A ‘Rocket’ to success

Over the course of the last two years, Titusville Area School District revamped its online school called Rocket Online Campus (ROC). Although the virtual program has been around for 17 years, the district decided to focus on making changes based on participants’ and families’ feedback, as demand for the program increased during the pandemic. This summer 47 teachers in the district worked on creating curriculums for 117 classes offered through the program, an article in the Titusville Herald stated. Classes include not only core requirements, but also electives for grades K-4 through 12, including AP courses and classes in performing arts.

The ROC model is a blended one, allowing students the flexibility to choose a mix of online and in-person classes, depending on needs and course availability. The program offers students continuous support from 7:30-3:30 throughout the week, including a virtual resource room older students can access for tutoring and help when needed. ROC also has a space for in-person help on campus.

Whether students are learning through ROC or at the traditional school buildings, they are part of the Titusville school community. In addition to classes, ROC students can receive school meals at their homes and are free to participate in extracurricular activities and events on campus, such as athletics and prom. According to the article, ROC has brought about 65 students back to the district from cyber academies across the state. There are currently about 170-180 students enrolled.