1. What is the RISE Cyber Academy?

The RISE Cyber Academy (Rambler Institute for Student Excellence) is Windber Area School District’s in-house online learning program for students in grades 6–12. It operates in partnership with IU8 through the World of Learning (WOL) program and provides curriculum-aligned, high-quality online instruction.  Students may enroll full-time or part-time and remain official Windber students.

2. Is RISE a cyber charter school?

No. RISE is not a charter school. It is a Windber Area School District program.

Students enrolled in RISE:

• Remain WASD students

• Earn a Windber diploma

• Participate in graduation ceremonies

• May participate in athletics, clubs, and other extracurricular activities

Your child stays a Rambler.

3. What grades can enroll?

RISE is available to students in grades 6–12

4. Is this a full-time online program?

It can be.

Students may enroll:

• Full-time online, or

• Part-time online, combining WOL courses with in-person classes at Windber

This flexibility allows families to customize learning to meet individual needs.

5. How is attendance monitored?

Attendance in live, synchronous instructional sessions is required

Students must:

• Attend required live sessions

• Participate in weekly wellness check-ins

• Follow the Windber school calendar

Attendance and academic progress are monitored regularly to ensure students remain on track.

6. What happens if my child falls behind?

RISE uses a tiered support system

If attendance or coursework becomes a concern:

• Families are notified

• Improvement plans may be developed

• Students may be required to attend the RISE Lab on campus

• In more serious cases, students may return to traditional in-person instruction

The goal is early intervention and student success—not failure.

7. What is the RISE Lab?

The RISE Lab is located on the Windber HS/MS campus and provides in-person academic support during school hours. 

Students can:

• Receive help with assignments

• Work in a structured environment

• Collaborate with peers

• Meet with staff for additional support

This local, in-building support is something outside cyber schools cannot offer.

8. Who teaches the courses?

Courses are taught by trained, certified teachers experienced in online instruction. Students receive live instruction and maintain access to instructors for questions and support.

9. Will my child receive a device?

Yes. All RISE students receive a district-issued Chromebook for instructional use.  Families must sign the Windber Acceptable Use Policy before device distribution.

10. Can my child still play sports or join clubs?

Yes.

RISE students remain eligible to participate in:

• Athletics

• Clubs and organizations

• Arts programs

• School events and activities

All district eligibility policies apply.

11. What academic standards apply?

All RISE coursework:

• Aligns to Pennsylvania School Code

• Follows district grading policies

• Requires timely assignment completion

• Upholds strict academic integrity expectations

Students earn Windber credit and receive traditional letter grades.

12. How do families monitor academic progress?

Parents and students may log into the WOL dashboard to review:

• Assignment completion

• Grades

• Course progress

Academic monitoring is a shared responsibility between the student and parent/guardian.

13. What if we experience technology issues?

Students should:

1. Contact the course instructor

2. Contact the WASD Virtual Coordinator

3. Submit a help ticket to the district IT department if needed

Technology concerns must be reported promptly. Failure to report issues does not excuse missed assignments.

14. Why choose RISE instead of an outside cyber school?

RISE provides:

• Local accountability

• Direct family communication

• In-person support through the RISE Lab

• Certified teachers

• Structured attendance expectations

• A Windber diploma

• Continued participation in Rambler life
  
  

Outside cyber schools offer distance.  RISE offers connection, structure, and support!