North Kitsap Online Academy (NKOA) / PAL

The Parent Assisted Learning Program (PAL) was originally created by the North Kitsap School District 15 years ago as a way to offer parents guidance and curriculum support for a home-based instructional model combined with district-provided resources. It was designed to facilitate a more flexible learning environment for families who wanted to take a more active role in their child's education.

Over the years, as technology and online education have advanced, PAL has evolved into NKOA/PAL - North Kitsap Online Academy/Parent Assisted Learning. The new model still maintains the essence of its predecessor by continuing to support parents' involvement in their child's education. Still, it also embraces a fully digital, robust online curriculum through its partnership with Stride Learning Solutions. This transformation has allowed NKOA/PAL to provide an expanded range of educational opportunities, accommodating diverse learning styles and family situations, and reaching students in a broader geographic range.

A Mentor Teacher in the North Kitsap Online Academy (NKOA) plays a crucial role in the learning journey of a student. As a certified professional educator from Washington State, the Mentor Teacher advises and supports the family undertaking home-based instruction. These professionals act as academic guides, helping students navigate the curriculum and understand the learning material. They also provide emotional and practical support, ensuring students remain engaged and motivated throughout their learning journey.

The requirement for weekly meetings between the Mentor Teacher and the home-based instruction family is a legal mandate aimed at ensuring continuity and progress in the student's learning. These meetings offer an opportunity for the Mentor Teacher to assess the student's progress, address any academic concerns, and provide additional resources or instruction as needed. Regular communication between the Mentor Teacher and the family also fosters a supportive learning environment where the student's needs are consistently addressed, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of home-based instruction.

In the NKOA/PAL program, the number of hours a student needs to spend on schoolwork is determined by the number of classes they are enrolled in. Depending on their course load, students may need to spend anywhere from 5 to 26 hours per week on their assignments. This is to ensure they are thoroughly grasping the material and are able to keep pace with the curriculum. It's crucial for students to manage their time effectively to balance their studies with other activities.

NKOA/PAL provides a comprehensive selection of CORE classes, largely mirroring the offerings available in traditional school settings. The program offers a diverse curriculum to cater to the varied educational needs of its students. For specifics regarding course offerings, it's recommended to reach out directly to the counselor or program administrator of NKOA/PAL. They will be able to provide detailed information and guidance based on the student's academic goals and interests.

A "shared student" is a term used in the North Kitsap School District (NKSD) to refer to a student who is concurrently enrolled in the NKOA/PAL program and their respective home-based school, which could be any elementary through high school within the NKSD. This arrangement allows students to benefit from the resources and opportunities of both learning environments.

Yes, high school students enrolled in the NKOA/PAL program have the opportunity to earn school credit through their employment. This is achieved through a program called Work Based Learning. By participating in this program, students can gain practical experience in their field of interest while simultaneously earning school credits.

NKOA/PAL provides a wide range of support services and resources to its students. These include a dedicated Mentor Teacher for each student, robust and interactive online curriculum and materials, district-issued computers, access to a counselor for academic and personal guidance, and additional instructional support as needed. These resources are designed to aid students in their educational journey, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to excel in their studies.

NKOA/PAL students have the unique opportunity to graduate alongside their peers at either Kingston High School or North Kitsap High School. The same graduation ceremony includes all students, whether they have pursued traditional or alternative learning pathways. The specific process and details regarding the ceremony are coordinated with the chosen high school's administration, ensuring a memorable and inclusive celebration for all graduates.