Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Can I or my child succeed in an online learning environment at home?

A) We believe that parents, teachers and students should work together to meet each ECOT student's educational goals. We strongly support parental involvement in the home, while delivering the best educational and technological resources available to give your child the greatest chance for educational success.

Q) The school year at ECOT has already started. Can I enroll in ECOT during the year?

A) Yes, we know that families may need to make educational decisions at times that do not coincide with our school calendar. It is ECOT's policy to accept students throughout the year.

Q) Is there technical support available if I or my child experience problems with the computer or online curriculum?

A) Yes, there is a Technical Support Help Desk available Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. and Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Agents respond to each problem individually to ensure your child is able to access his or her online curriculum.

Q) Will my child be able to access offensive or unauthorized Web sites from his/her ECOT computer?

A) No, ECOT is not another "Internet school." ECOT uses a secure Intranet operating on secure servers. Students cannot venture to unapproved Web sites, and outsiders cannot reach ECOT students through the secure firewalls of ECOT's special Intranet.

Q) Are there services for gifted students or students with physical, developmental or learning disabilities?

A) Yes, the Department of Exceptional Children specializes in meeting every child's individual needs. Teachers with specialized training are
dedicated, committed and highly qualified to serve all exceptional children.

Q) What does ECOT cost?

A) ECOT is a public school and is tuition-free for all students. Students will be responsible, however, for providing consumables such as printer ink and paper. There may be nominal fees associated with non-computer related curriculum such as science lab work and field trip opportunities.

Q) Who is eligible to enroll?

A) Any school-aged student (a student aged between five and 21 years at the beginning of the school year) residing in Ohio.

Q) Will high school students receive diplomas?

A) Yes, high school students meeting state graduation requirements, including passing all sections of the Ohio Graduation Test, will receive a standard high school diploma upon graduation- not a GED. ECOT has an annual commencement to honor graduates and celebrate the occasion.

Q) Does ECOT provide a computer to use and connectivity expenses?

A) ECOT provides up to one computer per student at the option of the parent. In most areas, ECOT also offers a high speed cable connection for students to connect to ECOT's secure Web-based network, or Intranet.

Q) Can a student keep the computer after graduating or leaving the school?

A) No, ECOT is able to provide students the use of a computer with necessary components only while enrolled in ECOT. Once the student is no longer enrolled, ECOT will collect the computer and all equipment.

Q) How will we communicate with teachers?

A) Student progress is monitored through ECOT's learning suite, called IQity. Students and parents may use IQity's message center to contact teachers at any time and may contact the teacher by phone during office hours.

Q) Will students take achievement tests including the Ohio Graduation Test?

A) Yes, ECOT students are required to take the state's achievement tests and all state-required tests. Since these tests must be administered in person, students are responsible for providing their own transportation to regional testing locations and attending all required testing sessions. Like all Ohio students, ECOT students must pass all sections of the Ohio Graduation Test to earn their high school diploma.

Q) So, it seems like ECOT allows its students more scheduling flexibility. Is this true?

A) Yes. Students can access our system 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of our lesson plans may be completed while away from the computer. High school students often work one or multiple jobs while working toward their diplomas.

Q) I have some uncertainty about this type of schooling. How have others been successful?

A) ECOT is Ohio's innovator in a new concept of public education. ECOT is able to provide students with a high quality education, innovative learning and the highest level of accountability. Thousands have earned their diplomas with ECOT and thousands are currently enrolled.

Legal notice: The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow school is a community school established under Chapter 3314 of the Revised Code. The school is a public school and students enrolled in and attending the school are required to take proficiency test and other examinations prescribed by law. In addition, there may be other requirements for students at the school that are prescribed by law. Students who have been excused from the compulsory attendance law for the purpose of home education as defined by the Administrative Code shall no longer be excused for that purpose upon their enrollment in a community school. For more information about this matter, contact the school administrator or the Ohio Department of Education.