ALE Program FAQ

The OSPI Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) is a program in Washington State that offers students an alternative to traditional classroom instruction. ALE programs allow students to learn at their own pace and schedule — beneficial for students who need flexibility due to work, family obligations, or other reasons.

Red Comet partners with public school districts in Washington State to offer a multi-district ALE program — an online school program approved to operate across multiple school districts. This allows students in different districts to access online learning through a single, authorized program.

Students may enroll in an ALE program tuition-free only if they meet the program's eligibility requirements. See the question below for specifics.

• Students must be residents of Washington State.
• Homeschool students in Washington State may participate.
• Private school students may only enroll in courses not available at their private school.
• Students attending full-time at a public school district are not eligible.
• IEP/504 accommodations must be supported by official documentation before the enrollment start date.
• All courses have a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP). Students (or parents/guardians for younger grades) must read and accept the WSLP before starting the course.
• Students must check in with their Red Comet teacher every week without fail for the duration of enrollment.
• Students are expected to complete all course requirements, including assignments and tests.
• All transcripts and grade reports will be issued electronically unless otherwise requested.

Yes — as long as the student and the requested course meets the eligibility conditions for the ALE Program.

If the student has already taken the class with Red Comet ALE program or at their local public school, they cannot retake the class using the ALE Program at Red Comet.

Visit redcomet.org/ale to start the registration process.

Registrations for the new school year typically begin in April. You may register through the last business day of March of the current academic year.

The deadline to register for the current academic year is the last business day of March.

The Red Comet Online ALE Program academic year begins the third week of August and ends the last day of June. Students can continue to register for the current academic year until the last business day of March.

Once your registration is approved, you will see the updated status in your registration portal.

You will receive login information within 2–3 business days after registration approval. If you register before the start of the school year, the Orientation Email with login information will be sent closer to the school start date.

The Orientation Email with login information will be sent to the student email address provided during registration. Please make sure this email is accurate when you register.

Yes — you need a computer and internet access. If you don't have a computer at home, you can use computers at your school, local library, recreation centers, community centers, or religious centers.

You are expected to spend approximately 90–95% of your course time on the computer. The remainder may involve supplemental reading available at libraries and schools.

Only basic computer skills are needed. The Red Comet platform is user-friendly and designed to be accessible for students at all skill levels.

English language learners: Courses are not specifically designed for ELL learners, but students may put in additional hours to make timely progress. The platform offers tools to support non-English-speaking students.

Special needs: Teachers can make accommodations for documented special needs and will coordinate with the student's case manager. Proof of IEP documentation must be submitted prior to enrollment.

Gifted students: Gifted students may enroll in higher grade-level or Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

• Business & Industry
• College & Career Readiness
• Engineering & Technology
• English Language Arts
• Fine Arts
• Health & Fitness
• Life Skills
• Math
• Physical Education
• Science
• Social Studies / Social Sciences
• World Languages

Yes. Red Comet is accredited by Cognia AdvancEd.

Yes, all Red Comet courses are credit-bearing.

Red Comet offers a wide variety of courses from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Please check the ALE Course Catalog for a full listing.

Red Comet strongly recommends that you not exceed the standard course load for your grade level — counting both school courses and Red Comet courses combined. This gives you the best chance of success in all your academics.

Yes. You will be required to allow pop-ups on the Red Comet website.

Red Comet uses Agilix Buzz®, which supports:

• Google Chrome 30 or newer
• Mozilla Firefox 27 or newer
• Apple Safari (latest 2 versions)
• Microsoft Edge (latest 2 versions)

Yes. You can use a Chromebook to complete work on the Red Comet platform, as long as you follow all assignment submission guidelines.

A high-speed, high-bandwidth internet connection is required. If access isn't available at home, you can use the internet at your school, local library, community or religious centers, or local businesses offering free Wi-Fi.

Noise-cancelling headsets are recommended for the best learning experience, but are not required. You will still be able to complete all coursework without one.

No special software is required. The Red Comet platform is entirely online and accessible 24/7.

Contact Red Comet immediately for technical assistance. Technical problems do not excuse you from required work, so it's important to seek help right away. Technical support is available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Submit a Contact Request Here!

All Red Comet courses are password-protected and secure. We encourage parental involvement and partner with both students and parents to maintain a safe online learning experience. Educating students about the risks of online predators is a shared responsibility.

Red Comet takes online bullying very seriously. The best protection is to never share your password with anyone other than a parent/guardian or school mentor. If you suspect your account has been compromised, change the password immediately and contact Red Comet.

Yes. Each course includes a navigation module that explains the course layout and how to get started.

You must read and accept the Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP) before beginning any coursework. The WSLP outlines the syllabus and all requirements. Red Comet uses a variety of assessments and expects you to complete all gradable activities. All assessments have rubrics — follow them carefully to maximize your score. You can access the grade book on the platform at all times.

The grading policy for each course is published within that course. Review it carefully at the start of your enrollment.

Yes. Red Comet teachers review all submissions for plagiarism. A zero score and warning will be issued for plagiarized work. Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary action, including course suspension.

Yes. The Red Comet online system is available 24/7, including weekends.

All tests are taken online through the Red Comet platform.

All submissions are made through the Red Comet platform. You will receive clear guidelines and can use the platform's built-in tools to create and submit your work.

You may submit work as soon as it is complete — there are no restrictions on submission timing. However, you should keep up with the due dates specified in the course to ensure timely completion.

It can significantly affect your performance. Historically, students who fall behind on due dates often fail to complete the course or earn lower scores.

No. Red Comet does not allow test retakes unless there is documented proof of a technical error that caused the test to shut down. All grades are final. Essays and assignments are only excused for students with formal IEP accommodations.

Teachers strive to reply to questions within 24–48 hours during the school week. Grading of submissions is completed within 5 business days.

Be involved with their learning! Here are practical ways to support your student:

• Help them set a consistent daily schedule — routine drives progress.
• Create a list of assignments, essays, and modules with due dates so they have a clear timeline to follow.
• Discuss assignments with your student and celebrate their successes.
• Log into the Red Comet site weekly to check their progress in each course.
• Contact teachers with academic questions and Red Comet staff with any concerns.

Parents can monitor student progress by requesting an observer account, or by checking the student's account to see what portion of the course has been completed. Parents may also communicate with their student's teacher(s) or Red Comet staff via the contact information provided within the course.

On the student's login or the observer login, parents can monitor their student's progress and grades.

Red Comet staff and teachers welcome parent communication. The best way to reach out is through the Red Comet platform using your issued login. Phone calls are also effective for time-sensitive questions.

Schools must ensure students enroll only in courses not available at their school. Registrar/Administrator contact information is needed if the school wants to receive final grade reports — these are only sent with student/parent/guardian approval. Red Comet may contact the school if a student is not progressing or logging in, with the goal of helping the student succeed.

You should work with academic counselors at your school to determine which courses to enroll in. Homeschooled students and parents may contact their local school district for graduation counseling and course selection guidance.

Proof of IEP documentation must be submitted prior to enrollment for any accommodations to be considered. Red Comet teachers will make appropriate accommodations within the online environment. Students can also use platform tools such as downloadable podcasts and read-aloud options.

Course material is not available offline. However, most courses allow you to print one page at a time.

No — this is not possible within the Red Comet ALE Program. Only Red Comet teachers are permitted to grade student submissions.

Yes. Students who have been expelled or are on long-term suspension may enroll as long as they have access to a computer and high-speed internet. Red Comet will expect these students to complete all course requirements like any other student, unless IEP/504 accommodations apply.

Yes. Students in juvenile detention or rehabilitative programs may enroll with access to a computer and high-speed internet. All course requirements apply equally, unless IEP/504 accommodations (including substance abuse-related circumstances) are documented.

No. You complete all coursework on the platform and never need to visit the Red Comet office.

No. You can work from home or any location with internet access. All work is saved on the platform and can be resumed from different locations.

You can message your teacher directly through the platform. Teacher contact information is available at the beginning of every Red Comet course.

You may get general academic help from your school teachers. However, for questions about tests, essay prompts, or assignments, you must contact your Red Comet teacher directly. Only Red Comet teachers may grade submissions.

Teachers respond to students through the platform. If needed, they may schedule a direct online session with you to address specific questions.

Final grades and transcripts are sent to the Registrar or School Administrator upon course completion, with student/parent/guardian approval. Provide the appropriate contact information during registration to ensure delivery.

You typically have anywhere from 38 days to 300 days to complete a course. The duration depends on:

• The type of course (Elementary, Middle School, High School, and AP — Semester vs. Full Year)
• Your enrollment start date
• The pace at which you progress

Regardless, all courses end on June 30th of the academic year. You are responsible for completing all course requirements before the end of the academic year to receive credit.

Refer to the Written Student Learning Plan within your course for specific details.

You will receive a transcript/grade report once the course is 100% complete. If you are a high school student and do not finish, remaining assignments will be zeroed out and a transcript issued accordingly. For elementary and middle school students, the grade report reflects the percentage of the course completed and the score earned on completed work.

You are expected to complete courses by your end date. Extensions may be granted under special circumstances at Red Comet's discretion but only until June 30th of the current academic year.

Red Comet does not issue partial credits. However, your private school may review your grade report and issue partial credit at their own discretion.