The Goal Academy, an online school in Cortez, has more than tripled enrollment in its second year.
The local chapter of the Pueblo-based charter school went from 20 enrolled students last year to 73 this year, reports manager Wendy Daniel.
“We have students from Cortez, Dove Creek, Pagosa Springs, Telluride, Mancos and Durango,” she said. “We’ve grown because we meet a community need. We offer more flexibility than brick-and-mortar schools.”
The public high school offers curriculum for grades nine through 12 at no charge. It is state-accredited and is funded by taxpayers.
Additional student coaches were hired to handle the increase in students, and more activities are planned at the school’s Cortez drop-in center at 19 N. Maple St.
“It is a support center where students can gather, get a snack, and talk with counselors,” Daniel said.
Last year, five Cortez students graduated; statewide, 600 students graduated.
Students are given a laptop and take classes online from certified teachers.
On-site classes such as film study and chess are offered, and students design some electives.
They have the same academic workload as a regular high school and can earn college credits. The school encourages students to participate in concurrent enrollment programs with community colleges and trade programs.
“When they graduate, they have a skill or certificate and are in a better position to get a job if college is put on hold,” Daniel said. “We pay for the community college and trade school classes.”
Partnering with industry to offer internships for students is also a school goal. For example, one student has an internship with a flight school, and another is training with a beauty college.
Coaches and counselors meet with students one-on-one to monitor their progress. Midterms and finals are held at the drop-in center and are proctored.
Daniel says the academy doesn’t necessarily target a certain type of student.
“It may be that they have a job and need the flexibility and convenience we offer,” she said. “Or they’re juggling family responsibilities. They could be on a fast-track, and regular high school is holding them back.”
Students work at their pace. Last year, a student completed the high-school curriculum and graduated at age 16.
The program accepts students from ages 14-21, and will consider those a bit older if they are close to fulfilling graduation requirements. For information, call (970) 576-8076.