The Ultimate Guide to Online High School

As technology continues to revolutionize the way we live and work, it's no surprise that it's also transforming the way we learn. Online high schools are becoming an increasingly popular option for students seeking flexibility, convenience, and high-quality education. With the ability to attend classes from anywhere at any time and access to world-class teachers and resources, online schools like Crimson Global Academy (CGA) are redefining the educational landscape.

In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of online high schools, how they work, and why they're an excellent choice for students looking to take control of their education.

What is an online school?

An online school is a modern and flexible option for education that offers students the convenience of attending classes from anywhere and at any time. To ensure students' academic abilities align with the course requirements, online schools usually administer an entrance diagnostic test and provide recommended textbooks. At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), we utilize cutting-edge educational software that provides an immersive learning experience, complete with interactive whiteboards and efficient assignment tracking tools. Although attendance is mandatory, students have the benefit of accessing recorded lessons for future reference.

Online schools provide an ideal platform for students with busy schedules, those living in rural areas, or those pursuing interests outside of traditional school hours. At CGA, students are placed in classes based on their academic abilities, allowing them to progress in certain subjects while keeping up with regular grade levels in others.

With small live classes, world-class teachers, and state-of-the-art education technologies, online schools such as CGA offer high-quality education to students worldwide.

Who can online learning benefit?

CGA’s mission is to broaden international access to high-quality education through technology, ensuring that each student that leaves the school has the belief and the tools to accomplish their goals. Here are some examples of students who can benefit from online learning:

1. Students wanting to study overseas

CGA offers International A Levels, Advanced Placement subjects, and the US High School Diploma to prepare students for top universities like Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford. Our Head of University Counseling, supports students in their international university admissions journey, and our teachers are equipped to write strong recommendation letters.

2. Students with busy extracurricular schedules

Online learning at CGA allows students to pursue their passions while receiving a quality education. Athletes can work around their training schedule, musicians and artists can practice their craft, and young entrepreneurs can work on their businesses, all while learning from world-class teachers.

3. Students from traveling or rural families

CGA provides a constant in the lives of students who travel or live in rural areas, eliminating the need to switch schools. Additionally, our small class sizes, top teachers, and outstanding academic results make CGA an attractive option for families seeking a quality education.

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What do online schools offer in comparison to traditional schooling?

Advanced Technology:

CGA uses state-of-the-art technology to provide an exceptional online experience for both students and teachers. Our technology resources are unmatched by traditional brick-and-mortar schools thanks to our start as a technology company. Our team of developers and designers is always working to improve the experience for our community.

Flexible Collaboration:

Our students and teachers can easily interact through live polls and quizzes, break out into smaller groups for collaboration, message and chat for real-time input and feedback, and use an interactive whiteboarding tool to animate, annotate, and work together. All classes are recorded and transcribed for easy note-taking and review.

Personalized Attention:

At CGA, our smaller class sizes allow teachers to give each student more personalized attention and build closer relationships with them. With fewer students in each class, teachers can adapt their teaching style to meet individual needs and provide a more comfortable learning environment where students are more likely to ask questions and seek help.

World-class teachers:

Our teachers are among the best high school teachers in the world, selected for their exceptional ability to engage students virtually. They are also expertly trained in online teaching to better cater to the needs of each individual student. CGA provides small, real-time classes built for interaction, addressing the complaint of many online learners who feel like they lose out on quality instruction and care from teachers.

What do class schedules look like in an online school?

Class schedules in online schools are designed with flexibility and freedom in mind, allowing students to schedule classes around their commitments and local activities. At Crimson Global Academy, our timetable is intentionally designed to mimic college scheduling, which enables students to achieve more in less time. With small class sizes, we are able to deliver quality instruction online efficiently.

Our classes typically include 2 hours of live instruction per week, and an optional 1-hour Q&A session. In addition, students can expect to spend an additional 3 hours per week on homework to solidify their understanding of the course material. This structure allows students to balance their academic work with other activities and commitments, while still receiving a quality education.

Making friends online

Making friends in an online school is not as difficult as many people might think. Although there is a misconception that online students can't be social, students can connect with their peers through various online tools and class projects.

At Crimson Global Academy, students from over 30 countries can connect with each other and participate in regular in-person events to make new friends. CGA also offers school and student-led clubs, providing students with an opportunity to connect with peers who share similar interests. With a larger pool of students to choose from, students can find others with diverse talents and skills to collaborate with in extracurricular activities.

Currently, CGA also has study hubs in its offices located in many cities around the world where students can come to study and meet other students, which is a great way for them to socialize and meet their peers.

Click here to see a full list of extracurricular activities offered at CGA.

Do Online High Schools Offer a Diploma or Certificate?

At Crimson Global Academy we prioritize providing students with the necessary documentation and support to help them achieve their university, scholarship, and career aspirations. These include non-traditional graduation certificates, transcripts for full-time students, exam results, and predicted grades. However, there are a few caveats.

Graduation Certificates:

A-Levels do not require a traditional graduation certificate, so CGA students receive a certification for demonstrating that they have received three or more A-Levels.

Transcripts:

CGA provides transcripts to full-time students, which includes identification, enrollment status, internal grades achieved in each subject per year, attendance record, extracurricular activities, and school award history. Part-time students must ensure that their primary school integrates these transcripts into the appropriate submissions.

Exam Results:

CGA provides official exam results from Pearson when needed and students can also access their exam results directly from Pearson.

What do Colleges and Universities think about online school?

In general, colleges and universities have a positive view of online high schools. These programs often have a strong focus on education, which can lead to a better understanding of the material and real-world applications. As a result, many colleges and universities are willing to accept students who have studied online.

One of the concerns for students is whether their diploma or certificate will be viewed differently by employers or admissions committees. However, there is no difference in the appearance of a diploma or certificate from an online high school compared to a traditional one. So, students don't need to worry about showing their online school transcript during job interviews or college applications.

Is online school right for me?

If you're wondering whether online school is the right fit for you, the answer may depend on your academic goals and learning style. Online schooling provides a flexible and convenient option for students who want to pursue their education while accommodating other commitments in their lives.

For those looking to gain admission to top universities, online schools like Crimson Global Academy offer a rigorous and challenging curriculum that prepares students for success in higher education.

Choosing the right school is an important decision, which is why we offer a free consultation with an Admissions Advisor to help you determine if our school is the right fit for you. Book a consultation today to get started on the path towards achieving your academic goals.