HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op Named as a Top Workplace in Denver

DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - Apr 22, 2013) -  HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op is pleased to announce that it has been selected as one of "The Denver Post Top Workplaces." The free, public charter school is a national pioneer in blended learning for at-risk students, making it a hub of innovation for its employees. HOPE's staff members cite a number of reasons why the school is a top employer, saying they feel genuinely appreciated and that the work they do makes them feel a part of something meaningful.

The "Top Workplaces" are determined based entirely on employee feedback. HOPE's survey had a 93% response rate, and the results were benchmarked based on a cohort of 74 companies working in the education profession. Out of all employers included on the list, HOPE placed in the top 100 in Denver. WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement, conducted the employee survey. WorkplaceDynamics conducts regional Top Workplaces programs with 37 major publishing partners and recognizes a list of 150 National Top Workplaces.

HOPE serves an at-risk student population, which is typically highly mobile and under-performing. "Our employees are essential to the success of our students," says Heather O'Mara, Founder and CEO of HOPE. "Teachers, mentors and other staff play a critical role in identifying student strengths, improving areas that need growth and being a part of a team that guides students to graduation. More than 800 students have reached graduation because our people are strong, supportive and passionate about their work."

91% of employees at HOPE say their job makes them feel a part of something meaningful. One respondent commented on the survey: "I like the fact that we're providing education to students [who] might not have the ability to succeed in a traditional environment. HOPE also goes above and beyond the 'educational' aspect by making sure that families and students have their needs met (i.e. clothing, food, etc.)." 73% of students are eligible for the free and reduced lunch program at HOPE's qualified 40 Learning Centers.

HOPE has created an innovative academic model that blends online and offline curriculum in a supportive classroom environment. This distinctive atmosphere compels HOPE's employees to stay. One employee writes in the survey that the work is rewarding because "I appreciate a unique opportunity to influence the lives of students and families that is different than just using the same traditional models of education." Many of HOPE's students and graduates credit HOPE's blended learning model, combined with the guidance of a strong, dedicated staff, for their success. 

In addition to HOPE's mission, students and educational model, employees enjoy the positive attitude at the school, the open lines of communication between management and staff and the flexibility to balance work with personal life. Also, nearly three quarters of survey respondents said that they feel confident about their future at HOPE, showing that employees feel positive about advancement opportunities and job security.

The Denver Post published the complete list of Top Workplaces on April 21^st.

For more information about the Top Workplaces lists and WorkplaceDynamics, please visit www.topworkplaces.com and www.workplacedynamics.com.

HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op is a public, free, non-profit K-12 charter school of the Douglas County School District. HOPE fully supports the success of at-risk students in Colorado through a blended learning model that pairs online learning and individualized learning plans with daily in-person support from licensed teachers and experienced community mentors. HOPE believes in the potential of all students and measures their achievements beyond just numbers. Since 2005, HOPE has strengthened its vital community partnerships to establish Learning Centers that allow students to learn surrounded by their community. To learn more about HOPE visit www.hopeonline.org.