Approved Providers

Apex Learning

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Website: www.apexlearning.com
Email: support@apexlearning.com
Phone: 800.453.1454 (Pacific time)
Fax: 206-381-5610

Grades Served: 9-12

OSPI Approval

Approved as a Multidistrict Online Course Provider and Online Program Provider through the 2015-16 school year.

Access

Online Program Purchasing Information:

Districts can visit www.apexlearning.com for purchasing information.

Individual Online Course Purchasing Instructions:

Individual courses from Apex Learning are available for schools to purchase in the DLD course catalog.

Overview

Specifically designed to provide quality distance learning opportunities for secondary students, Apex Learning comprehensive courses offer a proven alternative to the traditional model of a teacher in a classroom with students. All students deserve the same high quality of instruction that students receive from a great classroom teacher. Apex Learning brings that high-quality classroom experience to the online world, combining superior teachers, engaging content, a fully customized online learning environment, and a high level of service to support student success.

The comprehensive online content is rich with interactivity and actively engages students in learning as they read, listen, discuss, inquire, watch, explore, manipulate objects and data, and write. And to be certain students are achieving, each online course includes a comprehensive approach to assessment with formative assessments that provide feedback to students and teachers; summative assessments that include both open-ended (teacher-scored) and objective (computer-scored) instruments; and diagnostic assessments that create individualized learning paths for students.

Course Offerings

The DLD currently offers all of Apex Learning’s AP and standard level courses in foreign languages, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and technology.

Students

  • Advanced Placement Courses – Authorized by the College Board, Apex Learning Advanced Placement* courses meet higher-education expectations of college-level courses and prepare students to demonstrate achievement through success on the AP* exams. Courses target highly motivated students who are reading at grade level or above and who have a track record of success in high school coursework. Each semester course offers approximately 120–150 hours of direct instruction and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment.
  • Honors Courses – Honors courses are standards-based general studies courses that meet the needs of motivated students seeking to accelerate their learning and deepen conceptual understanding. With many opportunities to apply, extend, and synthesize knowledge, Honors courses are ideally suited to prepare students for the rigors of Advanced Placement* courses. Each semester course offers 90–120 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and robust enrichment, with integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment.
  • Core Courses – Core courses are standards-based general studies courses that meet the needs of a range of students as they endeavor to master rigorous content and earn credits toward high school graduation. While Core courses assume readiness for grade-level academic challenges, they also include targeted scaffolding for students who benefit from additional learning support. Each semester course offers 70–90 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment.
  • Literacy Advantage Courses – Literacy Advantage courses are standards-based general studies courses that meet the needs of students who are reading below proficient. Courses assist students in mastering required content in math, science, English, and social studies to earn credits toward high school graduation while simultaneously developing general and academic literacy skills. Literacy Advantage courses are based on the most current research in adolescent literacy and best practices for instruction and intervention. Each semester course offers 60–80 hours of interactive direct instruction, guided practice, and integrated formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment.

Instructional Model

Apex Learning online teachers are readily available to students throughout the duration of the course. Online teachers hold regularly scheduled office hours where they are accessible online and via phone. Online teachers provide one-on-one support or group instruction during this time, as needed. Additionally, online instructors are committed to responding to emails within one school day, and grade and return homework with quality formative feedback within three school days.

A Typical Day: Students email their online teacher with questions as they progress through their coursework. They have the option to communicate with their online teacher during office hours and attend mini-lessons using a live whiteboard platform. As they complete activities, they submit assignments and receive formative feedback via a secure message center. They participate in monitored discussions with their teacher and peers. They also receive regular announcements and reminders from their online teacher via the announcement board and email. This rich and ongoing exchange is a feature of the Apex Learning instruction model that supports multiple dimensions of communication.

Curriculum Alignments

Each Apex Learning comprehensive course is developed by experienced instructional designers and subject matter experts and aligned to state and national standards. All Apex Learning courses align to National Standards outlined by the academic organization for each discipline. For example, Math courses align to the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics standards.

Accreditation

Apex Learning is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC).

Instructor Certification

All Apex Learning teachers meet the “highly qualified” requirements as defined by the “No Child Left Behind” federal education law. Apex Learning teachers are certified to teach high school and have an average of seventeen years of classroom teaching experience and four years of online teaching experience. All Apex Learning teachers regularly participate in professional development in online teaching strategies and best practices, and their performance is closely monitored on an ongoing basis.

AP Audit

Advanced Placement courses have all received approval from the College Board to display the AP designation. In addition, the AP courses align to the scope and sequence outlined by the College Board.

Courseware Platform

Apex Learning courses are made accessible by a richly customized platform designed and implemented by Apex Learning.

Student Performance and Demographics

Teacher-to-student ratio: 1:30

Course completion rate: 90%

Course pass rate: 85%

Student Satisfaction Survey

Data for school year: 2011-2012

Average Student Satisfaction:
4.8 (4 responses)

Sample Comments

(Somewhat Satisfied)
12th grade student enrolled a single class. (January 9, 2012)

The assignments, particularly those that are to be submitted to the teacher, are often more complex and in-depth than the curriculum teaches.

(Very Satisfied)
7th grade student and parent. Student is enrolled a single class. (January 8, 2012)

I am very happy with the service provided by Apex Learning. If I ever have any dificulties while working through the lessons, I feel comfortable asking my teacher questions through the messaging system provided or contacting the Apex technical support staff. I would especially like to thank my teacher [...] for helping me with my concerns, which included things like changing due dates and such. Thank you Apex!!!

(Very Satisfied)
11th grade student enrolled a single class. (January 18, 2012)

On multiple choice tests, it would be more beneficial if one had the option to skip the question and come back to it later.

See all survey results and comments for Apex Learning