FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
When is enrollment open?
Enrollment is open year-round (open enrollment). July 1 begins the official school year; once your student is enrolled, you can create an (ILP) Individual Learning Plan and begin accessing the student allotment for the coming school year.
What happens to my allotment at the end of the year?
Unused allotment funds are rolled over to the next year and combined with your new allotment.
Can I enroll a student for one semester?
Upstream Learning serves both types of students. The best case is for students to start at the beginning of the school year, however, some students have circumstances that require half year enrollment. Our team would be happy to help meet the needs of your students whether they attend for a full year or half year.
What are the enrollment boundaries?
Upstream Learning accepts students from throughout Alaska.
Can my child enroll part time?
Yes. Your child may enroll with us part-time and with a local public school, private school, or home school for the remainder of their day.
Can alottment funds be used to purchase faith-based curriculum?
Parents may choose to use faith-based curriculum, but may not use allotment funds to purchase it. We encourage parents to research the array of curriculum that is available as they make their choices. Our Resource Room includes many examples of curriculum parents may look over or check out.
What is a support teacher?
The support teacher is your main contact with Upstream Learning. They will help solve problems, order and/or assist you in choosing curriculum, and will help advocate for your student.
Can UL students participate in sports?
Yes, they may, just as any other CRSD student. They will need to follow eligibility guidelines, maintaining passing grades and keeping up with timelines. Students who reside in other areas of the state may coordinate with their local school to participate in athletic teams.
Are UL students provided with computers and other tech devices?
We allow parents to decide how much or how little to incorporate computer usage into their students’ educational program. Families may be reimbursed for computers, tablets, and other technology devices using allotment. See the Handbook for guidelines.
Do you enroll pre-school children?
Yes, preschool students may enroll and have access to a portion of the family allotment.
What does it cost to enroll at Upstream Learning?
Upstream Learning is a public school program, as part of the Copper River School District. Therefore, there is no cost to the student or the family.
I’ve heard mention of an allotment. What is that?
The State of Alaska provides each student with a fund account from which to purchase curriculum materials, classroom supplies and lessons. We administer the allotment fund, and the parent draws on this fund to pay for educational costs for their students
How much is the allotment per year?
Grades K-4 receive $1800
Grades 5-8 receive $2100
Grades 9-12 receive $2600
What type of curriculum is allowed?
We allow parents to choose curriculum materials that are best suited to their student’s individual learning style, abilities and interests. Curriculum must be aligned to state standards and must be reviewed by our support teacher before purchase.
Will you help me choose curriculum?
Yes, that’s one of our support teacher’s main duties. We will offer as much or as little assistance as you need in choosing curriculum. In fact, as part of our enrollment procedure, the parent and the support teacher will work together to build your child’s Individual Learning Plan . We are glad to share catalogs, used curriculum resources, ideas, and web links as needed.
How can parents be involved?
We encourage parent involvement. We have a Parent Pot Luck, quarterly Advisory School Board/Parent meetings, quarterly parent/student/teacher meetings, special events, and we invite parents to stop in and visit staff and our library and resource room when they are in the area.
Do UL students take assessments?
Upstream Learning offers statewide assessments, including the Alaska Developmental Profile for Kindergarten students, Early Literacy Screening (mCLASS) for Gr. K-5, and AK-STAR for Gr. 3-10. Students may also take the MAP assessment in the fall and spring.