As parents, the concept of online schooling is vastly different from what we’re used to. Brick-and-mortar schools are all we know, so it’s no wonder many parents have questions about whether online learning is right for their family. Choosing any high school or primary school is a difficult decision. As parents, we want to ensure we are making the right choice for our child.

At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), we understand that parents have many questions about how we can support their child's education and well-being. As an admissions officer, I frequently address concerns from parents who want to know how online schooling can meet their needs. This blog answers the most common questions parents ask, giving a clear picture of the distinct benefits online learning can provide to your child's education.

Can my child apply to universities after CGA?

Absolutely! CGA students have gained admission to the world’s top universities like Oxford, Stanford, Harvard and Princeton, and local universities. You can view our latest university admissions results here.

Parents sometimes get the impression we only admit students aiming for US or UK universities as we teach the US Diploma and the International A Levels but these curricula options are really well suited to a wide range of students and are accepted by universities everywhere.

Do we receive school reports / have parent-teacher interviews?

Yes! Parents often say that they know more about what their child is doing at CGA than any other school their child has attended. Our custom built Parent Portal provides information on student attendance, upcoming assignments, teacher contact details and all past school reports. Our small class sizes also ensure detailed and specific parent-teacher interviews.

Here's what can parents can find in CGA's online parent portal:

Timetable: Plan ahead with easy access to your child’s daily/weekly/monthly schedule.
Attendance: Keep a watchful eye on your child’s attendance, including late arrivals and absences.
Leave application and Absence Justification: Effortless request leave and provide justify student absences.
Student Insights: Start meaningful conversations with your child using using our conversation starters.
General Resources: Access essential resources, from textbooks to technical requirements, school calendars and more.

The Academic Hub also ensures parents play an active role in their child's education:

Student engagement scores: Immerse yourself in a world of learning and discovery with insights into your child’s engagement and accomplishments.
Assignments: Anticipate upcoming assignments and celebrate past achievements with a wealth of academic insights into your child’s engagement and accomplishments.
Term Reports: Stay informed and celebrate your child’s progress with term reports tracking your child’s academic progress.
Learning Snapshots: Unlock the power of AI-driven bite-sized snippets into your child’s learning journey.

How does online school ensure student wellbeing and mental health?

Traditional schooling systems, while effective for some, can inadvertently overlook the holistic development of students, leading to increased stress and anxiety among the youth. Through CGA’s online learning there is a strong emphasis on the mental well-being and holistic development of its students. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional schooling methods, which often focus primarily on academic achievements, sometimes at the expense of student wellness.

For families who feel physical schooling isn't a good fit - whether due to bullying, social anxiety, or simply the need for a different learning pace, CGA’s online community ensures that every student feels understood and supported to learn in a way that suits them best.

Should my child join group classes or private classes?

This completely depends on the student. The group classes, held 2-5 hours per subject each week, provide a great social opportunity and more structure as the timetable remains constant throughout the year.

For most students, the group classes more closely resemble a typical school day and make for an easy transition to CGA. The private classes, known as Da Vinci, are very flexible and provides a terrific option for a range of situations. Generally speaking, I recommend Da Vinci for students aged 8-11 years old, students who need additional support or who want to accelerate their learning or students who have unpredictable schedules due to extracurricular or travel commitments.

What's the benefit of studying as a full time student online?

Besides being able to enrol by ability rather than age across all subjects, full-time students are supported by CGA’s university counselors, attend form time and make friends from around the world!

Enrolment by Ability, Not Age: At CGA, students can enrol in courses that match their ability level rather than being restricted by age. This allows for personalised learning paths and ensures that each student is both challenged and supported appropriately.

Comprehensive University Counselling: Full-time students receive dedicated support from university counsellors. These experts guide students through the university application process, helping them identify their strengths, select appropriate courses, and prepare strong applications for top universities worldwide.

Form Time and Social Interaction: Full-time students participate in regular form time, which helps build a sense of community and routine. During these sessions, students can discuss their progress, set goals, and connect with their peers and teachers.

Global Friendships: One of the favourite features for students studying online is the opportunity to make friends with students from around the world. This international community broadens students' perspectives and enriches their learning experience. See when CGA students met for the first time in Singapore.

Flexible Learning Environment: Full-time online schooling offers flexibility that traditional schools cannot match. Students can tailor their study schedules to fit their individual needs, whether that includes balancing academics with extracurricular activities, travel, or personal commitments.

Personalised Attention: With smaller class sizes, full-time students receive more personalised attention from teachers. This ensures that each student’s learning needs are met, and they receive the support required to excel in their studies.

Can we enroll early / late / mid-year?

Yes! A lot of students join CGA midterm or mid-year. It’s important to note that in some cases, group classes will either be full or not recommended due to the class being too difficult to catch up on, in which case we’ll recommend the Da Vinci classes or a combination of Da Vinci and group classes.

For more detailed on enrolment options, personalised plans, or if you're ready to enrol your child online with CGA, speak to Academic Advisor today.

What's the difference between US Diploma and British A-levels?

While both curricula are highly respected by universities around the world, they are significantly different. The A-Levels offer more traditional subjects like Mathematics, English, and the Sciences, which are studied in depth over two years. Students usually select three to four subjects to specialise in, allowing for focused study in areas of interest.

In contrast, the US Diploma provides a broader educational experience. It includes a mix of compulsory subjects and a variety of electives, promoting a well-rounded education. Students studying for the US Diploma often take a wider range of subjects each year, including English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education, along with electives in the Arts, Technology, and Foreign Languages.

Both curricula prepare students well for university, but the choice between them may depend on the student's learning style and career goals. A-Levels are often preferred for specialised fields, while the US Diploma is ideal for students seeking a broad educational foundation.

What's the roadmap for your child at CGA? (multi-year planner)

As CGA Admission Officers, our aim is to give families an idea of what their child’s plan could look like 2, 3 or more years into the future.

Every child is different and by having even a rough idea of your child’s interests and goals, we can provide a draft plan of recommended subjects, required scores and expected year of graduation. This ensures that a student aiming for a top US or UK university has a more demanding academic plan than a student aiming to finish high school. Here are the years of CGA that we use to customise for your child.

• CGA Leap  (Ages 7-8 years) 

  Introduces young learners to core subjects English, Math and Science in an online setting, with part-time, one-to-one instruction.

• CGA Primary  (Ages 8-10 years) 

  Focuses on core subject mastery with complimentary World Geography and Computer Science subjects, in preparation for international curricula within a global school.

• CGA USA Junior High or CGA Lower Secondary  (Ages 10-13 years)

  Students can choose between 1:1 or group classes, available in part-time or full-time, where they begin to further explore academic subjects and new areas of interest.

• CGA High School  (Ages 13-18)

  From International GCSEs to Advanced Placement courses and the US High School Diploma, our comprehensive program supports students for preparation in higher education.

Do you only cater to advanced students?

Not at all. While roughly 30% of students are studying at least one subject above their grade level, 40% of students are studying at their grade level and some are studying below their grade level in order to catch up. Every student at CGA has different needs and enrols in CGA because they understand its benefits and want to be there to learn.

How are the parents involved in their child's journey at CGA?

Our monthly family meetings are inclusive gatherings that welcome all members, including our CGA students. During these meetings, we share brief community updates and open the floor for discussions, providing families with the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue.

CGA parents are also welcomed to join us in global, bi-monthly Parent Information Sessions where they can hear from each other and our school leaders. Typical topics include Academic updates, upcoming social initiatives and university pathway insights and tips.

• Come along to student meet-ups
• Join regular parent meeting sessions
• Attend special parent events

We also invite parents to join our exclusive "Parents of CGA" Facebook group, available once you join our school. Here you can connect, share experiences, and support other parents. At the local level, we invite parents to enjoy our student meet-ups by carving out time for themselves to also meet and get to know other CGA parents.

Understanding the Benefits of Online Schooling

Learning online can appear to be quite different from traditional brick-and-mortar schools, and it is understandable that parents will have many questions when contemplating this option for their children. At CGA, we are focused on addressing these concerns and ensuring that online learning fulfills your family's requirements.

From university applications to personalised attention and mental well-being, CGA provides an expansive and adaptable educational experience. Our programs correspond to a diverse group of students, whether they aim to attend top colleges or seek a supportive studying environment.

If you have any further queries or need more information, please contact our Academic Advisors.