How It Works
How Online High School Works
Expectations for completing schoolwork
Career Academy of Utah (CAU) enrollment will be open to students in grade 9 for the 2023–2024 academic school year. Grades 10–12 will be added in subsequent years.* CAU takes a semester-based approach where students are required to earn a passing grade of 70% or above on their assignments and online lessons.* Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.
At CAU, student learning and academic growth are paramount. While we offer a level of flexibility, we recognize the importance of classroom pacing and the need for students to complete their work based on set due dates.
Teachers provide group instruction through online synchronous sessions called Class Connects. Students are expected to attend Class Connects, which vary by subject and are scheduled by their teachers. Attending these sessions, along with completing coursework, will help students succeed.
Who can attend?
The CAU high school program serves students in grades 9–12 who reside in Utah. CAU is currently enrolling students in grade 9 for the 2023–2024 academic school year. Grades 10–12 will be added in subsequent years.*
What’s my role as a parent?
In high school, students work more independently and take responsibility for their learning.* A parent (or another responsible adult) serves as the Learning Coach to the teen. Teachers set the pace of instruction, but the Learning Coach provides oversight and help when needed.
Parent/Learning Coach involvement may vary per child and grade level. The initial 4 to 8 weeks can be intensive as families settle into a routine. High school students work more directly with teachers, but parent/Learning Coach involvement for approximately 10 hours a week is still essential.
Working with Your Teacher
While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students are required to attend live Class Connect sessions with their teacher(s) based on the student’s individual needs. During Class Connect sessions, students receive direct instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact and collaborate with classmates. In addition to regular, synchronous classroom instruction, teachers may offer support or small group sessions to assist student learning. Parents/Learning Coaches are encouraged to contact their child’s homeroom teacher whenever they have questions or concerns.
Expectations for Completing Schoolwork
At Career Academy Utah (CAU), student learning and career-focused academic growth are paramount. While we offer a level of flexibility, we recognize the importance of classroom pacing and the need for students to complete their work based on set due dates.
Teachers provide group instruction through online synchronous sessions called Class Connects. Students are expected to attend Class Connects, which vary by subject and are scheduled by their teachers. Attending these sessions, along with completing coursework, will help students be successful.
Career Readiness: Learning With Work
Students in grades 9–12 build the necessary skills to graduate with a personalized path to success through the following career and college preparation activities.
9th Grade
- Verify personal graduation plan with parents and counselors based on career interests
- Determine career pathway
- Participate in career mentorship and networking
10th Grade
- Participate in degree audit with school counselor
- Explore FAFSA and financial aid processes
- Take practice ACT
- Participate in career pathway courses, mentorship, and networking
11th Grade
- Participate in degree audit with school counselor
- Participate in work-based learning opportunities
- Initiate postsecondary applications
- Take ACT
- Participate in career pathway courses, mentorship, and networking
12th Grade
- Participate in degree audit with school counselor
- Participate in work-based learning opportunities
- Complete FAFSA
- Participate in career pathway courses, mentorship, and networking
Attendance
Attendance is expected on scheduled school days according to the school calendar. But academic progress can also be achieved during the weekends or other days when school is not scheduled to be in session. High school students are expected to spend six hours per course per week. A student who takes five courses and spends 6 hours per week on each one is devoting approximately 30 hours per week to his or her course work.
Email is the primary form of communication between the school and families. Learning Coaches and students are required to check and respond to emails daily.
Assessments
Our testing is purposeful and meaningful and drives our instructional practices to best serve the individual needs of your child.
State Testing
CAU students must comply with all Utah-mandated testing requirements.
*Career Academy of Utah is enrolling students in grades K–9 for the 2023–2024 school year. Grades 10–12 will be added in subsequent years. Enrollment is limited. If the number of applications received during the open enrollment period exceeds the number of available spaces, Career Academy Utah will hold a lottery immediately following the open enrollment period. Students whose applications are not selected by the lottery may opt to be placed on an enrollment waitlist.