Q: Is Sora accredited?

Yes! Sora’s middle and high school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges , which allows us to meet the requirements of all 50 states and colleges and universities. The high school has a secondary accreditation with Cognia , which is widely recognized both within the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, our program is recognized and approved by the NCAA which provides students the ability to play collegiate sports.

Q: Is there homework at Sora?

Yes, but students have more flexibility when they do it than at a traditional school. As students only attend each Sora expedition twice per week, they are able to do their independent work and projects during breaks in the day. A student should plan for six hours of work per expedition per week; two hours are synchronous sessions with an expert and peers, and up to four hours of independent work. If students desire, they may complete all their work during the school day, leaving their evenings for family, friends, or other activities.

Question 1

Is Sora accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Sora’s middle and high school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, which allows us to meet the requirements of all 50 states and colleges and universities. The high school has a secondary accreditation with Cognia, which is widely recognized both within the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, our program is recognized and approved by the NCAA which provides students the ability to play collegiate sports.

Question 2

How do students socialize at Sora?

Accepted Answer

Sora is a close-knit community that provides many ways for students to connect regularly in our remote culture. Students meet in their Houses daily, participate in about two synchronous learning Expeditions daily, and have the ability to join student clubs and committees, pursue leadership opportunities, and attend office hours with faculty. Students also utilize our learning management system and other chat platforms to stay in contact with each other before, during, and after school.

Question 3

Does Sora offer in-person opportunities?

Accepted Answer

We believe school is about community, which is why we continue to provide new and innovative ways for students to connect online and in person. We provide a platform for families to connect for local meetups or during their travels across the country and the world!

Question 4

Does Sora support students with learning differences?

Accepted Answer

Sora’s model and curriculum can support a variety of learners, and some students with learning differences find great success in our program. However, Sora is not a specialized school for students with learning differences and/or students who identify as neurodivergent. As an independent school, we are unable to provide IEPs, 504s, or any specialized learning plan outside of our typical individualization.

Question 5

How is the transition for new students?

Accepted Answer

We have a robust orientation process for all new students and their families to understand how to excel in our unique program. This includes a series of informative workshops, guided Expedition request list planning with your student’s advisor, and icebreaker events for students to bond with their new housemates.

Question 6

What is the typical schedule for students?

Accepted Answer

There is no typical day at Sora, and every student’s schedule is as unique as they are. The daily school schedule generally falls between 9 am and 3 pm in the student’s time zone.

Question 7

What are the math requirements?

Accepted Answer

Math placement testing is required for all incoming students. To satisfy High School graduation requirements, Sora students take 4 credits of Math in the High School Program. These requirements are reflective of most state standards. Additionally, all ninth graders must begin at least Algebra 1 in order to successfully complete the required 4 credits of Math. Click here to learn more about math at Sora!

Question 8

Is there homework at Sora?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but students have more flexibility when they do it than at a traditional school. As students only attend each Sora expedition twice per week, they are able to do their independent work and projects during breaks in the day. A student should plan for six hours of work per expedition per week; two hours are synchronous sessions with an expert and peers, and up to four hours of independent work. If students desire, they may complete all their work during the school day, leaving their evenings for family, friends, or other activities.

Question 9

Why does my student have an advisor?

Accepted Answer

Relationships are at the heart of what we do at Sora. Every student is a member of a House, and each House is guided by a faculty House Advisor. The advisor builds relationships with each family and co-designs their Sora journey, based on the student's goals and interests. Furthermore, each advisor is always on the lookout for coachable moments to push your student to become the best version of themselves.

Question 10

How many students are in each expedition, and what are their grade levels?

Accepted Answer

Each Sora expedition has approximately 15-20 students, led by a faculty member, who we call Experts. Expedition groups are mixed-grade level by campus(grades 6-8 in middle school and grades 9-12 in high school).

Question 11

How much parent involvement is required at Sora?

Accepted Answer

Sora is student-centered, with accountability built into the program structure through our faculty, house advisors, and even other students. We are different from a homeschool program, where parents directly teach the curriculum, and we are different from a traditional in-person school, where students are away from home all day. As an accredited school, our faculty members work with students to assign projects and tasks to help them learn and grow. As a parent, you will have access to a parent view of their tasks and projects via Sora Home, our very own learning management system, which shows the student’s learning journey, academic progress, academic credit, and tasks to complete.

Question 12

What language options do you have available at Sora Schools?

Accepted Answer

High school students are required to complete 2 levels of a world language, which is offered in partnership with Rosetta Stone, the world leader in individualized language instruction. Students have access to 25 different World Language options:

Question 13

How many live hours of learning do students have per day?

Accepted Answer

Our schedule is similar to that of a college. Students typically engage in 3-4 hours of synchronous participation per day and have time to work on assignments and projects outside of that time. There are also office hours with faculty available, blocks of time for club meetings, and more!

Question 14

Does Sora offer dual enrollment?

Accepted Answer

Sora is a full-time school program. However, many students take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities to get a jumpstart on college. For our older students, Sora facilitates dual enrollment through Arizona State University and the Acadeum course-sharing network. These are powerful options for students to pursue their interests at a college level and get a head start on earning credits.

Question 15

What do universities think of Sora?

Accepted Answer

College applicants from Sora stand out, with strong project examples, the ability to explore their interests, and unique experiences as online school students. Our accredited transcript is a unique strength. In addition to showing credits earned and a GPA, a Sora transcript showcases each student’s individuality through project work and interest-based expeditions.

Question 16

How are students prepared to apply to college?

Accepted Answer

Our Life After Sora Counselor works with students in a uniquely designed series of programs, workshops, and small group collaboration to support students and their families as they determine their path beyond Sora. Students will learn about essay writing techniques, portfolio building, recommendation letters, financial aid and scholarships, applications, and how to transition to college.

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