FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does the program cost?
Mercury Online Academy is a FREE public charter school available to students residing in the state of Arizona and Southern California. For those not residing in those states, there is a fee per class that is comparable to a local private school tuition.
What is a Mercury Center?
A Mercury Center is a location where a small number of students can access the Mercury program throughout the day during regular school days. These centers are staffed with an instructional facilitator and students will access their program along with other students who are learning from home. Although there is no cost for participating at a Mercury center there may be fees for related before or after-school services or programs.
What is the difference between traditional home-school and the Mercury Program?
In traditional homeschool, parents pay for all learning materials and educational expenses, carry the responsibility of teaching all subjects and have the independence to conduct school when and where they like. Mercury Online Academy provides the independence of traditional homeschool, and also provides curriculum, professional teachers and much more—all for FREE for Arizona and California residents. In Mercury Online Academy parents are actively involved in their child’s education. Parents can incorporate their own faith based curriculum into the program. Read more about the Mercury Homeschool Advantage.
When will students interact with their Mercury Online Academy teacher?
Every day on-line. They communicate through instant messaging, web-conferencing, threaded discussions, email, and phone. They may also meet face to face in a classroom at the Mercury Center.
How is Mercury Online Academy different from other charter schools?
Mercury Online Academy offers a hybrid approach to education by combining the benefits of a face-to-face learning with the flexibility of the online environment. A combination of individual and “virtual classroom” learning is used for the online component. These components make Mercury Online Academy an innovative and unique approach to educating today’s students. We also provide a FREE laptop to every enrolled student. Other online schools do not provide computers or require that students from one family share a computer.
Do I need a computer to enroll in Mercury Online Academy?
A computer and an internet connection are necessary for successful participation in Mercury Online Academy courses. However, we will provide a computer to all students participating in the program. This includes a headset/microphone for webinar sessions.
Can students begin class any time of the year?
Although students may apply for enrollment any time of the year, Mercury Online Academy follows a traditional school calendar and will begin classes this year August 15, 2011.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
The amount of time a student spends on the computer varies due to a number of factors. Younger students spend more synchronous (live class time) on the computers with their teachers. In addition some assignments may call for more computer based work while others may require activities offline.
What materials does the program provide?
Mercury Online Academy provides all curriculum and learning materials for your child’s education. We have partnered with online education providers who are the best in the industry. Daily lessons are drawn from these providers and are tailored to the specific need of each student. All course materials are delivered online or provided at the Mercury Center.
Can my child work at his/her own pace?
Mercury Online Academy is structured to allow flexibility for students. There are grade-appropriate daily and weekly expectations of progress based on your student’s Personalized Student Achievement Plan (PSAP).
Do your students have opportunity for field trips, networking and other social interaction?
During the week our students interact with each other through the online interface, instant messaging, and web-conferencing. Students may also meet and interact at the local Mercury Center to work on project, and rehearse for Paragon Night presentations. Field-trips and outings are scheduled throughout the year.
What if I don’t have a computer and I cannot afford internet?
Mercury Online Education supplies each student with a free laptop computer. If you cannot afford internet service we can provide paperwork for you to fill out to possibly qualify for a stipend to help offset the cost of internet service. You can talk to a school representative for further information about the stipend.
Who teaches my child?
Mercury Online Education hires and trains instructors who are highly qualified by both state and national standards. Mercury teachers provide face to face classroom instruction on the computer. All grading and classroom records are done by the teacher.
Does my child sit in front of the computer all day?
No. Students will learn through a variety of instructional formats. Online learning will occur as part of whole group, small group and one-on-one class time with a teacher. Students will also complete individual, independently paced online work.
How do I check on my child’s grades?
You will have unlimited access to all information about your student’s assignments, progress and assessments. This access is totally secure and password protected.
What if my student needs extra help?
Students can receive free tutoring and support from their teacher online. If your student needs extra help he simply calls his teacher to arrange a tutoring time online.
Is this a homeschooling program?
Yes, in a way it is homeschooling. If you are a homeschooler you can participate in the Mercury program but add your own faith based or other curriculum to the program. Your student’s receives the benefits of homeschooling, but you do not have to provide the instruction alone. Read more about the Mercury Homeschool Advantage.
Do I have to do the program at the same time every day?
No. Our program is flexible. Your student will need to attend his/her online session with their teacher every day. The teacher will let students know what time their online sessions are. The rest of the program can be done when it is convenient for you and your student. We take into account your family’s unique situation.
What is a personalized student achievement plan?
A personalized student achievement plan is created for each student through pre-enrollment testing, so that each student is consistently challenged to achieve their potential.
What is Paragon?
Paragon is an award-winning humanities and social studies curriculum. It is highly interactive and allows students to learn about the history of great ideas and heroes in U.S. and world culture through hands on approach with integrated arts and technology. This world history curriculum is a student-centered, personalized approach to learning that combines constructivism with rich content while being fully aligned with State Standards.
I want to study online but is there a location that I can visit to get hands on help and instruction?
Yes, there are several locations in Arizona and California for you to visit. Feel free to call and set up an appointment with a Mercury Online Education advisor by calling Arizona – 800-566-2859 Southern California – 800-246-6042.
