Lake Pend Oreille School District Launches Innovative Online Academy at Clark Fork High School
CLARK FORK, Idaho — In response to the evolving educational landscape, the Lake Pend Oreille School District (LPOSD) has unveiled a new online schooling option through Clark Fork High School. Dubbed the Online Academy, this program caters to nontraditional students who seek flexibility in their education while maintaining personal accountability. Officially launched this academic year with an initial cohort of five students, enrollment has surged to approximately 41 juniors and seniors, reflecting a growing demand for such alternatives.
Casey McLaughlin, LPOSD’s director of secondary education, emphasized the initiative’s purpose: “We created the online school to provide options for local families. If we can help a student graduate who is considering dropping out, we’re extremely pleased with the outcome.” This statement underscores the district’s commitment to supporting students who may face barriers in traditional educational settings.
The Online Academy diverges significantly from conventional schooling models. While it includes weekly assignments and compulsory assessments, the curriculum is predominantly self-paced. Students engage in learning primarily through digital platforms, with minimal in-person interaction on campus. Phil Kemink, the principal of Clark Fork, describes the model as student-driven and mastery-based, ensuring that it adheres to state graduation requirements while accommodating the diverse needs of the students enrolled.
Kemink further explained, “Students go at their own pace. They are able to test out of units in a pre-test, which allows them to skip content they already understand.” This personalized approach not only fosters academic independence but also allows students to tailor their learning experiences to align with their individual life circumstances, whether that includes work obligations, family responsibilities, or personal interests.
Amanda Heilman, the school counselor, noted the varied backgrounds of students in the program: “Every single one of our kids in this program is completely different. Every family brings a distinct scenario.” This diversity is particularly evident in cases like that of 16-year-old Buddy Adams, who, while enrolled in the Online Academy, has been able to pursue opportunities in Hawaii related to concrete work and fishing, thus fast-tracking his educational and career ambitions.
Students are drawn to the Online Academy for an array of reasons, including academic challenges, anxiety, mental health issues, the pursuit of early graduation, family travel plans, and ambitions in sports or vocational training. Each student typically enrolls in four courses per quarter, with their progress monitored on a daily basis by both Clark Fork staff and parents, ensuring consistent communication and support.
“We’ve gone through some growing pains, but this has been an outstanding opportunity for many of our families,” Kemink concluded, highlighting the program’s potential to make a positive impact on student outcomes. As educational needs continue to evolve, LPOSD’s Online Academy exemplifies a proactive approach in adapting to the diverse demands of its student population.