Parent Information
Futurus Information for Families
Futurus is an ALE (alternative learning experience) school of choice in Centralia School District directed under Washington State Alternative Learning Experience rules and laws governed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. We offer a part-time on-campus option (FHS) and fully virtual option (FVS). While Futurus caters to juniors, seniors, and 5th year seniors within the district, as well as its surrounding districts, all high schoolers can apply. Student achievement is guided by a caring and understanding staff, student ownership in learning, and through varied instructional approaches. The vision and mission of our school is to partner with families to help all students achieve academic and personal excellence. We are committed to realizing our vision by prioritizing students, upholding high expectations, championing hope, and cultivating collaboration. We strongly believe that all Futurus students are capable of meeting state graduation requirements and leave Futurus college and career ready.
Futurus is a learning environment that provides quality instruction through guided individualized pathways using blended and direct instructional approaches. Futurus is the perfect place for students seeking an alternative environment who are commitment to work hard to achieve their personal goals. We value relationships with students, families, and community members. Our core values of compassion, understanding, and high expectations provide our staff and students with a positive environment where we can all thrive.
Because an ALE program cannot claim students who are not making adequate progress on their Written Student Learning Plan, students failing to make adequate progress must be released to their sending school or need to find enrollment elsewhere; online, homeschool, Open Doors, Gravity program, etc. It is important that students (and parents/guardians) understand this rule and this is made clear during the sending school counseling process. Families should reach out sooner than later with questions.
Prior to Enrollment
Prior to enrollment in FHS, each student will meet with their Centralia High School counselor and are required to complete a screening assessment in reading. Screening assessment scores are used to determine if FHS/FVS and APEX, our course delivery system, is a good fit for a student. Students with at least an 8th grade reading level (an IXL score of 800+ in reading) are found to be the most successful in APEX courses. Applicants with screening scores lower than an 8th grade level in Reading or Math may not be eligible for enrollment since they may not demonstrate readiness to be successful in APEX courses. Our goal is that all students enrolled are set-up for success and stay on track to graduate.
Once the enrollment process is completed, new students and families will receive additional information about what's next. The most successful students attend school regularly if they are on-campus, check in with teacher weekly if they are virtual, and meet progress requirements for each term. Students who struggle to meet academic goals may need to pursue other options such Open Doors, Gravity, or another alternative. Again, the goal is that students stay on track to graduate and do not fall behind or fall further behind.
Enrollment
Prospective in-district students (grades 9-12) will complete an online application form (see below). Students of CHS wishing to attend Futurus either on-campus or virtual must first have a conversation with their CHS counselor who then informs Futurus administration that it is okay to submit an application. Submitting an application does not guarantee a spot. Once accepted, administration will reach out with additional information and a an in-person meeting may be encouraged or required.
Prospective out-of-district students will submit an Inter-district Transfer Form signed by both district superintendents, as well as a completed Futurus online application. Once accepted, administration will reach out with additional information and a an in-person meeting may be encouraged or required.
Students with special needs will require prior approval from the IEP/504 team at CHS and Futurus to determine if placement is appropriate. If the team decides that the placement is appropriate an in-person meeting may be required. Students enrolled at Futurus with special needs will be required to meet state/district graduation requirements, e.g., state testing.
FHS (On-Campus) Application 2024-2025
Learning/Scheduling
Students at Futurus will be self-directed in their learning using the online APEX learning system, a blended instruction model, and/or direct instruction for high school credit. Each student will complete 1.5-2.0 high school credits, every 6 weeks, in subject matter based upon their graduation needs. There are several different pathways below. Reach out as needed with questions.
Student Schedule Options
Futurus ALE – APEX Learning System
3-4 credits every 12 weeks; 9-12 credits per year;
New Market Skills Center/Futurus ALE
(0.6 FTE @ NMSC) + (1.0 FTE @ Futurus) = 1.6FTE combined per Skill Center Rules
1.5 credits per semester at NMSC & 3.0 credits every trimester at Futurus;
Centralia High School/Futurus ALE
*(0.2 - 0.4 FTE @ CHS) + (0.6 – 0.8 FTE – 27.75 hours per week @ Futurus) = split not to exceed 1.0 FTE
*Schedule dependent upon courses being taken at CHS
0.5 – 1.0 credits per trimester at CHS/1.5-2.0 credits every six weeks at Futurus
Sports and Clubs
Students at FHS have the same access to sports and clubs at Centralia High School, including Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO’s).
Things to remember…
- We use magic words such as hello, please, you’re welcome, I’m sorry, excuse me, and thank you.
- We help our students understand how important it is to be and stay organized, respect their belongings and those of others, and to respect their personal space and that of others around them.
- The most successful students prioritize attendance and consistent communication with FHS/FVS staff.
- We are a school of choice that caters to students in grades 11-12+ within the district, as well as its surrounding districts. Our fully virtual school, FVS, is for all 9th-12th grade students and has a separate application process.
- Our mission is to provide all students with the opportunity to realize academic personal success and provide support and options toward graduation and earning their high school diploma.
Office of Education Ombuds