The demand for high-quality online learning has been increasing for years and D11 is responding to the needs of our students, families, and community by offering an excellent option for those preferring the flexibility of an online school within our own D11 community of schools and taught by local teachers committed to our community.

With the emergency-driven need to shift to remote learning during the COVID 19 pandemic, many students and families experienced high levels of success and satisfaction learning in an online model. Kindergarten through eighth-grade students now has an opportunity to enroll in a permanent online option right here in our D11 community.

Our talented and dedicated D11 teachers and staff demonstrated heroic efforts in pivoting from in-person teaching and learning to remote learning at a moment's notice in order to keep our community safe during the pandemic. When the pandemic transitions to its end, our brick, and mortar schools will welcome back students who prefer and experience success in a more traditional, in-person learning environment. Students and families who want to enroll in a permanent, dedicated online school will now have an option to do so within D11.

Spark Online Academy is a full-time stand-alone school choice. Upon enrolling, your student will attend Spark Online Academy exclusively. District 11 policy allows for one “in-district” transfer per school year. Should you wish to attend another school after being enrolled in Spark Online Academy, you would be required to disenroll from Spark Online Academy and enroll in another school.

For our inaugural year 2021/2022, Spark Online Academy will enroll students in kindergarten through eighth grade. 

Each following school year it is our intent to add a grade level beginning with 9th grade in 2022/2023 with plans on being fully developed as a kindergarten through 12th-grade online school within five years. 

Teachers at Spark Online Academy are highly skilled in quality online instruction with passion and expertise in connecting with children in a virtual learning environment. Our teachers are fully dedicated to the success of each and every learner, holding all to high expectations and providing the personalized support and guidance to unleash every student's potential. 

Our curriculum is selected with the high-quality standards set in D11 and aligned with Colorado Academic Standards in rigor and adaptability to meet each learner's strengths and needs and best suited for online learning. The tools and learning platforms utilized are selected for optimal interactivity capabilities and ease of access.

We are pleased to announce that Spark Online Academy will be housed within an area of Trailblazer Elementary School as D11 continues its facilities master planning. This is our temporary home until our permanent home is developed in the district master planning efforts and we are delighted to have use of this beautiful facility with access to outdoor learning opportunities.

While Spark Online students are not required to attend in person, this flexible use learning space will be available for our Spark students for a variety of needs including special learning events, community presentations, hands-on experiences, social gatherings, or space for kids to access their online learning periodically. More details will be provided at our orientation on accessing Trailblazer for learning opportunities.

Trailblazer Elementary School continues to operate in the majority of the building and Spark Online Academy looks forward to partnering with the Trailblazer community to enrich learning for all students.

Trailblazer Elementary is located at 2015 Wickes Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

Online learning offers a balance between flexibility and structure needed to ensure students are receiving instruction best suited to their needs and growing in all of the critical skills defined in the D11 Graduate Profile. 

A typical day might include:

• A morning meeting with teachers and peers setting the day up for success
• Scheduled small group instruction with his or her  teacher
• Dedicated time for independent practice and collaborative work with peers including flexible access to support as needed.
• Collaborative or independent inquiry-based learning projects driven by student interest and curiosity
• A wrap-up and reflection of the day’s learning with peers and teachers

Spark Online Academy believes whole child education must include access to the essential learning gained through physical education, visual and performing arts, music, and dance. While it is presented differently in an online learning environment, Spark Online Academy students will benefit from regular engagement and opportunity for these whole child learning development experiences. 

Each of the classes will be facilitated by a certified D11 teacher at various times during the day, week, quarter, or semester dependent on scheduling needs.

Spark Online Academy uses a blended approach to learning. This means that learning takes place both on-screen and off-screen. We believe in a balance between instruction that is both technology and non-technology enabled. Students may receive direct instruction from a live or recorded session on screen and then will practice the taught skill with hands-on materials off-screen.

An example might include a 1st grader learning how to add double-digit numbers taught in an online learning session, and then practicing using math blocks to demonstrate understanding off-screen and submitting a picture of their work to their teacher. Another example might be a 7th grader reading a piece of literature off-screen, participating in a guided discussion group with her peers on screen, and then completing a written response and reflection using tools that best meet his or her learning needs either on or off-screen.

Your role as a parent/guardian is that of learning coach. Your encouragement and accountability systems at home are critical. All learners need structure and support specific to their needs and developmental stage of skill growth to ensure success. The skilled teachers at Spark Online Academy will plan rigorous, engaging, and relevant learning experiences and activities for your student. Flexible access to support from teachers and staff will be available for your child. 

In addition to the school provided planning and support, students need an adult willing and available to support in the home learning environment. The chart to the right gives guidelines regarding commitment level expectations by grade level.

All students enrolled in Spark Online Academy will be provided with an internet-enabled device in order to participate in direct online instruction, interactive learning activities, assignment completion, and demonstrations of learning. The device will be checked out to students and returned at the end of the school year or upon withdrawal from the school.

Supplemental supplies such as math manipulatives, materials for science, art, and PE experiences will be checked out to students with a similar process as checking out a library book. 

Additional supplies may be requested of families such as headphones that are part of the school supply list for families to provide. However, resources are available for the provision by D11 if needed. 

Students may use their own device as long as the specs and needed features for successful interaction with all of the platforms, programs, and curriculum used in Spark Online Academy are compatible with the personally owned device.

D11 and Spark Online Academy do not provide technical support or repair of non D11 owned devices. We will provide support with applications, platforms and programs used for instruction and learning regardless of device. 

D11 works with families and community partners to provide internet hotspots if needed so that Spark Online Academy students can attend classes and engage in all required assignments and activities.

When an internet hotspot is provided for a student, it is intended for the use of the enrolled student(s) to engage in learning prescribed by Spark Online Academy only. 

Mandatory testing requirements will be followed for Spark Online Academy students. 

Given the strict security protocols for mandated tests, students would complete the required tests in a D11 school building with a certified proctor and following all requirements by the Colorado Department of Education and District 11. 

The calendar testing time window for these tests is not flexible and testing outside of the given timeframe is prohibited.

Yes. Our instructional and support team will follow all active, formal learning plans and processes ensuring that your student receives the supports and work toward associated goals within the plan.

Before enrolling a student with a formal learning plan such as an IEP or 504 plan, the IEP or 504 team at your current school will need to meet to evaluate the appropriateness of Spark Online Academy services prior to enrolling.

Services such as English Language Learner supports and Gifted and Talented services will also be provided for those students who qualify through D11 protocols.

Our teachers and staff members are deeply committed to the growth and learning of all students. Our collaborative planning processes carefully monitor student learning outcomes and adjust instructional supports based on student performance and individual needs.