Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tech Trep Academy a Public Charter / District School or a Private School?

Tech Trep Academy acts as a bridge between school districts and families who want to educate at home.

In Oklahoma, our partner is Norman Public Schools. Students throughout all of Oklahoma are invited to apply and receive FREE resources and support as they learn from home.

How much does the Tech Trep program cost?

An education through Tech Trep Academy is personalized and FREE. In addition, parents also receive access to a supplemental learning fund which can be used to select customized learning resources for their children.

What does the school calendar and daily schedule look like?

Students follow a traditional school year calendar. Students are not required to login every day or keep track of seat time.  We understand that students are learning at home all day, every day.  Parents decide what they want their daily schedule to look like.  

Does my child's schooling need to be done on a computer if we are part of this program?

We believe parents should have the flexibility to choose the best format for their student’s learning. Some families prefer technology-based schooling while others want to do learning using textbooks. Others prefer hands-on activities and real-world learning and many choose a mix of all three. It is our goal to support parents as they choose the ways their student learns best. 

Families in Tech Trep Academy are required to have access to a computer/tablet and internet to be able to fulfill the state testing requirements that are part of the program. Families will also need to upload submissions digitally and may need to join live virtual meetings for classes, clubs, or other school meetings.

What curriculum and learning resources are provided?

Free Online Curriculum

Tech Trep Academy will provide comprehensive online curriculum resources to all students at no cost to families. These include:

  • Learn 360 
  • Brainpop and Brainpop Jr.
  • Epic (during school hours)
  • Generation Genius
  • Khan Academy
  • Salsa Spanish
  • Tangy Tuesday
  • Teach Your Monster to Read

    Opt-in Programs for 2023-24 (Optional Homeroom Resources)

    Students will have the following additional direct curriculum options available as opt-in programs. The funds for each program will be deducted from the student’s learning funds. Parents can opt into any of these programs. Additional information about each resource can be found in Infocenter. 

     

    Multi-Subject Resources:

    • Education.com Premium
    • Exact Path
    • IXL 
    • Moby Max
    • Study Island
    • Tech Trep Academy teacher-led online classes

    Language Arts:

    • Adventure Academy
    • Accelerated Reader
    • Exact Path
    • Hairy Reading 
    • Headsprout/RAZ Kids
    • Lexia Core5
    • Lexia Power Up
    • MIWrite (grades 3-12)
    • Moby Max 
    • Nessy Reading and Spelling
    • Reading Eggs/Eggspress
    • Quill
    • Vooks
    • Waterford

    Math:

    • ALEKS
    • Beast Academy Online
    • CTC Math
    • Dreambox Math
    • Frax Math
    • Mathletics
    • Mathseeds
    • My Math Academy
    • Prodigy Math
    • Reflex Math
    • Sumdog

    Social Studies and Science:

    • IXL
    • Kids Discover Online
    • Moby Max
    • Mystery Science

    Electives:

    • Adobe Creative Cloud
    • Centervention
    • Code Monkey
    • IXL Spanish
    • Microsoft 365
    • Sign it: ASL!
    • Tech Trep Direct Elective Courses (computer programming, photography, google ninja, engineering, etc.)
    • The ULAT
    • Touch-type, Read, Spell
    • Tynker
    • Typing Club

    What happens if my preferred learning resources are not part of the provided free curriculum?

    We believe parents should have the flexibility to choose the learning resources that fit their student best.  Many additional resources are available through direct order or through reimbursement. As Tech Trep Academy is in partnership with the public education system, only secular materials are approved for reimbursement or direct orders.

    Can I select religious-based curriculum as part of my approved program?

    Parents are free to supplement their child’s education with religious materials using their own private funds. As this program is in partnership with the public education system, only secular materials are approved for reimbursement or direct orders.

    What if I need help choosing a curriculum that is best for my child?

    We would love to help!  We have several curriculum specialists who meet with parents to help them navigate through the curriculum options.  They are seasoned educating-at-home moms and certified teachers. 

    What is the supplemental learning fund?

    Each student will receive $1700 in supplemental learning funds each year. They receive access to half that amount for first semester and the remaining half for second semester.

    These funds can be used to supplement the free resources that are already provided.  Educational items such as curriculum,  online subscriptions, computers/tablets, internet fees, extracurricular classes, tutoring, museum passes, tech items and so many more things can be purchased with the supplemental learning funds.  A parent gets access to these funds through direct orders and/or reimbursements. 

    Do we get to keep the learning resources we receive through the supplemental learning fund?

    Yes, as long as you meet all program requirements for the year and do not withdraw, the learning resources are yours to keep. Program requirements include state testing and bi-weekly reporting.  If a family chooses to withdraw from the program before the end of the school year, or does not meet program requirements, all materials, curriculum, and technology must be returned (and all reimbursements repaid).

    How do I access the supplemental learning fund?

    Each child is wonderfully unique and with the supplemental learning funds parents can choose the resources that will benefit their child the most. Students  have access to $1700 in funds for the school year. Half of that amount can be used per semester ($850/semester).

    Supplemental Learning funds can be accessed in multiple ways:

    Direct Tech Trep Courses – Tech electives, virtual clubs, and some online courses have fees associated with them. When parents sign-up their students for these resources the fees will be deducted from the students’ supplemental learning fund.

    Optional Homeroom Resources – Parents will find a list of optional homeroom resources at greatly discounted group-buy prices in InfoCenter once enrolled. Through InfoCenter these resources can be requested at greatly discounted rates. The purchase price will be deducted from the student’s supplemental learning fund.

    Reimbursements – Beginning in May, of the upcoming school year, parents can begin purchasing learning resources and classes. Receipts can be submitted for reimbursement at the appropriate time. Reimbursements for 1st-semester begins in September and reimbursements for 2nd-semester in February. All reimbursements must be requested by April 30th of the current school year.

    Direct Order – Tech Trep Academy can purchase your approved supplemental learning resources from Amazon, Rainbow Resource, Lakeshore Learning, or Costco and have the items shipped to you directly, bypassing the reimbursement process. This service is FREE. 

    Close to the beginning of the school year, direct orders will become available. Parents can create a wishlist to submit or set up an appointment with the direct ordering team to have the school purchase learning resources. 

    Parents can find additional information about the supplemental learning fund, how to access direct ordering, and a list of items that are NOT approved for reimbursement in the InfoCenter Parent Link after they are registered with Tech Trep Academy.

    What subjects or classes are required?

    Students in grades PreK-8 will have the four core classes:  Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies as well as two electives.  The electives can be PE, fine arts, foreign language, technology, or anything the student is interested in. 

    How often do students/parents turn in student work?

    Students in grades PreK-8 grade will turn in submissions every two weeks for the four core classes – once a month learning logs(reporting) and once a month portfolio submissions(work samples). Work samples are turned in with portfolio submissions. There are also work samples/reporting on electives twice a year. Work samples consist of a learning sample which can be in the form of a worksheet, test, paper, picture of a project, or video of your student explaining what they have learned. Our goal is to keep reporting very simple and easy!

    Are students required to participate in State testing?

    Yes.  All students are considered full-time public school students enrolled within Norman Public Schools and are required to participate in State tests.

    Do you offer field trips?

    Yes!  We offer FREE field trips in many regions throughout the state EVERY month!  These activities are free for our students and at least one parent.  Most of the time, additional siblings or parents can attend at a discounted rate.  These field trips are such a fun benefit of our program! Field trips included outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and fun entertainment for the family. Students can attend any field trip in the state! 

    Tech Trep Academy also offers virtual field trips. This year a few of the events our families have enjoyed include attending online book clubs and tea parties, viewing exotic reptiles, learning about severe weather and the constitution, meeting authors, touring a TV station, and enjoying a virtual tour of Mount Rushmore!

    What courses or clubs are offered as electives?

    Students in grades PreK-8 are required to have 2 electives each year. There are SO MANY fun ways to fill these elective requirements. Families are welcome to create their own custom elective plan – gathering their own resources using the supplemental learning fund.

    Tech Trep Academy offers virtual teacher-led clubs that students can participate in. There are also many virtual tech elective classes offered through Tech Trep Academy. Fees for virtual clubs and Tech electives can come from the student’s supplemental learning fund.

    Tech Trep Academy virtual clubs provide opportunities for youth to participate in activities, interact with peers in a positive and supervised setting, as well as pursue interests and develop skills. Many students fulfill elective requirements while participating in these virtual clubs.

    View the latest information on virtual clubs.

    View the many fun Tech Electives offered through Tech Trep Academy. 

    Do you offer teacher-led courses or classes?

    Yes, absolutely! Many parents prefer that some subjects be taught to their student by a certified teacher.

    Virtual teacher-led classes are part of the optional resources parents have access to for their students. There are classes offered in math, language arts, science and social studies for many grades. Writer’s Workshops are offered starting in 3rd grade. There is a fee for these courses which can come from the student’s supplemental learning fund.

    Many families also enjoy the virtual clubs which are teacher-led and cover a wide variety of interests.

    View the latest information on virtual clubs. 

    Do you offer on-site or drop-off programs?

    No, unfortunately we don’t!

    Tech Trep Academy DOES offer fantastic virtual courses, taught be certified teachers, so students can learn in a classroom setting with peers.

    If you are looking for in-person opportunities we encourage you to explore local options within your community. There are many community classes, co-ops, and clubs that offer social and learning opportunities for students.

    Many Tech Trep Academy families enjoy connecting with families in their local area to form their own groups to meet the needs of their students. This often leads to park days, learning co-ops, classes, and more.

    Parents are welcome to post their ideas and find families who would like to participate in their plans on the Tech Trep Academy Facebook page. 

    Does every student need to take a Tech or Entrepreneurship course?

    No. Our goal is to help students gain valuable skills to be successful in college, career, and life, while encouraging them to pursue their interests. When selecting electives students may choose one of the courses we offer or they may pursue some other skill they are interested in!  The sky’s the limit!

    Families are welcome to create their own custom elective course designed specifically for their student.

    View the latest information on virtual clubs, which many students use as electives.

    See the many fun Tech Electives offered through Tech Trep Academy.

    Is the recommended age for the Tech Elective courses flexible?
    Yes – absolutely.  We believe the parent knows their child best and can decide if he/she would be able to handle a course that may be designed for older students.
    If / when my child is accepted, will I receive additional information?

    Yes!  Once accepted into the program, parents will have access to Parent Link/Zendesk, a secure site with extensive details regarding all aspects of our personalized education program. 

    What is the registration process?
    • Parents submit an application for each child in the Tech Trep Academy InfoCenter.
    • Once accepted, parents submit a complete enrollment packet to Norman Public Schools which includes proof of residence, birth certificate, and immunization information.
    • After completing the Norman Schools enrollment packet, return to InfoCenter to confirm that you have completed the enrollment with Norman Schools and that we can share information with Norman Schools.
    • Both student and parent need an active email account (see video for help with younger children).
    • After the packet is approved, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know your student is fully registered.
    • Once registration is complete, there is nothing else to do until summer when learning resources are ordered. Go ahead and start dreaming up your educational plan!
    • You will be able to access Parent Link and Announcements in InfoCenter for additional information.
    • If you have questions about the process, please reach out to [email protected] for help and support in registration.
    Can I read about other people's experience in the program?

    Absolutely! Go the parent testimonials to read what other families have experienced while registered with Tech Trep Academy.

    I have additional questions. How do I get more answers?

    Contact Us with your questions and/or check out the live Parent Information Meetings. We look forward to speaking with you!

    How did the Tech Trep Academy program begin?

    In 2008, a full-time public school program called My Tech High was created to provide students in Utah with a personalized education experience focused on technology and entrepreneurship.  Interest in the Utah program has continued to grow each year with thousands of students now participating.

    Tech Trep Academy (‘trep’ is short for entrepreneur) started in 2015 to help part-time students outside of Utah to access the amazing technology and entrepreneurship curriculum.

    Beginning in February 2017, a full-time Tech Trep Academy program became available in Idaho for students in grades K–8! Starting in the fall 2020, Tech Trep Academy added programs for grades 9–10 with grade 11 added in fall 2021 and grade 12 in fall 2022.

    As of fall 2024, Tech Trep Academy has also added programs for Arizona, Indiana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming!