Online School FAQs
What grades are offered by Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico (Destinations)?
Destinations serves New Mexico students in grades K–12.
What subjects will my child study?
English/language arts, math, science, and history are the core courses. There will also be other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as music, art, and physical education. High school students also have access to AP® courses as well as a variety of electives. Middle school and high school students can get ahead with career-focused courses through our career and college prep program. Visit our elementary, middle school, and high school academics pages for more details.
Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes. We provide textbooks and instructional materials as part of the program. These books and materials are sent to students directly. A computer and internet access are required to complete the online courses. Based on financial need and eligibility, Destinations may loan a computer system (including computer, printer, and software) to support the learning process. Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided.
What does it cost to attend Destinations?
Destinations is a public school program, so there is no tuition. We provide New Mexico-licensed teachers and instructional materials. Eligible families receive a loaner computer and printer. Students and families will be responsible for providing some common household materials (such as printer ink and paper). Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.
Can my child work at their own pace?
Elementary, middle school, and high school students complete lessons in synchronous and asynchronous sessions and are expected to complete quizzes, tests, and other assignments in a timely manner and according to the students’ individualized learning plan and class connect schedule.
What happens if my student completes a course mid-year?
Teachers work closely with students to help pace the curriculum to meet the student’s goals for advancement.
How much time will my child spend online?
In the younger grades, many of the online lessons include offline work. Students in grades K–2 spend about 30–40% of their time on the computer, while students in grades 3–5 spend about 50–60% of their time online. Screen time increases in middle school, and by high school, most of the school day is online. Students also do hands-on science experiments, read novels, and complete math problems that are done without the computer.
We believe in a balanced approach toward education. Computers help us provide you with effective assessment, planning, and time-management tools. Computers also act as powerful teaching tools that can motivate, stimulate, and inform children about the world around them. They do not, however, replace a solid education. Rather, they help facilitate one. That’s why we use a unique multimedia approach that also includes traditional books, workbooks, and instructional materials.
Do you provide curriculum for students with special needs?
Depending on a child’s IEP, we can tailor instruction to meet your needs. To discuss your child’s needs with us, please contact our office, and we will put you in touch with our special education team.
Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my advanced learner?
The program is flexible to meet children where they are in any given subject and take them where they want to go. Our teachers will work directly with parents and students to ensure proper placement into the curriculum.
How do students interact socially?
Students spend time with classmates online and through school outings, field trips, and other activities. Students can also participate in school and K12 online national clubs to connect with peers who share similar interests.