Over the past year, school, as we knew it, changed forever. The traditional classroom with teachers teaching and students absorbing the content in rows is no longer the norm or is it? The shift that needed to be made for the majority of brick and mortar schools happened quickly. This threw many of those schools into very unfamiliar territory. When it comes to utilizing technology, we provide both content and instruction as well as operational functions for students and parents.
In order to continue the learning and growth process for students, traditional schools had to jump into the deep with both feet and no floaties. These schools scrambled to engage students in new ways. Teachers needed to be nimble when it came to lesson plans and supplemental activities. We believe the vast majority of schools did well and managed to keep the ball rolling for their students. At the same time, it also highlighted the gaps in the traditional school system. When considering agility and adaptability, there were inefficiencies not only in their processes but also with their staff.
This is not a knock against any school, nor is it a stance to say that one type of school is more superior to another. This article is to provide students and families with more information. Importantly, knowledge to understand that there are distinct differences at-play of which they may not be aware.
There are no synchronous meetings, no virtual homeroom for check-in, and no zoom calls. Students log into their online classes, complete assignments, and finish exams based on their schedules, their content comprehension, their overall understanding, and their time management skills.
ONLINE HIGH SCHOOLS VERSUS DOING REGULAR HIGH SCHOOL ONLINE
I want to be sure that you understand our backstory at Hope High School Online. First and foremost, Hope High School Online is an online high school. We are not a brick-and-mortar high school with classes over the Internet. Hope High School Online has been serving students across the state of Arizona since 2003. We are still doing it—100% online. There are no synchronous meetings, no virtual homeroom for check-in, and no zoom calls. Students log into their online classes, complete assignments, and finish exams based on their schedules, their content comprehension, overall understanding, and their time management skills.
…Self-Paced
Hope High School Online is a purely, self-paced online high school. With that being said, Hope High School Online is not impersonal or automated. We have a very robust, lively, and engaging staff ready to support you whether that’s in your online classes. We can help you with your graduation plan. Ask questions about careers and what options are available after high school. Even if you just need help with resources and referrals that have absolutely nothing to do with school. Our purpose goes beyond simply providing classes and credits for students. Our team of online teachers and academic coaches are passionate about their jobs. We offer academic help that impacts students and families. We engage frequently and we check-in with our students to make sure they aren’t hung up on a question or topic. Many times students won’t ask for help and we get it. We also know that if a student struggles long enough without receiving support, they will give up. We know how difficult high school can be for many students; we’ve been there too.
Being self-paced means that students drive their own progress and learning. That doesn’t mean that they are isolated in that endeavor. We give students the space to grow and find a rhythm while also being supported and encouraged throughout the journey. It’s truly a learning partnership.
In order to make the most of that high school experience, Hope High School Online has put together 4 characteristics that will boost student success in the learning process. Each week, we will be posting a new characteristic so keep an eye out for them.
Next week, be on the lookout for the first characteristic “Invest In Yourself”.
At Hope High School Online, we are the better online high school in Arizona designed just for you. This free online high school is specifically designed for individuals and ranked the #4 best online high school in Arizona by Niche.