New Student Orientation
Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. | Opportunity Academy
Welcome, New Gators!
Your next chapter starts here.
Whether you learn in person or virtually, you belong here. We look forward to getting to know you, supporting your goals, challenging you to grow, and helping you move toward your high school diploma and what comes next.
Your first steps
Start strong in four steps
Use these steps to get oriented. You can return to this page whenever you need a link or a reminder.
01
Know your schedule
Check your assigned classes and meeting times. Your schedule tells you when and where to attend.
View Bell Schedules →02
Connect with counseling
Review your transcript, credits, graduation plan, and next steps with the counseling team.
Meet the Counseling Team →03
Get connected
Make sure you can sign in with your DCPS student account and have a working device.
Get Technology Help →04
Find your classes
Open Canvas, locate your courses, and read the directions for your first learning activity.
Open Canvas ↗Digital learning essentials
Meet your two main platforms
Canvas is where you find your coursework. Microsoft 365 is where you communicate, join online learning, and create digital work.
Platform 01
Canvas
Your online classroom for lessons, assignments, resources, feedback, grades, and course progress.
First action: Open your course and locate the first instructions from your teacher.
Go to Canvas ↗Platform 02
Microsoft 365
Your school tools include Outlook email, Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneDrive.
First action: Sign in and locate Outlook, Teams, or the app your teacher assigned.
Go to Microsoft 365 ↗Microsoft Teams: Your virtual connection
If you have virtual classes, use Teams to join the meetings scheduled by your teacher. School announcements and student-group conversations may also appear in your DCPS Teams account.
Explore the Student Portal →Your DCPS account and technology support
Your student sign-in generally follows this format: StudentID@students.k12.dc.us. Use your assigned or updated password. For account security, do not share your password.
If you need a device, cannot sign in, or need a password reset, contact your school or the DCPS Student and Family Call Center.
Questions answered
New Student FAQ
The essentials in one place, with links to the people and resources that can help.
When does my school day begin?
Check the school's bell schedule and your assigned classes. In-person and virtual class schedules may differ.
Check class times →Who can help me plan for graduation?
Your counselor can help you review credits, transcript information, your graduation pathway, and any required Letter of Understanding meeting.
Contact counseling →Where do I find assignments and feedback?
Log in to Canvas, select your class, read the lesson directions, and check your assignments and teacher feedback.
Sign in to Canvas ↗What is Career & Technical Education?
Explore hands-on career pathways including Barbering, Cosmetology, HVAC, Early Childhood Education, and Audio/Visual, Graphic Design & Mass Media. Ask about eligibility and enrollment; the school lists no-cost options for eligible DC residents.
Explore CTE programs →Where are announcements and school resources?
Check the GPS S.T.A.Y. student group in Microsoft Teams when available to you, and use the Student Portal for school tools and resources.
Visit the Student Portal →What if I need personal or academic support?
You can ask for help. Our school provides counseling, wellness, and student resources alongside academic and career planning.
Explore Wellness Supports →More useful school links
Accessibility tip: When a video offers captions, select the CC button or video settings. Available caption languages may vary by video.
You belong here
Every Gator has a next step.
You do not have to figure everything out on your own. Take one step, ask questions, and keep moving toward your goals. Our school community is here to help.
Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. Opportunity Academy
2001 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Main Office: (202) 299-3865