Soap Lake School District is now offering flexible learning options through our Soap Lake Pathways Learning alternative learning experiences (ALE) program and online learning. Students are still part of the school community and can participate in sports and other extracurricular activities if participation requirements have been met.
How to Enroll
Families who are interested in learning more about the program and how to register can complete the interest form or contact Superintendent Angela Rolfe at arolfe@slschools.org.
Call the District Office (509-246-1822) or click on the links below to ask questions or schedule an enrollment interview meeting.
Grades K-8
The Soap Lake Pathways Learning ALE program is designed to support students who benefit from an alternative educational option through the Soap Lake School District. It is a strong match for families who want to and have the capacity to play an active role in their student’s education by facilitating student learning and working collaboratively with their student’s certificated mentor teacher to meet learning goals and fulfill state requirements.
The ALE provides educational support for students in compliance with Washington State requirements as outlined in WAC 392-121-182/WAC 392-550. Learning options can include traditional textbooks or online learning.
Definition of an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)
According to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, ALE are courses or grade-level coursework where some or all of the instruction for the course takes place independent from the regular classroom or school setting.
The Soap Lake Pathways Learning ALE program is not homeschooling. While certain aspects of the experience may look or feel similar to homeschooling, an ALE is a form of public school education, and thus ALE students are subject to the rules and regulations governing public school. Review our Statement of Understanding, in accordance with WAC 392-121-182(6)(j), for more information about the difference between home-based instruction (homeschooling), private school, and alternative learning experience (ALE). Students are considered either one or the other.
Grades 9-12
Our flexible learning options program for grades 9-12 allows for flexibility throughout the week. All students have their own Written Student Learning Plans (WSLP) and must communicate with teachers weekly. Each student will receive monthly reviews from their teacher to determine satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress. If students are not making satisfactory progress, then an intervention plan will be implemented.
The ALE provides educational support for students in compliance with Washington State requirements as outlined in WAC 392-121-182/WAC 392-550. Learning options can include traditional textbooks or online learning.
- The district provides options for students whose families have the capacity to play an active role in their student’s education by facilitating student learning and working collaboratively with their student’s certificated mentor teacher to meet learning goals and fulfill state requirements.
- Students in grades 9-12 also have the opportunity to participate in a program that includes more independent and self-directed learning options.
- Families may also request to participate in a Part-Time Traditional School Enrollment with a Part-Time Flexible Option if the enrollment team determines this is an appropriate option after an enrollment intake meeting.
More Details About Online Learning
Soap Lake online learning serves students in grades 6-12. We provide students with an opportunity to take high school level and middle school courses online. The flexibility of our Online Learning program empowers students to take control of their learning in an asynchronous (self-directed) environment.
Washington State Law requires students to make specific academic progress in their courses to remain eligible for online learning. Student progress will be measured against progress benchmarks which are clearly defined for each course in which a student is enrolled. Students who do not make satisfactory progress or contact with the teacher after 20 days may be unenrolled from the alternative learning program and rescheduled into in-person classes.
Washington State Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) rules govern how students must perform in online classes.
- Students should log in daily and make acceptable progress toward course completion.
- Students in grades 6-12 should expect to spend approximately 30 hours per week of online work. A student must make progress as determined by the written student learning plan.
- Students need to make contact with their online learning manager each week.
- Students may be required to schedule time with the online learning manager to come into school to take unit and/or final assessments for each course. Transportation to school is the family's responsibility.
- Students must participate in all state exams, including Smarter Balanced Assessment and the Washington Science Assessment.
- Students who complete all Soap Lake School District graduation credit requirements, including a High School and Beyond plan, and any additional state requirements, will earn a Soap Lake School District diploma as well as have the opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony at their school, if desired.
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