DENVER, CO – August XX, 2024 – HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op today announced that a new learning site, Arise at Lighthouse, is now open and currently enrolling students for fall. Arise at Lighthouse serves as a drop-in learning site 4985 St. Paul Street, at the edge of Denver and Commerce City. HOPE curriculum is online, allowing students to learn anywhere with an internet connection, and Arise at Lighthouse is where students can come for extra assistance, meet with mentors, or engage with peers. "Arise at Lighthouse is for students seeking a school that truly feels like family," said Beto Elias, Site Director. "Arise at Lighthouse is capped at 40 students, underscoring our commitment to a small, tightknit community." Arise at Lighthouse is situated in a quiet neighborhood with access to Swansea Recreation Center, where students can shoot hoops in the gym, play pool and ping-pong, and relax with friends. At HOPE, personalization is key. Each site director, mentor, and teacher work with students to build a plan that allows them to take online classes but also access in-person educational support, professional mentors, and experiential opportunities. HOPE provides two pathways to graduation, CORE24 and Workforce Readiness, allowing each student to prepare for the future in the best way possible.

Students or guardians can enroll online (www.hopeonline.org) or call (720) 261-7753 for more information. HOPE has learning sites around Colorado, providing blended education for kids in 6th through 12th grade. For more than 20 years, HOPE has been a pioneer in online and hybrid education, long

before the pandemic shifted the education landscape. HOPE provides a safe, caring space for students that don't fit into a traditional school model. For example, it often serves kids who may be over-age and under-credit (not at grade level), need to work to support their families, or help their parents with childcare.

“This kind of environment is important for students who want the flexibility of learning online, but can build strong connections with peers and adults in person, too,” added Heather O’Mara, founder and CEO of HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op. “We are consistently looking for ways to ensure HOPE meets the needs of a community and look forward to serving more families at this new site.” Arise at Lighthouse supports students who have faced school or legal issues, are bilingual or new to the country and haven’t settled in yet, or simply didn’t thrive in their local school. HOPE balances the need for quality education with flexibility and solid guidance to see struggling or nontraditional students through to graduation. “Our small site is focused on 1:1 interaction and a warm and welcoming ambiance like an expensive private school – but without the cost,” said Sonia Elias, site manager. “Collectively with parents, teachers, mentors, local businesses and others, we are committed to the care of our students to grow into happy, successful adults.”

About HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op

HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op provides Colorado students in grades 6-12 an education that includes individualized lessons paired with in-person support from experienced teachers and mentors. Within a small, community-driven, diverse learning environment, students gain the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their community. Students either attend a community-based Learning Center or Drop-in Site throughout the week, rotating between online and face-to-face classroom instruction; all curriculum is delivered online. Drop-in students are able to visit their home learning site for extra support or to participate in other activities. HOPE is committed to providing a safe, caring, and engaging learning environment that empowers students to grow academically, as well as socially-emotionally. HOPE is a non- profit, free, public charter school of the Douglas County School District. Learn more at https://www.hopeonline.org/.