Courtesy photo

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. — On June 10, Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) honored its 2023 class of graduating students at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. Of the nearly 260 graduating students, five are from Cottage Grove. Oregon Charter Academy is the state’s first online school, established 18 years ago as Oregon Connections Academy. The tuition-free virtual public charter school became independent in 2020 to better serve K-12 students throughout Oregon with advanced technology and customizable approaches to a standards-based curriculum.

“Oregon Charter Academy has given me the confidence and knowledge to pursue my career in veterinary medicine after graduation,” began Ingrid Peterson, ORCA senior. “The teachers, the events, and my friends have shaped me into the person I am today. Thank you, ORCA!!”

Some of the area students who received diplomas included*: Payton Miller (Payton is a legacy student, having attended ORCA K through 12), Justin Vegas, and Keira Waggoner (Keira participated in the school’s ASCEND career and technical education program).

“As we say goodbye to our graduates, our hearts fill with joy and pride. We are confident that the solid foundation they built at Oregon Charter Academy has prepared them for the next phase of their lives," said Allison Galvin, executive director, ORCA. "To the diligent and dedicated Oregon Charter Academy students, I extend my warmest congratulations. On behalf of the entire staff, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!”

Graduating students experienced an individualized, dynamic and responsive curriculum that has prepared them for college and careers. Options like the career and technical education program (ASCEND), the college readiness program (AVID), and other social opportunities have given students a head start.

Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) is the state’s first virtual school, established 18 years ago as Oregon Connections Academy. The tuition-free public charter school became independent in 2020 to better serve K-12 students throughout Oregon with advanced technology and customizable approaches to a standards-based curriculum.

ORCA has approximately 40 student clubs, over 200 yearly field trips, career and technical education programs, college credit options, a teen parent program, AVID implementation and monthly NASA sessions. ORCA was voted as Best Public School Overall, Best Charter School and Best Overall Leadership (Statesman Journal) and was the only school in Ore., Wash., and Calif. recognized as a 2021 Cognia School of Distinction.