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District outlines Inland Online Academy rebrand and course-based independent-study model
Summary
District staff presented plans to rebrand Scholar Plus as the Inland Online Academy, introduce course-based independent-study with weekly synchronous check-ins, allow co-enrollment with comprehensive sites, and launch marketing and enrollment steps ahead of next school year.
District staff presented the Inland Online Academy (IOA) rebrand and operational plan to the board, describing a course-based independent-study model intended to broaden online course options and support enrollment recovery.
The IOA presenter said the rebrand distinguishes the program from credit-recovery or continuation models and emphasized flexibility: students can be 100% online or pursue hybrid schedules with co-enrollment at comprehensive sites. “Flexible options — if we don't have flexible options, they will go to a district that does,” the presenter said, summarizing the program’s rationale.
Staff explained course-based independent study as a model where students have weekly synchronous check-ins with course teachers and a structured application and re-engagement policy to support students who fall behind. The board was told that existing accreditation would be preserved during the name change and that IOA staff is working with county offices to ensure no interruption of funding.
Operational details discussed included a teacher workgroup, an electronic application platform, and a marketing contract with Lynette White LLC. Trustees asked whether students in IOA would retain athletics eligibility; staff said students remain eligible for CIF sports through standard transfer/eligibility processes and that transportation for hybrid arrangements would be the family’s responsibility.
The board was advised that district-approved courses are being prepared for IOA and that the district is phasing implementation to match enrollment needs and master-schedule constraints. Staff said they would continue working with principals and site teams to monitor seat availability across schools and to refine course offerings.
Next steps: the board was told course approvals and enrollment systems will be finalized and that staff will return with any needed policy or procedural updates before full implementation.
