Academics Overview
Mountain Community Online School provides a structured, standards-aligned academic program designed for students learning in an online environment.
MCOS combines a high-quality digital curriculum, regular live instruction, experiential learning, and a dedicated Success Coach for every student.
Together, these elements ensure students receive a rigorous public school education with consistent adult accountability, regardless of where they are learning from.
A Standards-aligned Academic Program
A structured model for online learning
MCOS was intentionally designed to avoid unstructured or fully self-paced online schooling.
Students follow a predictable weekly schedule that includes live instructional sessions, independent coursework within a digital learning platform, and time for experiential learning. This structure is reinforced by clear expectations and daily monitoring by school staff.
Flexibility in location is paired with strong routines and adult oversight.
A dedicated Success Coach for every student
A defining feature of the MCOS academic model is the Success Coach.
Every student is assigned a Success Coach who is responsible for monitoring attendance, engagement, pacing, and overall academic progress on a daily basis. The Success Coach serves as the primary point of contact for families and works closely with teachers to ensure concerns are identified and addressed early.
Teacher-led instruction and academic oversight
Licensed North Carolina teachers are responsible for academic instruction and decision-making.
Teachers use the EdOptions Academy platform to guide instruction, review student work, provide feedback, and determine academic progress. Regular live instructional sessions are used to introduce concepts, clarify expectations, review learning, and provide targeted instruction.
Teachers work closely with Success Coaches to ensure that instructional decisions are informed by daily engagement and progress data.
Individual Academic Support
When students need additional help, support is individualized and responsive.
Teachers and Success Coaches collaborate to provide targeted individual academic support based on student needs. This support may include additional instruction, pacing adjustments, or focused skill development.
Individual support is coordinated intentionally and monitored for effectiveness.
Experiential learning through Climb-Higher Projects
Experiential learning is a defining feature of Mountain Community Online School.
Each quarter, students participate in Climb Higher Projects, which integrate multiple subject areas and require students to apply academic skills in meaningful ways. These projects emphasize problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and reflection.
- Aligned to grade-level standards
- Supported and managed by trained school staff
- Designed to extend learning beyond the screen
- Assessed using clear expectations and rubrics
Success Coaches help students plan, track, and complete project work while school staff manage implementation and assessm
Assessment, monitoring, and accountability
Student learning at MCOS is monitored consistently and transparently.
The EdOptions Academy platform provides real-time data on progress, completion, and performance. Teachers and Success Coaches review this data regularly to monitor engagement, identify concerns, and respond early when students need support.
MCOS follows all state testing and accountability requirements, including participation in required assessments and a 190-day instructional calendar.
Families receive ongoing communication and access to academic progress information throughout the school year.
Building independence with accountability
MCOS is designed to help students develop independence, responsibility, and strong learning habits.
Students are expected to attend live instructional sessions, engage with coursework, and complete assignments consistently. Success Coaches and teachers remain responsible for monitoring progress, setting expectations, and supporting students as they build independence.
This balance prepares students for success in middle school and beyond.