Frequently Asked Questions - Epic Charter Schools

What is Epic?

Epic is a free, public, online charter school for grades Pre-K-12th.
Curriculum is self-paced within appropriate guidelines.
Epic offers two programs– One on One and Epic Learning Centers
- One on One (PreK – 12th): Choice of curriculum. Epic provides an Oklahoma certified teacher who works with the parent to develop an Individualized Learning Plan. This program also includes access to a Learning Fund of $1,000 per student to be used in the purchasing of curriculum and other educational expenses.
- Epic Learning Centers (Pre-K – 12th): These Virtual Learning Centers will allow students to establish a schedule that works for their parents or guardians while customizing a learning plan that fits the individual student’s needs. Students will have access to online curriculum, supervised learning activities, and food services under one roof monitored by Epic staff. Click here to ENROLL today. (When enrolling, select the “Blended Learning” option in the enrollment form.)

Enrollment Questions

Who is eligible to enroll?

Any student who is a resident of OK, ages 4-20 on or before September 1.

When do I enroll?

We offer open enrollment throughout the school year.

How do I enroll?

Complete the enrollment form and send in a copy of the birth certificate and shot record.*
The contact info for document submission is on the enrollment form. *An immunization exemption form is available for download if you choose not to immunize.

How d0 I re-enroll?

You can log into your parent portal and re-enroll from there, or go to this link and click “re-enroll”: https://epiccharterschools.org/enroll

What if I have trouble enrolling or have additional enrollment questions?

Just email the enrollment department at enrollment@epiccharterschools.org.

Where can I get my child’s immunization record?

Acceptable immunization documents include a record provided by a licensed physician or a public health authority, such your local county health department, or the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

What should I do if my child has a medical or religious immunization exemption?

Send a copy of the exemption form by email to fax@epiccharterschools.org

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has provided this form you may complete and submit to the school should you wish to opt-out.

Where can I get a copy of my child’s birth certificate?

Certified copies of birth certificates may be obtained from the vital records division in the state where the child was born. The National Center for Health Statistics provides a list of Vital Record agencies.

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fnchs%2Fw2w.htm

If you are not able to get a copy of your child’s birth certificate, the following Birth/Age documents may be accepted.

Student Driver License
Student Military ID (Dependent)
Hospital Birth Record/Certificate
Baptismal Certificate
Passport
Insurance
Family bill showing student DOB

How do I pick Curriculum?

For the One-on-One Program only:

The Learning tab links to the curricula options available for review.
You are not required to choose core curriculum during enrollment.
Once your enrollment is approved, you will be assigned a teacher who will contact you to set up an initial meeting.
From there, you will work with the teacher to create an Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
The ILP is completed for your student during your initial visit with your teacher. Teachers will identify learning styles, set a schedule for face-to-face meetings, order a curriculum and/or devices needed, and set goals for both long-term and the school year.
Once the ILP is done, you will begin making curriculum selections in the Learning Fund form with the assistance of your teacher.

What is the Learning Fund?

The Learning Fund is $1,000 for students enrolled in the Epic One-on-One Program. These funds may only be used to purchase/lease materials related to the student’s education. For access to the Learning Fund, students must be enrolled by Oct. 1 of the school year.

Does the cost of the curriculum come out of the Learning Fund?

Yes.

Does the cost of leasing an Epic laptop come out of the Learning Fund?

Yes.

Do unused funds roll over to the next year?

No.

How much does curriculum cost?

Prices vary.

Once you are enrolled for the new school year, you will receive a confirmation email that links you to the ordering form.
All prices are listed on the ordering form you received via email.
The subject line of the email you have been sent is: Application and Transfer to Epic has been approved for (your child’s name).
If you have been approved, you should have this email.

What can the Learning Fund be used to purchase?

After the price of core curriculum choice is deducted, leftover funds can be used for supplemental curriculum, laptop lease and extracurricular activities.

When can I access the Learning Fund?

Access to Learning Funds (outside of purchasing core and supplemental curriculum for the coming school year) begins the first day of school and ends in March the following year. However, families may place orders through May for activities taking place over the summer. Class invoices that span over the summer need to be submitted by May 31. These invoices would cover June/July/August classes.

When I buy something with the Learning Fund, is it mine to keep?

No. All items purchased with the Learning Fund are the property of Epic.
All items must be returned to Epic once the student exits the Epic One-on-One Program.
For obvious reasons, though, music lessons, dance lessons and such cannot be returned.

What is the process for accessing the Learning Fund?

Managing your Learning Fund will be done through PowerSchool (your parent portal).
Click here to see how the Parent Portal works.
Once an order is made, Epic will purchase the product or service for the student/family using the funds allocated for the Learning Fund account.

What is the difference between a product and a service?

A product is a learning tool such as a book, iPad, chemistry set, software…
A service would be something like instructional courses/lessons such as music lessons, YMCA classes, and other extracurricular activities.

When wanting extracurricular activities paid for with the learning fund:

Check to make sure funds are available
Vendors (the person or organization to be paid through the Learning Fund) must complete the application process available on our site at: epiccharterschools.org/vendor-directory

Mailing Address:

1900 NW Expressway, Floor R3
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Attn: Learning Fund Dept.

Fax: 405-749-4540

Email: learningfund@epiccharterschools.org

What is the Learning Fund NOT ALLOWED to do?

Parents CANNOT be reimbursed for any educational expenses.
Epic MUST PURCHASE the products or services for the student(s).
Parents CANNOT be paid directly to purchase educational items.

Who do I speak with about my Learning Fund?

Inquiries and ALL REQUESTS should be sent to the Learning Fund ( learningfund@epiccharterschools.org ). If the request is approved, a Learning Fund Manager will order the item and ship it directly to the family.

I want to be a learning fund vendor, how do I apply?

You can apply here: epiccharterschools.org/vendor-application

I’m a vendor. How do I submit an invoice?

You can send that to activity@epiccharterschools.org

Common Acronyms

Epic- Excellence, Performance, Innovation and Citizenship

ACT – American College Testing – A standardized test used for college admissions in the United States.

AP – Advanced Placement – AP gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they’re still in high school and earn college credit and placement.

APP – Individualized Program of Reading Instruction (IPRI or APP as we call it) – a defined plan that will enable a student to acquire the appropriate grade-level reading skills for K-3 students reading below grade level.

ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery – The ASVAB is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training.

CC – Compliance Coordinator – for SPED teachers

CCE – Concurrent Enrollment – Courses taken through a college or university for high school and college credit.

CSS – Customer Service Specialist – (Formerly CSR) Epic’s first line of communication with the public, this is the team who answers calls to the main phone number and responds to online chats and the info@epiccharterschools.org email account.

DB – DreamBox – Epic Essential Preferred Math Program

DLM – Dynamic Learning Maps (SPED)

ECA – Epic Collegiate Academy – An exciting opportunity for Epic 10th graders to participate in concurrent enrollment coursework earning an Associate’s Degree, which is currently pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission while completing their high school diploma.

EE – Epic Essentials – Individualized program of daily instruction in defined online programs for students who fall below the current grade level in math or reading based on benchmark testing.

ELA – English Language Arts

ELD – English Language Development – refers to an instructional program for students who are developing proficiency in English.

ELL – English Language Learner – Students who are unable to communicate fluently or learn effectively in English, who often come from non-English-speaking homes and backgrounds, and who typically require specialized or modified instruction in both the English language and in their academic courses.

ENN – Epic News Network – The Epic News Network is a professional journalism program that produces news for the state of Oklahoma.

EpicU – Epic University – Epic’s own online training program for teachers.

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid –

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions – Epic tries to identify and address all FAQ’s on our website and through other means of communication.

FEL – Former English Language Learner – This means they “exited” by the SDE standards but receive continued monitoring to ensure needs are met.

FEV – Focus Education – virtual tutoring program used by Epic to provide online tutoring for identified students. They also manage our 24-hour Homework Help Line for students in grades 8-12.

GPA – Grade Point Average – A grade point average is a number representing the average value of the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time.

GSS – Graduation Support Specialist – (formerly GSM) works with parents and students to create all student’s schedules, does graduation checks, collects and maintains student records

GT – Gifted and Talented Education – Gifted education is a broad group of special practices, procedures, and theories used in the education of children who have been identified as gifted or talented.

HH – Homework Help

HR – Human Resources

HS – High School – Grades 9-12.

ICAP – Individual Career Academic Plan A process that helps students engage in academic and career development activities and a product that is created and maintained for students’ academic, career and personal advancement. okcollegestart.org

IEP – Individualized Educational Program – is a written statement of the educational program designed to meet a child’s individual needs.

ILP – Individualized Learning Plan – The plan determines long-term and short-term plans and goals for students. It is completed during the teachers first meeting with the student and their families.

IPRI – Individualized Program of Reading Instruction (or APP as we call it) – a defined plan that will enable a student to acquire the appropriate grade-level reading skills for K-3 students reading below grade level.

IXL – Standards-based practice program that is included for all K-2 (Math & ELA) 3-8 (Science, Social Studies, Math, ELA), High School (ELA and Math)

LF – Learning Fund – $1000 per student to be used in the purchasing of curriculum and other educational expenses

MAP – Measure of Academic Progress – a testing tool used by Epic

MC – Mastery Connect – Provides formative assessments for immediate feedback about mastery of OK academic standards. Also used as a summative benchmark assessment tool for students 3rd grade and above.

MDI – Managing Director of Instruction – Manages a group of principals and DTDs

MiFi – Mobile Wi-Fi – A portable wireless router that acts as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

MPR – Monthly Progress Review – Monthly meeting between instructional leadership (DTDS and Principals) with each teacher. These meetings are held each month with the exception of June and April.

MP – MindPlay – Epic Essential Preferred Reading Program

NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association – students who plan to compete in college sports at an NCAA university.

NHS – National Honor Society – The National Honor Society is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and outlying territories, which consists of many chapters in high schools.

NJHS – National Junior Honor Society – The National Junior Honor Society is a national student organization that consists of chapters in middle schools.

NWEA – Northwest Evaluation Association – provider of MAP

OAAP – Oklahoma Alternative Assessment Program – A component of the Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP) and is designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

OAS – Oklahoma Academic Standards – Oklahoma Academic Standards serve as expectations for what students should know and be able to do by the end of the school year. These standards were written by Oklahomans for Oklahoma.

OCAS – Oklahoma Cost Accounting System

OT – Occupational Therapy/Therapist

PBL – Project Based Learning – is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

PDS – Principal Development Specialist – (Formerly DPD) Head of principal leadership development

PLC – Professional Learning Community – Collaborative meetings for Epic instructional staff are held 4 times per year.

PLP – Personalized Learning Plan – a plan for every student outlining a plan for standards mastery in core subject areas.

PSAT/NMSQT – Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test – A standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in the United States.

RIT – Rasch Unit – an equal-interval scale – the score you receive at the beginning of map…..(Ready for Instruction Today – the child is working in their current zone of proximal development)

RSA – Reading Sufficiency Act – to ensure all Oklahoma students are reading on grade level at the end of third grade. RSA supports Oklahoma children in K through 3rd grade.

RSO – Related Services Only – Example: A Speech IEP. These students can be on reg ed rosters.

RTI – Response to Intervention -a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs

SDE – State Department of Education – The Oklahoma State Department of Education is the state education agency of the State of Oklahoma charged with determining the policies and directing the administration and supervision of the public school system of Oklahoma.

SI – Study Island – helps students in 3rd through 12th-grade master state-specific, grade-level academic standards in a fun and engaging manner. Epic uses this to assess standards mastery.

SPED – Special Education – The practice of educating students in a way that addresses their individual differences and special needs.

SRPT – Student Reading Proficiency Team – Under SB 630, the reading teams, SRPT, include a child’s parent or guardian, current teacher, future teacher and reading specialist. Principals and their district superintendent would then review and approve each reading team recommendation.

SSS – Systems Support Specialist – (formerly SSM) They input students into virtual curriculums and manage and support those curriculums.

STAR – Math and reading benchmark tool used by Epic for grades PK-3

SVCSB – Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board – The SVCSB provides oversite over Oklahoma’s statewide virtual charter schools.

TDS – Teacher Development Specialist – (formerly DTD) Teacher mentor for new Epic teachers.

TEL – Transforming and Educating for Life – An Oklahoma City-based organization that offers affordable learning for the 21st Century. TEL offers college-level classes to high school students which can transfer to other higher ed institutions.

VLC – Virtual Learning Center – The virtual learning centers offer students a flexible schedule that works for them and their families while utilizing instructional support that accommodates a student’s individual needs. Currently we have virtual learning centers in OKC and Tulsa.

YCO – Youth Care Oklahoma – Provider of in-home behavioral services that Epic partners with for the benefit of our students.

What is Epic?

Enrollment Questions

How do I pick Curriculum?

What is the Learning Fund?

Other Questions

Parent Portal/Technical Support

Records

GSM/Schedule Changes

Common Acronyms

Epic- Excellence, Performance, Innovation and Citizenship