Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Online Learning & Technology
- Enrollment
- General FAQ’s
- Courses & Instructor
- Graduation/Diploma
- School Information
Does online learning in a self-directed, teacher-facilitated format work well?
Yes. For many students, a self-directed, teacher-facilitated program is an excellent means by which their personal strengths can be drawn out, or as needed, their weaknesses can be addressed. An online independent study program addresses students with different learning styles. This includes students that are homeschooled by choice, pursuing careers in the athletics or arts, advanced and want to progress more quickly, homebound for physical or other reasons, from families that travel or move frequently, facing personal situations (e.g., teen pregnancy), struggle in the traditional school environment, or have significantly fallen behind in their credits.
Do I need to have a computer to attend Insight School of Wisconsin?
Every full-time Insight School student is provided with a laptop and any additional hardware/software needed throughout their enrollment.
Who is responsible for ink/toner replacement for the printers?
Insight Schools will provide full-time students with a starter set of ink/toner with the initial printer shipment. It is then the responsibility of the family for future ink/toner replacement.
When will my computer arrive? How will I get it?
Your laptop computer will be shipped before orientation and the start of the school year.
How do you protect against cyber predators?
At Insight Schools, the education we deliver and the tools for virtual socialization we provide (discussion boards) are located behind secure, password-protected servers. Insight-issued laptops are outfitted with software to block the more sensitive adult and violence oriented sites, which can be areas where cyber predators seek out children.
How do you prevent students from cheating?
We use a number of online tools designed specifically for identifying plagiarism in type-written assignments. Our online quizzes and exams require proctor passwords and the feedback for online quizzes is designed to include "flags" that signal instructors when a student is copying from another student.
Do I get a new laptop every year/do I get to keep the laptop?
All students will be provided with a laptop (new or used) throughout their enrollment with Insight. Laptops may be recalled for re-imaging and maintenance. If the student withdraws or graduates from Insight the equipment must be returned within 10 days.
How do I know if Insight School of Wisconsin is right for me?
We invite you to attend one of our Information Sessions held in February in a location close to you where you can possibly hear first hand from a teacher and or instructor what Insight School of Wisconsin is like. Please click here to request information to view the dates and locations of these sessions. If you are not able to attend one of our sessions, please contact us. We will be happy to walk you through the program and help you asses if this is the right fit for you.
How do you determine if I am eligible to attend?
Insight School of Wisconsin is a public school and is open to students of the appropriate age (14 to 20) if they are residents of the state. There are a limited number of state proscribed instances where a student transferring into Insight will not be permitted to attend.
Do students have to start in the 9th grade?
Students may start in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade, but must complete 6 credits to get their diploma from the school.
When can I enroll for school at Insight?
You will need to fill out the State Open Enrollment Forms sometime between February 4 and February 22, during the Wisconsin Open Enrollment Period. This does not commit you to Insight School of Wisconsin but allows you to have the option of attending Insight School of Wisconsin in the Fall of 2008-2009. Without these forms complete by February 22 you can not be considered for a spot for Fall, 2008.
I have decided I want to enroll at Insight School of Wisconsin, what do I do now?
An open enrollment form must be filled out and submitted to Insight School of Wisconsin no later than 4:00 p.m. February 22.
I am not from Wisconsin; can I still attend Insight School of Wisconsin?
Availability depends on enrollment numbers with priority given to instate students.
How do family moves affect open enrollment?
If a student moves to a resident school district other than the one indicated on the application form prior to the 3rd Friday in September of the first year of open enrollment, the student’s open enrollment is void. If a student moves to a different resident school district after the third Friday in September of the first year of open enrollment or in subsequent years, the open enrollment may continue.
If a family is planning to move, it is essential to contact the school district’s open enrollment coordinator or the Department of Public Instruction’s open enrollment consultant prior to the move to find out how the move will affect the student’s ability to attend the district she or he wishes to attend. If the family knows where they will be moving to, it is important to use the new district on the open enrollment application form.
How much is tuition for out of state students? Is there a payment plan?
It is very difficult to apply for open enrollment if you do not know where you will be residing in the following school year. You must indicate a resident school district on the application form and that must be the district in which you reside on the third Friday in September immediately following the open enrollment application. You may indicate only one resident school district on a form and the resident district must be the same on all forms submitted for the student. If you do not know where you will be residing, you may guess, but if that is not the district you are residing in on the following third Friday in September, the open enrollment is void.
Will you consider a student over 20 years old?
Unfortunately, no. Wisconsin state law does not fund public school students that are over 20 years old. However, if you are 20 years old as of the first day of school, you may finish out the year.
General FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do Insight credits transfer back into other high schools if needed?
Insight School of Wisconsin, authorized and governed by the Grantsburg School District, is a public online high school. As such, assuming students satisfactorily complete their courses, credits will transfer back into other high schools.
Can I attend part-time?
Students must take a minimum of 4 Insight classes, which is full-time status.
Do parents have to be home while a child is doing schoolwork?
No. Although your son or daughter will benefit from your encouragement and knowing that you care about his or her progress, the Insight iMentor is available for support. One benefit of our program is that your son or daughter can study at his or her own time, place, and pace-you will be able to observe your student "going to school" during your off hours.
When does the school year end?
The calendar for 2008-2009 is still being set, however the current year of 2007-2008 will end on June 6th.
Does Insight offer summer school courses?
Summer courses are not yet available as part of our program. We’re looking into how we may provide those to our students in the future.
Can a student participate in summer school programs offered by other institutions while attending Insight School of Wisconsin?
A student may attend summer school either in his/her resident district or the nonresident district (the summer after OE), without terminating the open enrollment.
Can I participate in sports at my local school?
WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) rules do not currently allow students to participate in sports at their local high schools. We are a good fit for students who participate in sports or other activities outside of school. Insight School of Wisconsin has many offerings and clubs to take part in, we encourage you to contact us to find out more about the clubs we have to offer.
How do you offer socialization in an online high school?
The level of socialization a student wants is a decision of the family and the student. However, Insight School of Wisconsin offers both virtual and face-to-face opportunities to interact with other students and families.
Will school dances, field trips or events be held?
Yes, there will be dances and a graduation ceremony. Periodically, Insight Community Coordinators will hold field trips and events in different geographic locations throughout the state. We schedule a number of face to face events in many different regions throughout the state. Examples of events include but are not limited to prom, graduation, year end picnic, summer events, Milwaukee Brewers games, pizza parties, talent shows, and many other events driven by student interests.
Can my child apply to college after graduating from Insight?
Absolutely, when your son or daughter graduates from Insight School of Wisconsin, he or she will have a valid diploma. With that diploma comes all the records that are required for the college application process: valid transcripts, SAT/ACT scores "attached to" a public high school, instructor recommendations, school extra curricular activities, and a student portfolio.
Is the school accredited?
Insight School of Wisconsin Provisional Accreditation is pending with the NAAS, Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. Insight School of Wisconsin anticipates provisional accreditation approval at the semi-annual NAAS board meeting in December of 2007. NAAS will evaluate Insight School of Wisconsin for full accreditation in Spring 2008.
What roles do instructors play?
Instructors, all of whom are Wisconsin-certified, are able to focus their time on teaching, grading, mentoring, and engaging with students to work through questions or problems. Because of the professionally prepared curriculum and independent study nature of the program, instructors are able to spend more time working with the students rather than on classroom management.
How do I interact with the teacher?
Students use high-tech tools to communicate with instructors. Instructors have office hours when students are able to communicate with them. Instructors can also be contacted by email and phone and students can expect a reply within 24 hours. Instructors hold weekly office hours and conduct review sessions before exams.
What happens if the student is not available during scheduled office hours?
The student can contact their instructor, assistant instructor, or iMentor to schedule time to get their questions answered. Students can always email their instructor with questions and expect a response within 24 hours. In addition, all office hours are recorded, so students can review what was covered at a time that is convenient for them.
What is an iMentor?
Your iMentor is your personal mentor and learning adviser; the iMentor will be checking in with you by email or by phone each week and will review your progress with you each month! iMentors will work with you, as needed, with online learning strategies, helping you match your interests with your education, and beginning to think about the post-high school years. iMentors will be contacting you by email with their contact information shortly after classes begin.
Do I have to take the WKCE/standardized tests?
All 10th graders must participate in the WKCE test in the fall.
How do credits transfer from one school to another?
Credits that are recorded on a transcript from a public high school or other accredited high schools will transfer onto an Insight School of Wisconsin transcript as review by our Admissions Counselors.
How frequently will I get progress reports/how do parents get information?
Parents are provided access to our student information system, and can access the system at any point with username and password. Grades are updated weekly. Insight instructors are always available to consult with parents by email or telephone and our local school will provide progress reports throughout each quarter and semester.
Are there "set-times" when the student must be online?
Our program is flexible in where and when students can complete coursework; however, we strongly urge our students to keep on track with course timelines to prohibit them from "playing catch-up". Students do have the option of communicating with instructors during set office hours to have questions answered.
Are there due dates for particular assignments?
There is a recommended timeline for Insight courses so that students can keep on track finishing courses within the semester, however, the pace at which students complete coursework is generally up to them.
What are your time constraints for finishing classes?
Students must complete their coursework by the end of the semester; however, in certain situations extensions will be granted with permission of the administration.
Do your courses require textbooks?
Some courses require books. Insight provides required books to all students. Optional books can be purchased in Insight’s online bookstore.
How do I take science classes that require labs?
The content component and structure of our biology courses (SCI 200, 210 and 220) are the same as our other courses. We make use of the latest technology to walk students through virtual labs and dissections.
How do I take PE?
We have a set of courses (HPE 111, 112, 211) that emphasize individual physical fitness and nutrition. These courses require the student to form, measure, and report on their individual fitness as they complete individual physical fitness exercises.
Can I recover credits?
If you fail a class at Insight School you will have the opportunity to repeat the class for credit and a replacement grade.
Will I receive a high school diploma?
Yes, you will receive a diploma exactly as you would if you graduate from a public high school that you would physically attend.
How does graduation work? Is there a graduation ceremony?
A graduation ceremony will likely be held in a location that is most accessible to the student population or simulcast through several locations. The graduation ceremony would likely be held in a location that is most accessible to the student population.
Can my child apply to college after graduating from Insight?
Absolutely. When your son or daughter graduates from Insight School of Wisconsin, he or she will have a valid diploma. With that diploma comes all the records that are required for the college application process: valid transcripts, SAT/ACT scores "attached to" a public high school, instructor recommendations, school extra curricular activities, and a student portfolio.
What are the graduation requirements for students? How many credits must they earn and what are the subject breakdowns?
Students must earn a total of 21 credits, as follows:
English 4.0
Math 2.0
Science 2.0
Social Studies 3.0
Physical Education 1.5
Health 0.5
Electives 8.0
Total Credits 21.0
*In addition to earning 21.0 credits in the appropriate areas, students must also successfully complete the following projects:
- Community-Based Service Project
- Student Portfolio
- High School & Beyond Plan
Where does the name "Insight" come from?
To gain insight is to find the true nature of something, to find an answer to a difficult question. Insight School of Wisconsin works with students for whom traditional high school is not necessarily the best setting so that students can be successful in their high school years.
Is Insight School new?
Insight School of Wisconsin is currently in its first year of educating over 225 students statewide for the year of 2007-2008. With this year in route, we will never have a first year of Pioneers. The many students who are “Insight Pioneers” are very beneficial to our future students. This years “Insight Pioneers” have helped us understand how to better serve our students. Insight School of Wisconsin is young to the state of Wisconsin however, Grantsburg Virtual School has been operating since 2004 and has been educating dozens of Wisconsin students for years. Insight Schools has been in operation for close to two years and opened its first school, Insight School of Washington, on September 12, 2006. The Insight team consists of experienced educators and innovators who have run some of the largest online high school programs in the nation. These programs, collectively, have educated approximately 900,000. All together, the team has led the development of hundreds of online courses and worked with students and families in all 50 states and throughout the world.