Frequently Asked Questions

Tech Trep Academy acts as a bridge between school districts and families who want to educate at home.

In Idaho, our partner is Idaho Home Learning Academy, through the Oneida School District. Students throughout all of Idaho are invited to apply and receive FREE resources and support as they learn from home.

An education through Tech Trep Academy is personalized and FREE. In addition, parents also receive access to a supplemental learning fund which can be used to select customized learning resources for their children.

Students follow a traditional school year calendar. Students are not required to login every day or keep track of seat time.  We understand that students are learning at home all day, every day.  Parents decide what they want their daily schedule to look like.  

We believe parents should have the flexibility to choose the best format for their student’s learning. Some families prefer technology-based schooling while others want to do learning using textbooks. Others prefer hands-on activities and real-world learning and many choose a mix of all three. It is our goal to support parents as they choose the ways their student learns best. 

Families in Tech Trep Academy/Idaho Home Learning Academy are required to have access to a computer/tablet and internet to be able to fulfill the state testing requirements that are part of the program. Families will also need to upload submissions digitally and may need to join live virtual meetings for classes, clubs, or other school meetings.

Free Online Curriculum

Tech Trep Academy will provide a comprehensive online curriculum to all students at no cost to families.

Additional Supplemental Learning Resources are also provided at no cost:

• Learn 360 
• Brainpop and Brainpop Jr.
• Epic (during school hours)
• Generation Genius
• Khan Academy
• Salsa Spanish
• Tangy Tuesday
• Teach Your Monster to Read
• Happy Numbers
• Istation

Opt-in Programs for 2023-24 (Optional Homeroom Resources)

Students will have the following additional direct learning resource options available as opt-in programs. The funds for each program will be deducted from the student’s learning funds. Parents can opt into any of these programs. Additional information about each resource can be found in Infocenter. 

Multi-Subject Resources:

• Education.com Premium
• Exact Path
• IXL 
• Moby Max
• Study Island

Language Arts:

• Adventure Academy
• Accelerated Reader
• Amplify Reading/ ELA
• Exact Path
• Flocabulary
• Hairy Reading 
• Headsprout/RAZ Kids
• Lexia Core5
• Lexia Power Up
• MIWrite (grades 3-6)
• Moby Max 
• Nessy Reading and Spelling
• Reading Eggs/Eggspress
• Quill
• Vooks
• Waterford

Math:

• ALEKS
• Beast Academy Online
• CTC Math
• Dreambox Math
• Frax Math
• Mathletics
• Mathseeds
• My Math (Included with ABC mouse)
• Prodigy Math
• Reflex and Frax Math
• Sumdog

Social Studies and Science:

• Amplify Science
• IXL
• Kids Discover Online
• Moby Max
• Mystery Science

Electives:

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Centervention
• Code Monkey
• IXL Spanish
• Microsoft 365
• Prodigies Music
• Sign it: ASL!
• Tech Trep Direct Elective Courses (Computer programming, photography, google ninja, engineering, etc.)
• The ULAT
• Touch-type, Read, Spell
• Tynker
• Typing Club

We believe parents should have the flexibility to choose the learning resources that fit their student best.  Many additional resources are available through direct order or through reimbursement. As Tech Trep Academy is in partnership with the public education system, only secular materials are approved for reimbursement or direct orders.

Parents are free to supplement their child’s education with religious materials using their own private funds. As this program is in partnership with the public education system, only secular materials are approved for reimbursement or direct orders.

We would love to help!  We have several supplemental learning resource specialists who meet with parents to help them navigate through the learning resource options.  They are seasoned educating-at-home moms and certified teachers.

A student can be enrolled in two different public schools in certain circumstances.

Enrollment with another public school rules

Enrollment in two public schools is allowed in these circumstances:

1. Between IHLA and a Charter school (Charter schools as seen on the State website: https://chartercommission.idaho.gov/pcsc-schools/)
2. Between IHLA and homeschooling
3. Between IHLA and private school
4. Between IHLA and another school within Oneida School District

Students can also take courses through colleges or IDLA (Idaho Digital Learning Alliance) as well. 

Enrollment with another public school district is only allowed when there is a contract in place between Oneida School District and the student’s local school district. This contract would allow Oneida School District to pay the other district for the dual-enrolled classes, but only Oneida School District would be able to claim the student as enrolled. 

Families interested in this option would need to contact their local district to see what they are willing to do. If they are willing to enter into an enrollment contract with IHLA, please share who IHLA can contact to get that process started. Questions about enrollment in two public schools policies can be directed to Trixy Lind ([email protected])

Dual enrollment policies do not apply to sports, unless the school requires students to take a class to participate in sports.

 

Each student will receive $1700 in supplemental learning funds each year. They receive access to half that amount for first semester and the remaining half for second semester.

These funds can be used to supplement the free resources that are already provided. Educational items such as learning programs, online subscriptions, computers/tablets, internet fees, extracurricular classes, tutoring, museum passes, tech items and so many more things can be purchased with the supplemental learning funds. A parent gets access to these funds through direct orders and/or reimbursements.

Yes, as long as you meet all program requirements for the year and do not withdraw, the learning resources are yours to keep. Program requirements include state testing and bi-weekly reporting.  If a family chooses to withdraw from the program before the end of the school year, or does not meet program requirements, all materials, learning resources, and technology must be returned (and all reimbursements repaid).

NOTE: Any new computer, Chromebook, or iPad/tablet which is fully reimbursed with a student’s Technology Allowance funds remains property of the school’s program for three years.  If a student withdraws from the program after year one or year two, the parent will be asked to return the computer, Chromebook, or iPad/tablet or re-pay the depreciated value of the device.

Each child is wonderfully unique and with the supplemental learning funds parents can choose the resources that will benefit their child the most. Students  have access to $1700 in funds for the school year. Half of that amount can be used per semester ($850/semester).

Supplemental Learning funds can be accessed in multiple ways:

Tech Trep Elective Classes & Clubs – Tech electives, virtual clubs, and some online courses have fees associated with them. When parents sign-up their students for these resources the fees will be deducted from the students’ supplemental learning fund.

Optional Learning Resources – Parents will find a list of optional learning resources at greatly discounted group-buy prices in InfoCenter once registered. Through InfoCenter these resources can be requested at greatly discounted rates. The purchase price will be deducted from the student’s supplemental learning fund.

Reimbursements – Beginning in May, of the upcoming school year, parents can begin purchasing learning resources and classes. Receipts can be submitted for reimbursement at the appropriate time. Reimbursements for 1st-semester begins in September and reimbursements for 2nd-semester in February. All reimbursements must be requested by the April deadline of the current school year.

Direct Order – Tech Trep Academy can purchase your approved supplemental learning resources from Amazon, Rainbow Resource, Lakeshore Learning, or Costco and have the items shipped to you directly, bypassing the reimbursement process. This service is FREE. 

Close to the beginning of the school year, direct orders will become available. Parents can create a wishlist to submit or set up an appointment with the direct ordering team to have the school purchase learning resources.

Parents can find additional information about the supplemental learning fund, how to access direct ordering, and a list of items that are NOT approved for reimbursement in the InfoCenter Parent Link after they are registered with Tech Trep Academy/Idaho Home Learning Academy.

NOTE: Any new computer, Chromebook, or iPad/tablet which is fully reimbursed with a student’s Technology Allowance funds remains property of the school’s program for three years.  If a student withdraws from the program after year one or year two, the parent will be asked to return the computer, Chromebook, or iPad/tablet or re-pay the depreciated value of the device.

Students in grades K-8 will have the four core classes:  Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies as well as two electives.  The electives can be PE, fine arts, foreign language, technology, or another subject the student is interested in. 

Students in 7th or 8th grade are required to take one semester of health and one semester of P.E. either in 7th or 8th grade. These classes will fit in the elective spots.

Students in High School will need to take the courses that are required for graduation. 

Students in grades K-8 grade will turn in submissions every two weeks for the four core classes – once a month learning logs(reporting) and once a month portfolio submissions (work samples). There are also work samples/reporting on electives twice a year. Portfolio submissions consist of a learning sample which can be in the form of a worksheet, test, paper, picture of a project, or video of your student explaining what they have learned. Our goal is to keep reporting very simple and easy!

For high schoolers, the frequency of submissions depends on which courses they are taking. 

Yes.  All students are required to participate in State tests.

ISIP (IRI) – Grades K-3 take the ISIP (or IRI) in Fall and Spring. While the IRI has sometimes been taken online in the past, there is no guarantee that online options will be state approved for this year. Approx 30 min.

Note: While the IRI has sometimes been taken online in the past, there is no guarantee that online options will be state approved for each year. The ISAT test will be taken in-person. 

ISAT – Grades 3-11 take the ISAT in-person test in the Spring. All grades complete the Math and ELA test. Students in 5th and 8th grade also take a Science test. Testing is not timed and some students are done with each test in about one hour and other students take longer. The ISAT is proctored at locations throughout the state.

Reading Screener – All 4th & 5th grade students must also take a virtual reading screener (approx 30 min).

Yes!  We offer FREE field trips in many regions throughout the state EVERY month!  These activities are free for our students and at least one parent.  Most of the time, additional siblings or parents can attend at a discounted rate.  These field trips are such a fun benefit of our program! In the 2022-2023 school year, we provided over 200 in-person field trips throughout the year.  Field trips included outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and fun entertainment for the family. Students can attend any field trip in the state! 

Tech Trep Academy also offers virtual field trips. This year a few of the events our families have enjoyed include attending online book clubs and tea parties, viewing exotic reptiles, learning about severe weather and the constitution, meeting authors, touring a TV station, and enjoying a virtual tour of Mount Rushmore!

Students in grades K-8 are required to have 2 electives each year. There are SO MANY fun ways to fill these elective requirements. Families are welcome to create their own custom elective plan – gathering their own resources using the supplemental learning fund.

Tech Trep Academy offers virtual teacher-led clubs that students can participate in. There are also many virtual tech elective classes offered through Tech Trep Academy. Fees for virtual clubs and Tech electives can come from the student’s supplemental learning fund.

Tech Trep Academy virtual clubs provide opportunities for youth to participate in activities, interact with peers in a positive and supervised setting, as well as pursue interests and develop skills. Many students fulfill elective requirements while participating in these virtual clubs.

View the latest information on virtual clubs.

View the many fun Tech Electives offered through Tech Trep Academy. 

Yes, absolutely! Many parents prefer that some subjects be taught to their student by a certified teacher.

Virtual teacher-led classes are part of the optional resources parents have access to for their students. There are classes offered in math, language arts, science and social studies for many grades. Writer’s Workshops are offered starting in 3rd grade. 

Many families also enjoy the virtual clubs which are teacher-led and cover a wide variety of interests.

View the latest information on virtual clubs. 

No, unfortunately we don’t.

These in-person drop-off programs have been offered by TTA in certain areas of Idaho in the past and perhaps they will be brought back in the future.

Tech Trep Academy DOES offer fantastic virtual courses, taught be certified teachers, so students can learn in a classroom setting with peers.

If you are looking for in-person opportunities we encourage you to explore local options within your community. There are many community classes, co-ops, and clubs that offer social and learning opportunities for students.

Many Tech Trep Academy families enjoy connecting with families in their local area to form their own groups to meet the needs of their students. This often leads to park days, learning co-ops, classes, and more.

Parents are welcome to post their ideas and find families who would like to participate in their plans on the Tech Trep Academy Facebook page. 

No. Our goal is to help students gain valuable skills to be successful in college, career, and life, while encouraging them to pursue their interests. When selecting electives students may choose one of the courses we offer or they may pursue some other skill they are interested in!  The sky’s the limit!

Families are welcome to create their own custom elective course designed specifically for their student.

View the latest information on virtual clubs, which many students use as electives.

See the many fun Tech Electives offered through Tech Trep Academy.

Yes – absolutely.  We believe the parent knows their child best and can decide if he/she would be able to handle a course that may be designed for older students.

Yes!  Once accepted into the program, parents will have access to Parent Link, a secure site with extensive details regarding all aspects of our personalized education program. 

• Submit your enrollment packet to Idaho Home Learning Academy (Oneida School District) which includes proof of residence, birth certificate, and immunization information.
• Submit an application for each child in the Tech Trep Academy InfoCenter.
• After application is accepted, return to InfoCenter to confirm that you have completed the enrollment and that we can share information with IHLA
• After the IHLA packet is approved, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know your student is fully registered
• You will be able to access Parent Link and Announcements in InfoCenter for additional information.
• If you have questions about the process, please reach out to [email protected] for help and support in enrollment.

Absolutely! Go the parent testimonials to read what other families have experienced while registered with Tech Trep Academy.

Contact Us with your questions and/or check out the live Parent Information Meetings. We look forward to speaking with you!

In 2008, a full-time public school program called My Tech High was created to provide students in Utah with a personalized education experience focused on technology and entrepreneurship.  Interest in the Utah program has continued to grow each year with thousands of students now participating.

Tech Trep Academy (‘trep’ is short for entrepreneur) started in 2015 to help part-time students outside of Utah to access the amazing technology and entrepreneurship curriculum.

Beginning in February 2017, a full-time Tech Trep Academy program became available in Idaho for students in grades K–8! Starting in the fall 2020, Tech Trep Academy added programs for grades 9–10 with grade 11 added in fall 2021 and grade 12 in fall 2022.

As of fall 2023, Tech Trep Academy has also added programs for Arizona, Indiana, Tennessee, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.