Parent FAQ

How did the Fort Washakie Charter High School (FWCHS) form?
Are you a real school?
How do I enroll my high school student?
Is there tuition?
We live in another school district. Can our student take course from you?
What types of learners do you serve?
Is there a teacher for every class?
What are your classes like?
What courses do you offer?
What about homework, assignments, and tests?
How much time should my student spend on classes?
Does my student have to attend classes at the FWCHS campus or can she work from home?
Does my student still have to take the state PAWS test?
How do you monitor online students?
How many courses can a student take at one time?

How did the Fort Washakie Charter High School (FWCHS) get started?
�The Fort Washakie Charter High School was formed in 2002 to bring a high school to one of two K-8 districts in the state. Unlike most charter schools which are formed by parents and community members not happy with the current educational infrastructure, the Fort Washakie Charter High School was initiated and funded by the local school board.
�While investigating a structure that would truly benefit all students, the board adopted, through its technology plan, a system of providing online instruction. After much research and many visits to some of the nation�s premiere online high schools, the Wyoming E Academy of Virtual Education was born.

Are you a real school?
� Yes. FWCHS offers face-to-face education and online instruction. Every course that is offered is taught by a highly qualified Wyoming teacher. WeAVE/FWCHS is endorsed by the Wyoming Department of Education as being a school of choice and is accredited by North Central Accreditation and by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation.

How do I enroll my high school student?
�If your student resides in another school district you must work through your local high school.
�If your student is able to physically attend the Fort Washakie campus on a regular basis, please call the school for an application packet. Once the packet is returned an interview will be scheduled with the principal, the student and the student's guardian.

Is there tuition?
�No, tuition is not charged at this time. A $500 drop fee will be charged to the resident district if the student does not complete a course within a calendar year.
�If the student is a full time student at the Fort Washakie campus, neither a tuition nor drop fee will apply.

We live in another school district. Can our student take course from you?
�Yes, our school is open to EVERY student in the state. The resident district (the school district in which the student lives) must have a signed MOU with FWCHS in order take classes. Please contact your local high school counselor for additional information.

What types of learners do you serve?
We Serve:

Accelerated learners
Remedial learners
Students in need of credit recovery
Alternative school students
Students with schedule conflicts.
Any student who needs a school of choice

Is there a teacher for every class?
�Every class has a highly qualified Wyoming certified teacher instructing the class.

What are your classes like?
� We offer a wide range of traditional and non-traditional classes that lead to a high school diploma. Each class is delivered through a learning platform through E-College�. Classes are engaging, highly visual and graphical, and have a real teacher on the other end monitoring the course. Students are able to hold discussions with fellow students and staff through live chat or threaded discussion.
�We encourage you to look at our demo course at: http://fwsweave.com/index.learn?action=demo

What courses do you offer?
�Our course listing is on our web page.
http://fwsweave.com/index.learn?action=courseinfo

What about homework, assignments, and tests?
�Just like a regular face-to-face school, your student will have homework and assignments to turn in. But rather than turn it in directly to a teacher, the WeAVE system has drop boxes where the student and teacher exchange assignments.

How much time should my student spend on classes?
�Time per class varies between students. Some students are very motivated to complete a course, while others are not. However, a student can anticipate spending 30-40 hours per class. This includes time online and time offline completing assignments.
�At WeAVE, the average time a full-time student spends logged into courses is between 3 to 4 hours a day. However, keep in mind that many courses require students to work on assignments independently from the computer.

Does my student have to attend classes at the FWCHS campus or can she work from home?
�We recommend that students work from the Fort Washakie campus or their resident high school. The majority of success comes from students who work on campus and not completely from home.

Does my student still have to take the state PAWS test?
�Yes, our school is governed by the state of Wyoming just like all other schools, our students take the PAWS test and are held to the same performance standards.

How do you monitor online students?
�Our learning system is unique in that we have the capability to track a student�s progress down to the minute. This creates a more equitable environment because it allows us to intervene with students when they are struggling.

How many courses can a student take at one time?
�Part-time students usually take 1-3 courses per semester. Full-time students take 4 or more courses per semester.
�Once a student has been taking courses, the counselor/principal can assess the student�s progress and assign additional courses depending upon the student�s learning style and needs.