Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Look over our frequently asked questions and if you still can’t find any answer, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
The Questions
- What are charter schools?
- What makes Focus different from a typical public school?
- What is the primary goal of the Focus schools?
- How is the curriculum taught at Focus?
- Are there teachers available to help students with the learning process?
- What if I can’t use a computer?
- What are the courses needed to earn a diploma?
- Will the credits from my former school(s) transfer to Focus?
- What is a typical school year?
- What is a typical school day?
- If I have an IEP, will Focus recognize it and make necessary accommodations?
- Is there a school uniform?
- Is there transportation to and from the school?
- Will Focus have a graduation ceremony like public schools? How often will ceremonies be held?
- Is a diploma from Focus the same as a GED?
- Does Focus offer college preparation workshops or counseling?
- What are the eligibility requirements for attending Focus?
- How long will it take me to get my high school diploma?
- How do I apply for admission to Focus?
- How much will it cost to attend Focus?
- Where is Focus?
1. What are charter schools?
- Public schools, sometimes called community schools, which are typically separate from city, public and parochial school districts.
- Free—they do not charge tuition.
- Open to all students who meet the age and enrollment requirements of the school.
- Staffed with certified teachers who meet highly qualified requirements.
- Required to administer state mandated tests and report results to the State.
- Subject to local and state health and safety codes.
- Governed by an independent Board of Directors.
2. What makes Focus different from a typical public school?
- Students will receive personalized academic plans.
- The daily schedule is flexible to better accommodate work and personal requirements.
- Students work at their own pace.
- Students have the opportunity to interact with teachers one-on-one.
- Credits can be earned for working and/or volunteering.
3. What is the primary goal of Focus?
The primary goal is to offer students a unique opportunity to earn their high school diplomas while also preparing for college and workplace success.
4. How is the curriculum taught at Focus?
Students will do most of their course work on the computer. However, teacher led courses are also offered. Every student will have access to a computer each day to study the courses assigned. All courses meet state standards.
5. Are there teachers available to help students with the learning process?
Yes. Highly qualified teachers are assigned to each classroom or lab.
6. What if I can’t use a computer?
The lead instructors will teach students new to computers the skills necessary to complete computer assignments.
7. What are the courses needed to earn a diploma?
Students must earn 20 credits and pass the Ohio Graduation Tests to earn a high school diploma. Thirteen credits must be earned in core subjects: four in English, three each in social studies, mathematics and science. The remaining 7 credits must be a combination of elective units which must include 1 unit or 2 half units in Business, Technology, Fine Arts or Foreign language, 1/2 credit in Health and 1/2 credit in Physical Education or credits earned in career focused learning through our Career & Technical Education Department or by taking optional elective courses. Students may also earn credit for their work experience.
8. Will the credits from my former school(s) transfer to Focus?
Yes. All passing credits previously earned in an accredited secondary school are transferable to Focus. The results of the State Graduation Test will also be accepted.
9. What is a typical school year?
The school year will begin in late August and end in June, similar to traditional public schools. The school calendar will also include time off for national and religious holidays typically taken by public schools.
10. What is a typical school day?
The daily schedule for each student is flexible and will accommodate work and personal requirements outside of regular school hours. Only five hours of actual in-school time are required each day. There are two sessions a day to choose from: session one from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM or session two from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
11. If I have an IEP, will Focus recognize it and make necessary accommodations?
Yes. A full-time intervention teacher is assigned to support students with special learning needs.
12. Is there a school uniform?
No, but a student ID will be provided, which students must wear at all times when on school grounds.
13. Is there transportation to and from the school?
The schools are located near COTA bus lines. Students may also be eligible for transportation assistance.
14. Will Focus have a graduation ceremony like public schools? How often will ceremonies be held?
Two graduation celebrations will be held each academic year, one in winter and the other in spring.
15. Is a diploma from Focus the same as a GED?
No, it’s better! Students graduating from Focus will be given a state certified high school diploma, which is fully recognized by prospective employers, colleges and universities.
16. Does Focus offer college preparation workshops or counseling?
Yes. Focus staff maintain a serious commitment to offering a variety of services to ensure our students are prepared for post-secondary transitions to traditional four-year colleges and universities, two-year and community colleges, as well as trade and technical schools. The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department sponsors a multitude of opportunities for students and parents to become knowledgeable of college application, admissions and advancement processes. The following events are hosted at each of our three locations to enhance the college readiness levels of our students.
Senior Seminars are a series of workshops hosted by the Career & Technical Education (CTE) department and are designed to make sure students who are close to graduating have an opportunity to apply to at least one college or trade school, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), establish a professional e-mail account, complete a career interest inventory, conduct college and career searches with the assistance of staff and much more. The seminars are only for students who have been identified by the Dean of Students as likely graduation candidates for the current academic year.
LAF: College Knowledge for Students and Parents is an event hosted by the Career & Technical Education (CTE) department on the campus of one of the local colleges or trade schools. The target groups for College Knowledge are sophomore and juniors and their life supporters such as parents, guardians, mentors or significant others. However, all Focus students are welcome to attend. The purpose of College Knowledge is 3-fold: to equip students with “college knowledge” before they become seniors so that they garner a sound understanding of what their goals should be in order to be successful in college; to encourage parents to consider enrolling in college with their child/children so they have a partner to go through the process with and can support one another while getting post-secondary training together; and, for parents to garner a better understanding of what the college application/admissions/matriculation process is like so that they are aware of what their students are experiencing and can be able to better assistance them throughout the process.
Higher Education Learning & Preparation (HELP) Lab is offered twice per month at each of our three locations. The Career & Technical Education (CTE) instructors dedicate time to provide walk-in services to any students who wish to receive help with college and scholarship searches and applications, career preparation and job readiness skills, the FAFSA, and ACT/SAT test taking skills.
Post-Secondary Readiness Fairs provide students with opportunities to meet with college recruiters from a variety of colleges including four-year, technical, trade, career and specialty. Additionally, informational sessions are offered to equip students with knowledge about the college experience, financial aid options and choosing an appropriate college based on career aspirations and learning styles.
Volunteer Job Shadowing and Internship Opportunities are available for Focus Learning Academy and Focus North High School students who have an interest in exploring career options first hand to help them make informed decisions when choosing a college major and career path. Students who are interested in these opportunities must meet with the CTE Instructor and/or CTE Coordinator to discuss expectations. Additionally, students may be required to participate in workshops offered through the CTE department to ensure they are prepared for these off campus learning experiences.
College Visits are another avenue used by our schools to promote college readiness and provide meaningful experiences for our students. There are several school-sponsored visits to colleges throughout the state of Ohio that allow our students to get organized tours of campuses and a glimpse of what college life is like.
Focus also offers each student the option of taking a college preparatory course plan that includes Algebra II, Advanced Math, Chemistry, Physics and a Foreign Language.
17. What are the eligibility requirements for attending Focus?
Focus will enroll students between the ages of 16 and 22 who are not enrolled in another school.
18. How long will it take me to get my high school diploma?
Along with the Dean of Students, you will create a personalized graduation plan leading to a high school diploma. Students need to keep in mind that it is not speed that counts; mastery is the goal for each course taken in the program.
19. How do I apply for admission to Focus?
It’s very simple. If you are between the ages of 16 and 22, the best way to get started is by calling (614) 322-7990 or visiting the Focus location you would like to attend. A Focus staff member will answer your questions and set up an appointment to enroll. When you arrive to enroll, please bring the following required documentation to expedite the process: unofficial transcript, birth certificate, photo ID, social security card and proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement or bank statement).
20. How much will it cost to attend Focus?
FREE! There is no cost to enroll or attend.
21. Where is Focus located?
There are three convenient locations in Columbus:
Focus North High School
4807 Evanswood Drive
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 310-0430
Focus East
4480 Refugee Road
Columbus, OH 43232
(614) 269-0150
Focus Southwest
190 Southwood Avenue
Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 545-2000
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