Finding the Learning Path that Fits Your Student
Sisters School District has built a learning ecosystem with five interconnected trails that allow students and families to choose the educational experience that fits them best while remaining connected to the Outlaw community.
Sisters Educational Options (SEO) provides flexible, student-centered learning opportunities designed to help students thrive both inside and outside the traditional classroom. Whether your child is seeking home-based learning, online courses, project-based experiences, or another customized educational pathway, SEO offers options tailored to meet the unique needs of students and families while helping learners discover their interests, strengths, and future goals.
Just as hikers, runners, and mountain bikers choose different trails based on their goals and interests, students can choose the learning trail that best fits their needs. Through our innovative Learning Trail System, students can choose from multiple pathways that align with their goals, interests, learning styles, and aspirations while remaining connected to Sisters School District and its supportive learning community.
Why SEO Exists
We believe students learn in different ways and thrive in different environments. Sisters Educational Options exists to provide multiple pathways that help every student find a learning experience where they can succeed.
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Explore Sisters Educational Options
Every student’s journey is unique. Explore the pathways, programs, and resources available through Sisters Educational Options to find the learning experience that best fits your student and family.
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Why Families Choose Sisters Educational Options (SEO)
Families choose Sisters Educational Options because it offers flexible learning pathways that can be used independently, combined, or customized to meet each student’s unique needs and goals:
- Learning experiences that respect and support family values and beliefs
- Personalized learning experiences designed in partnership with families
- Flexible virtual learning options that allow students to learn from home through high-quality online courses, digital learning tools, and teacher-supported instruction
- Family-directed learning supported by Sisters School District educators
- The flexibility for families to guide learning from home
- Accessing district curriculum, resources, and tutoring support
- Flexible schedules and pacing that adapt to different learning styles and life circumstances
- Strong teacher and advisor mentorship to guide students and support success
- High-quality online coursework and learning tools
- Individualized tutoring through Khanmigo
- Real-world learning opportunities through internships and passion projects
- Opportunities to combine home-based learning, online courses, and traditional classes on campus
- Stay fully connected to the Sisters School District community, including
- Elective classes and special programs
- Access to athletics, clubs, and school activities
Students remain fully enrolled in Sisters School District while benefiting from a more personalized learning experience.
The Sisters School District Learning Trail System
Sisters School District offers four interconnected learning trails. Students may remain on one path or move between trails as their needs evolve. This student-centered system is designed to help every learner find a learning environment where they thrive.
Inspired by the landscapes surrounding Sisters, the district offers multiple learning trails, Sisters School Distinct educational experiences, that allow students to pursue learning in ways that reflect their interests, goals, learning styles, and the values and beliefs that guide their families.
Just like the Peterson Ridge Trail System, where interconnected routes allow riders, runners and hikers to move between trails as they explore, the Sisters Learning Ecosystem is intentionally designed to allow students to stay on one learning trail or move between trails as their needs evolve.
Students may begin on one trail and later explore another without losing momentum toward graduation. Shared academic standards, aligned advising, and strong relationships with educators ensure that movement between trails is smooth and supportive.
Each learning trail offers a different type of learning experience, but all remain connected to the Sisters School District, allowing students to participate in clubs, athletics, activities, and other school opportunities.
The Five Learning Trails
Sisters School District offers four interconnected learning trails, each designed to support different learning styles, interests, and goals. Students may stay on one trail or move between trails as their needs evolve while remaining fully connected to the Sisters school community.
We recognize that every family approaches education with unique values, beliefs, and priorities. The Four Learning Trails are designed to give families meaningful choice and flexibility, allowing students to pursue learning experiences that align with their goals while maintaining strong learning expectations and connection to the district.
Our goal is to support students academically while honoring the important role families play in guiding the direction of their child’s education.
Regardless of the trail a student chooses, they remain a full member of the Sisters School District community. Students continue to have access to district support and opportunities including athletics, clubs, arts programs, elective courses, and other school activities, ensuring they stay connected to peers, teachers, and the broader school experience.
| Learning Trail | Learning Approach | Ideal Student / Benefits | Example Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Traditional Trail |
In-person classroom learning |
Those who thrive in a structured school environment with consistent schedules and direct teacher interaction |
Daily classroom instruction |
|
Online Trail |
Online or hybrid learning |
Those who benefit from flexible scheduling, individualized pacing, or a learning environment that can adapt to family needs, goals and values. |
Home learning with parents, online coursework, optional campus participation |
|
Homelink Trail |
Parent-Directed home-based learning |
Families seeking maximum flexibility and customization |
OpenEd, family-directed learning, enrichment opportunities with the District and OpenEd |
|
Experiential Trail (IGNITE) |
Interest Based Project & Community Learning |
Those who want to gain combine classes into a thematic learning experiences through projects, portfolios, and public exhibitions |
Internships, passion projects, community projects |
|
Entrepreneurial Trail (IGNITE) |
Capstone & Venture-Based learning |
Those interested in innovation, problem-solving and leadership through a high level entrepreneurial type experience that has meaningful impact on the community |
Launch a business, develop inventions, creative productions |
Traditional Trail – In-Person Learning
The Traditional Trail offers a comprehensive in-person school experience with structured courses aligned to Oregon academic standards. Students attend classes on a regular daily schedule while building strong relationships with teachers and peers.
Through this pathway, students participate in classroom instruction, collaborative learning, and school activities that support both academic growth and social development.
This trail is ideal for students who thrive in a structured school environment with consistent schedules and direct teacher interaction.
Online Trail – Online & Hybrid Learning
The Online Trail provides a flexible learning experience for students who benefit from personalized pacing, flexible scheduling, and access to high-quality online coursework while remaining connected to Sisters School District and the broader Outlaw community.
Students may learn fully online from home or combine online coursework with select in-person classes, activities, and opportunities offered through Sisters School District.
Families may choose from two online learning options:
Edmentum Courseware
- Self-paced online courses
- Standards-aligned curriculum
- Flexible scheduling
- Local support from Sisters School District staff
- Ideal for independent learners and students seeking maximum flexibility
EdOptions Academy
- Standards-aligned online curriculum
- Dedicated certified teachers
- Direct instruction, feedback, and progress monitoring
- Regular communication and academic support
- Ideal for students who want the flexibility of online learning while maintaining a strong teacher-student relationship
This trail is ideal for students who want flexibility in where and when learning occurs while maintaining access to rigorous coursework and academic support.
Students remain connected to the district community and may participate in district opportunities, activities, and programs.
HomeLink Trail – Family Directed Learning
The HomeLink Trail provides families with the flexibility to design a learning experience that reflects their student’s needs, interests, goals, and family values while remaining connected to Sisters School District.
Through Outlaw HomeLink, families take an active role in guiding learning while accessing support, resources, educational funding, and community opportunities through Sisters School District and OpenEd.
Students may learn through:
- Parent-selected curriculum
- Educational experiences in the community
- Online learning resources
- Tutoring and enrichment opportunities
- Field trips and hands-on learning experiences
- Future HomeLink community learning days. As Outlaw HomeLink grows, Sisters School District intends to create additional opportunities for field trips, enrichment activities, community learning experiences, and optional in-person gatherings that help families build relationships and learn together.
Students remain connected to the district community and may participate in district opportunities, activities, and programs.
This pathway is ideal for families seeking a highly personalized educational experience while maintaining a strong connection to Sisters School District.
Experiential Trail – Project & Community-Based Learning (IGNITE)
The Experiential Trail, part of the district’s IGNITE learning approach, allows students to earn academic credit by connecting learning to their interests and real-world experiences. Students pursue internships, fieldwork, service learning, creative projects, and community partnerships while meeting academic standards through meaningful, hands-on work.
Students are supported by both a district advisor (teacher) and, whenever possible, a field expert mentor working in the student’s area of interest. Together they guide the student’s learning, connect academic standards to real-world experiences, and support the development of professional skills and deeper expertise.
Through this pathway, students gain practical experience, build professional relationships, and demonstrate their learning through projects, portfolios, and public exhibitions.
See IGNITE in Action
A Sisters High School student is using IGNITE to turn his passion for wildlife biology into academic credit in English and Science through field research, mentorship, community presentations, and hands-on learning. Inspired by opportunities with local partners, students connect their interests to rigorous, meaningful academic pathways.
Featured by Central Oregon Daily News:
Entrepreneurial Trail – Capstone & Venture-Based Learning (IGNITE)
The Entrepreneurial Trail, also part of the IGNITE learning approach, allows students to earn academic credit while developing a capstone project over multiple trimesters. Students turn a bold idea into real-world impact—such as launching a business, developing an invention, producing creative work, conducting research, or securing grants or funding to bring an idea to life.
Students work closely with a staff advisor who supports the academic components of the project while also connecting with mentors and professionals in the field who provide expertise, feedback, and real-world perspective.
This trail encourages innovation, problem-solving, and leadership while helping students develop the confidence and skills needed to bring meaningful ideas into the world.
All Trails Lead to Outlaw Pride
One Community, Many Learning Trails
Regardless of which trail a student chooses, they remain part of the Sisters School District community.
Students may continue to access opportunities such as:
- Athletics
- Clubs and activities
- Fine arts programs
- School events
- College and career planning
- Graduation pathways
- Community partnerships
Different learning paths. One Outlaw community.
Online Courses & Learning Tools
Students in Sisters Educational Options may access coursework through Edmentum, a research based online learning platform that provides standards-aligned courses and flexible learning opportunities designed to support a variety of student goals.
Online Course options may include:
- Core academic subjects aligned to Oregon graduation requirements
- Advanced and elective courses that allow students to explore new interests
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities connected to real-world skills
- Credit recovery to help students stay on track for graduation
- Course acceleration for students ready to move ahead
Students may also choose to utilize Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor developed by Khan Academy. Khanmigo helps students think through problems, strengthen writing skills, and receive immediate feedback while learning.
Together, Edmentum coursework and optional Khanmigo tutoring provide flexible online learning tools that allow students to move ahead, catch up, or explore new interests while staying on track for graduation.
IGNITE: Explore Your Passion, Design Your Future
The Experiential Trail and Entrepreneurial Trail are part of the district’s IGNITE learning approach, which allows students to earn academic credit through real-world experiences connected to their interests and goals.
In IGNITE, students work with an advisor to design a personalized learning plan that connects academic requirements with meaningful projects and community experiences. Learning may include:
- Internships and mentorships with local organizations
- Community impact projects
- Entrepreneurship and design thinking
- Passion projects and independent studies
- Public exhibitions where students present their work
Through IGNITE, students combine focused academic coursework with authentic experiences that help them apply what they learn while preparing for college, careers, and life beyond school.
Why Families Choose Sisters Educational Options (SEO)
Families choose SEO because it offers:
- Learning experiences that respect and support family values and beliefs
- Personalized learning experiences designed in partnership with families
- Flexible schedules and pacing that adapt to different learning styles and life circumstances
- Flexible schedules and pacing that adapt to different learning styles and life circumstances
- High-quality online coursework and learning tools
- Individualized tutoring through Khanmigo
- Real-world learning opportunities through internships and passion projects
- Stay fully connected to the Sisters School District community, including
- Elective classes and special programs
- Access to athletics, clubs, and school activities
Students remain fully enrolled in Sisters School District while benefiting from a more personalized learning experience.
How to Get Started
Families interested in Sisters Educational Options are encouraged to contact the district to discuss the best learning pathway for their student.
Our team will work with families to design a personalized learning experience that aligns with their student’s needs, interests, and future goals.
Contact:
Joe Hosang,
Director of Human Resources and Curriculum