Flex & Graduation
Flex students earn the same ISORPH diploma as other students; transcripts do not indicate participation in Flex.
Graduation requirements are identical for all students, as set by the Mitchell School District and aligned with Oregon state standards.
Getting Started With Flex
Ready to explore Flex?
If you’re interested in learning more about the Flex program, email Sheila Heino at sheino@onlineoregon.org. She’ll be happy to answer your questions, provide additional information, and discuss enrollment options, including current availability and any waitlist opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Flex different from the standard program?
Flex students manage most of their own schedules with their Learning Coaches. Unlike standard ISORPH Flex doesn’t require daily direct instruction in live online classes. Students attend limited live sessions, typically including homeroom and any required additional sessions for support or state compliance. Flex students do, however, have access to all recorded live online sessions, so they can watch them as needed or when it fits their learning schedule. Flex students also set academic and personal growth goals.
Is the curriculum the same as standard ISORPH?
Yes! Flex students use the same online platform, curriculum, and grade-level courses as standard ISORPH students. They also have access to social emotional learning and may participate in all clubs and social opportunities offered at ISORPH and K12.
Can students mix Flex and standard ISORPH?
No, students must choose one program. Families should consider how important live online class sessions are to their child’s learning. They should also consider their student’s independence and ability to stay consistently on track without live, in-class support.
Do siblings need to enroll in the same program?
No. Families often have one child in Flex and another in the standard program, depending on individual learning needs.
What if Flex isn’t the right fit?
Students can transition back to a traditional, structured class schedule if Flex isn’t working for them. The change can be requested by the family or initiated by the school. Students who don’t meet the requirements for staying in Flex may also be transitioned back to standard learning.