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Program Overview (RISE Online Academy)
Program Overview (RISE Online Academy)
Program Overview - RISE Online Academy
Welcome to RISE Online Academy New Mexico, the official K–12 virtual public school program of Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS).
RISE offers a flexible, personalized online learning option designed to help students thrive — no matter their starting point.
As a tuition-free public school, RISE is open to students statewide and operates in full compliance with New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) requirements.
Mission & Vision
Watch: An Intro To RISE Online Academy
RISE Online Academy is committed to providing an enhanced virtual education program that expands opportunities and support for students across New Mexico. In partnership with families and the community, we strive to cultivate self-reliant, productive citizens who are prepared for college, career, and lifelong success.
We emphasize innovation, integrity, and student-centered learning, bringing together flexible scheduling, engaging curriculum pathways, robust support systems, and enriching extracurricular activities to empower every learner.
Each student's potential is nurtured through high-quality instruction, caring New Mexico-licensed teachers, and a culture of excellence.
Student & Family Handbook
For a full overview of the RISE program, please take a look at our RISE Online Academy Student & Family Handbook.
If you have any questions that aren't answered by our handbook, please send us a message at rise@opened.co.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm having an issue accessing my student's coursework. Who should I contact for support?
A: If you run into any laptop or technical issues, please reach out to our support team at (844)562-8606 — press 2 for tech support.
If you have trouble logging into Clever, email us at software@opened.co.
If you have any questions about your student's coursework, please reach out directly to their homeroom teacher.
Q: What happens if my student needs to miss one of their daily live instruction sessions?
A: If your student is going to have limited or no school activity due to an excusable reason, please notify their homeroom teacher as soon as possible (preferably that morning).
You can call or email their homeroom teacher, or send a message through the LMS. Please provide your student's name, the date of the absence, and the reason for the absence.
For a full outline of the RISE program's attendance policies, please consult pages 6-12 of our Student Family Handbook.
Q: Who is my main point of contact in the RISE program?
A: Your student's homeroom teacher will serve as your main point of contact for everything related to your live class time and academic courses. They'll reach out to you and your student on the first day of the program to introduce themselves and offer some guidance on getting started.
Q: What should I do if my student has trouble getting into their RISE laptop?
A: To log into their RISE laptop, your student should use their RISE email address and password.
For a full overview of how to use and care for your laptop, take a look at this guide.
If you have any trouble using your laptop, please reach out to our support team at (844)562-8606; press 2 for tech support.
Q: What if I want to withdraw my student from the program?
A: To withdraw from the program, log into the OpenEd platform. Then, select the Enrollment menu option from the lefthand sidebar. In the top right of screen, you'll see a button labeled Actions. Click on that button, then select Withdraw.
Assessment Overview
Your student's participation in New Mexico's statewide assessments helps to ensure that all learners have access to a high-quality education. Statewide testing provides valuable information that helps improve instruction, allocate resources, and support student success.
For more information about New Mexico's assessment and testing process, please visit the New Mexico Public Education Department's Assessments landing page.
Please note: OpenEd's testing for each of the assessments listed below will take place within the given time frame, but our testing might not last for the entire time frame.
For example, if your state's testing window lasts from January 1st - March 1st, OpenEd might schedule our testing between January 1st - February 15th.
We'll make sure you're kept informed!
How To Find Assessment Info In-Platform
Note: We're still working on adding all of our assessment info into the platform, so you might not see everything right away.
Watch this short video for a bite-sized overview!
After logging into the OpenEd platform, click on the Assessments menu option from the lefthand sidebar.
On that page, you'll see a tile of information for each assessment that your student needs to take to remain in compliance with the program. Click on a tile to see an expanded view of that info.
Each tile includes a short description, the dates of the assessment's testing windows, and details on whether your student already has a testing date scheduled.
Assessment Schedule
| Assessment name | Which grades are eligible to take this assessment? | What is this assessment? | When is this assessment administered? | Virtual or in-person? |
| iMSSA | Grades 3-8 | The Interim Measures of Student Success and Achievement (iMSSA) help to track student's growth in Reading, Writing & Language Usage, and Math. | Administered three times a year: Aug. 4 - Sept. 26 Nov. 10-Jan 9 March 30-May 22 |
Virtual |
| MSSA | Grades 3-8 | The New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement is New Mexico's statewide summative assessment for mathematics and English language arts, administered at the end of Grades 3-8. | April 13-24 | In-Person |
| Amira ISIP For first graders, this includes a dyslexia screener. |
Grades K-2 | Provides precise reading diagnostics through productive oral tasks like listening comprehension, letter knowledge, vocabulary and spelling. Students are also assessed on early math skills including number sense, computations and algebraic thinking, geometry and measurement, and data analysis. | Three times a year: Beginning: Starting October 8th Middle: January 5-30 End: May 4-29 |
Virtual |
Amira ISIP Assessment Details
During this online assessment, Amira (an animated AI educational personality) will model each task, then prompt your student to speak into their microphone.
A proctor will be present on the call to monitor your student's progress and assist them if needed.
To learn more: Watch: Introducing Amira: Student Prep Video
Amira ISIP FAQs
Q: Which students need to take the Amira ISIP assessment?
A: All RISE students in grades K-2 will need to take the Amira ISIP assessment.
Note: For first graders, this will also include a dyslexia screener.
Q: Can I opt my student out of testing?
A: Unfortunately no, there is no opt-out option for this assessment.
Q: How do I schedule this assessment?
A: Our team will schedule a session for your student and inform you of the test dates in advance (it'll take place during class time).
Q: What should my student expect? How long will it take?
A: Amira ISIP is administered in two testing sessions: one focused on reading, one focused on math. Each session takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
This assessment takes place over Zoom during class time. We'll have a makeup week over Zoom that'll take place outside of class time.
Your student will need to have their camera and microphone enabled during the assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RISE Online Academy and who can attend?
RISE Online Academy is New Mexico's official K-12 virtual public school program through Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS). It's a tuition-free public school open to students statewide, offering flexible, personalized online learning in compliance with New Mexico Public Education Department requirements.
Who should I contact if I have technical issues or questions about coursework?
For laptop or technical issues, call (844)562-8606 and press 2 for tech support. For Clever login issues, email software@opened.co. For coursework questions, contact your student's homeroom teacher directly - they serve as your main point of contact for academic matters.
What assessments do RISE students need to take?
Assessment requirements depend on grade level: Grades K-2 take Amira ISIP (virtual, 3 times yearly); Grades 3-8 take iMSSA (virtual, 3 times yearly) and MSSA (in-person, April 13-24). All assessments are mandatory with no opt-out options and help ensure compliance with New Mexico education requirements.
How do I report my student's absence from live instruction sessions?
Contact your student's homeroom teacher as soon as possible (preferably that morning) via call, email, or LMS message. Provide the student's name, date of absence, and reason for the absence. Full attendance policies are available on pages 6-12 of the Student Family Handbook.
How do I withdraw my student from the RISE program?
Log into the OpenEd platform, select 'Enrollment' from the lefthand sidebar, click the 'Actions' button in the top right, then select 'Withdraw' to complete the withdrawal process.