How It Works
Middle School
Who can attend?
The Friendship Public Charter School Online (Friendship PCS Online) elementary program serves students in grades 6–8 who reside in Washington, D.C.
What are the costs?
Because Friendship PCS Online is part of the public school system, it’s tuition-free. Enrolled families receive the K12 curriculum and new families receive a school issued loaner computer, printer, and hot spot if needed.
What’s my role as a parent?
Middle school is a time when students become more independent, taking on more responsibility and ownership for their learning and working more directly with their teachers. But parent involvement is still critical to student success. As a parent, you (or another responsible adult you choose) serve as your child’s Learning Coach.
While teachers set the pace of instruction, the Learning Coach helps their student stay on track. Parent/Learning Coach involvement is essential and averages anywhere from 5 to 15 hours a week. The initial 4–8 weeks can be intensive as your family settles into a routine.
Expectations for Completing Schoolwork
In middle school, student learning changes to a semester-based approach where students are required to earn a passing grade of 60 percent or above on their assignments and online lessons. Due dates are assigned to lessons to encourage consistent, steady progress for academic success.
While online lessons can usually be completed at any time of day, students are required to attend live, online Class Connect sessions with their teachers based on their individual needs. During Class Connects, students receive online instruction from teachers and have opportunities to interact virtually with classmates.
Attending Class Connects and completing coursework according to the assigned pacing schedule, will help set up your student for success.
Working with Your Teacher
To help students prepare for the transition from elementary school to high school, and because of specialization in instruction, middle school students take their core classes and electives with subject-specific teachers.
In addition to Class Connects, teachers may offer support or small group sessions to assist students. Middle school teachers work with families to ensure students are progressing academically as expected. Parents/Learning Coaches are encouraged to contact their child’s homeroom teacher any time they have questions or concerns.
Attendance
Attendance is expected according to the district school calendar. But academic progress can also be achieved during the weekends or other days when school is not scheduled to be in session. Middle school students are expected to spend about 4–7 hours on schoolwork per school day.
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.
District Testing
Friendship PCS Online students must comply with all district-mandated testing requirements.