What is a Learning Lab?
A Learning Lab is similar to a Community Resource Center in that it is a place where students use computers to complete their school work. Learning Labs are, however, usually located on a school campus.

Why does Sequoia Choice use Learning Labs?
Since it is clear from many studies that high school students tend to drop out of distance learning environments rather quickly (usually distance learning programs are provided to students at home), Sequoia Choice decided to utilize computer labs/resource centers at various locations , manned with teachers or other staff members to further support students.

Who is eligible for distance learning?
Generally speaking, Arizona residents who are less than 22 years of age and have attended a public school within the last year are eligible for Distance Learning in Arizona.

How do I enroll?
Click the Enroll icon at the top right hand of this page.

What should I do after I enroll?
After you enroll, you should make an appointment for orientation at the learning lab or community resource center you wish to attend. You should bring your immunization records, birth certificate, transcripts, and documentation of withdrawal from the last school you attended.

How do I know what courses are available?
View the Online Course Catalog here.

How do I get help making a graduation plan?
You may get help with your graduation plan by making an appointment to meet with a lab advisor.

Where are Sequoia Choice Labs Located?
Click here for Lab Locations in Arizona

Are there activities outside the lab that I may receive credit for?
Yes, you may receive school credit for many activities outside the lab including:
school work you do at home.

• team sports
• athletic training
• music lessons / performance
• dance lessons / performance
• community college classes

If you are unsure, just ask a lab advisor.

May I receive credit for working at a place of employment?
Yes, you may. Please fill out a Work Study Form and turn in to a lab advisor. The Lab Advisor will tell you how to report your progress.

How many hours do I have to attend a lab?
Students in grades 7 through 8 must attend a minimum of 30 hours per week or as long as it takes to keep current on your course work.  You should complete at least one chapter or assignment each week for each subject. Students in grades 9 through 12 must attend a minimum of 20 hours per week or as long as it takes to keep current on your course work.  You should complete at least one chapter or assignment each week for each subject.

How many hours may I attend the lab?
You may attend a lab for as long as you wish during regular business hours, as long as your behavior meets lab standards.

What if I am not able to come to the lab?
If you can't come to a lab, you should have your parent or legal guardian call to excuse you.

What if I am going to be late?
If you are going to be late, you should have your parent or legal guardian call to excuse your late arrival.

May I do school work from home?
Yes, you may do school work from home. You must still attend a lab fort the required time. Students in grades 7 through 8 must attend 30 hours per week. Students in grades 9 through 12 must attend 20 hours per week.

Should I report the time I spend working from home?
Yes, you should report all time spent on school work. Use the Weekly Attendance Log to report time.

May I graduate early?
Yes, the harder you work, the sooner you will graduate.

Learn the Truth About Distance Learning..........MYTHBUSTERS

Myth #1 - Colleges will not accept diplomas from online high schools.

Colleges around the country have accepted and will continue to accept high school diplomas from students who have done their work online. There is a catch, however. In order to be widely accepted a diploma must come from an online school that has accreditation from the proper regional board. As long as the curriculum is accredited, colleges are bound to accept diplomas from distance learning schools in the same manner they accept diplomas from traditional schools.

Myth #2 - Online high schools are for “troubled kids.”

Certainly there are some online programs that cater to students who have struggled in traditional school environments. However, there are many online schools targeted toward gifted students, students who desire to accelerate their education and graduate early, adult learners and students with special academic interests that are not addressed by their local school.

Myth #3 - Online classes are not as challenging as traditional classes.

When looking for an online school, students will find a variety of available curriculum. The benefit is that students may choose the school and curriculum that best fits his/her knowledge and abilities.

Myth #4 - Online high schools are as expensive as private schools.

Some online high schools are costly, but there are also many quality schools with low tuition rates. Even better, state-sponsored charter schools give online students the opportunity to learn for free. Some charter schools will even provide a home computer, internet access, specialized materials, and personal tutoring at no extra cost.

Myth #5 - Distance learning students do not get enough socialization.

Many distance learning students connect with friends in their neighborhoods, meet others through community organizations, and participate in outings with other online students. Online schools may also provide the opportunity to interact with students and teachers through message boards, e-mail addresses, and supervised live chat.
Myth #6 - Online high school students do less work than traditional students.

Online students tend to finish their work faster than students in a traditional classroom largely because they are able to focus without interruption. However, that does not mean they’re doing less. Consider the interruptions in a traditional school student's day: breaks, transition periods, busy work, waiting for other students to catch up, teachers trying to quiet down the class, etc. Without all of these distractions, online learners can generally accomplish more in less time.

Myth #7 - Students who earn credits online will not be able to transfer them to traditional high schools.

As long as the online high school curriculum is accredited, credits most generally transfer to a traditional high school. Sometimes credits don’t transfer because the traditional high school has different graduation requirements than the online school. The same issue is common between two traditional high schools. If there is a question, just contact your local school district.

Myth #8 - Distance learning students do not get enough physical activity when they take classes online.

Most online schools require that students complete a physical education requirement in order to graduate. Many distance learning students also participate in community sports teams and other athletic activities. Some traditional schools even make exceptions allowing local distance learning students to participate in school athletic programs.

Myth #9 - Distance learning students can not participate in extracurricular activities. Some online schools organize social outings for students. With special permission, many traditional high schools will allow local students to participate in specific activities while continuing their studies elsewhere. Online students can also become involved in and volunteer for community clubs and organizations.

Myth #10 - Online high schools are just for teenagers.

Adults interested in earning a GED as well as a high school diploma are welcome to participate in many online high school programs. Distance learning schools are often convenient for adults who hold jobs and can only complete assignments during certain hours. Some schools even have programs created specifically for more mature students.