ENID, OK - Enid Public Schools is launching an online learning program next fall that will expand opportunities for Enid-area middle school and high school students.
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ePREP Online Learning will allow students to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular and enrichment activities, an option not previously available to those attending traditional online programs. According to school officials, this cutting-edge, blended-learning approach means students will have the opportunity to create their own unique school experience – taking classes online, at school or both.
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The program is designed for students who are already participating in an online program or who would thrive in an online learning environment.
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“We believe in the power of learning in a classroom with a teacher and peers; however, we also believe in choices for families. Online learning has proven beneficial for many Northwest Oklahoma students, but we have heard that part of their school experience is missing – such as sports, music and school activities,” said Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Doug Stafford. “This new program will meet their needs in a better, more comprehensive way. With ePREP, they can have it all.”
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EPS has partnered with Edgenuity, an online instructional program, to ensure that students receive educational services and online instruction that meets the district’s high academic standards. The district will have a committee that reviews student applications to ensure all placements in online learning are educationally appropriate and will promote academic success.
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All coursework will be monitored by EPS-employed, Oklahoma-certified teachers who are available locally to help students whenever needed. According to Stafford, this close-to-home, personalized approach will set ePREP apart from other online programs.
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“If students need help, they can just come to the school to receive assistance from the teacher – in person, not by email or by phone,” Stafford said. “They will have access to all of our services, including counseling and guidance assistance. We want to build strong, positive relationships with our students who learn online, just like we do in our brick-and-mortar schools.”
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Perhaps the biggest change from current online options will be the opportunity for students to take advantage of extracurricular and enrichment offerings – from sports, choir, band, visual arts, performing arts, ROTC, student clubs and more. Stafford said it is important to note that the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association requires that students attend class on campus for one hour each day to participate in programs sanctioned by the association.
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“This is a game-changer for online students,” Stafford said. “You don’t have to choose anymore between taking classes at home and being part of school programs. As long as all OSSAA rules are followed, we can provide students with the robust school experience they deserve, while still meeting their individualized learning needs.”
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ePREP enrollment also opens the door for concurrent college classes at the Enid High School University Center, for students who meet Northern Oklahoma College requirements. As EPS students, seniors participating will be eligible for state-sponsored tuition waivers paid for by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and free district-sponsored textbooks.
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Students who are currently enrolled in other online programs can enroll in ePREP by visiting the district’s Welcome Center at 500 S. Independence weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Current EPS students who are considering online learning as an option should talk with their school counselor or principal.
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EPS Announces New Online Program
