The American High School Curriculum and Online Learning
Each year, students across the globe complete their academic studies and prepare to take on the next challenge in their lives. For many students, this next challenge is university.
However, for a select few, the next step may be attending a high school in America. While there are many high schools around the world that offer excellent programs, the American curriculum is superior.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why the American high school curriculum is superior and why online learning outshines other options.
Continue reading to learn more!
What Does the American High School Curriculum Entail?
The American high school curriculum is divided into three categories: college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement.
College preparatory
Students in this track are expected to take four years of English, three years of math (including geometry, algebra II, and trigonometry or an equivalent level course), two years of natural science (including one year each of biology, chemistry, and physics), two years of social science (including world history, US/VA History, and one-semester American government), one period each of fine art and foreign language.
Honors
Students can expect to take a more rigorous curriculum than the regular college preparatory track in this program.
In addition to the classes offered in the college prep track, students also have access to honors remediation classes such as advanced placement calculus AB that will give them added knowledge later in university courses.
Lastly, students in the honors track are expected to take an extra semester of English, science, and math; this means that instead of taking four years of English, mathematics, and science courses, students will take five.
Advanced Placement
Students learn at a more advanced level than their peers do by taking on challenges that they would not normally face until university (or even later).
Students enrolled in this program also have access to homework assistance so they can get ahead of the curve with assignments during class time or after school hours.
American high schools are simply superior to the academic programs organized by their home systems for many students worldwide.
Why the American High School Curriculum is Superior
Though there are different types of academic programs around the world, one thing remains true: they are always inferior to their American counterparts.
While many countries have excellent curriculums for students of all levels, they simply cannot compete with the incredible learning opportunities that exist in America.
Here are some reasons why the U.S. high school curriculum is the best:
The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of students at all levels of education
In the United States, there are thousands of schools across all 50 states. This means that each institution can tailor its academic plans to suit the needs of students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Curriculum standards have been established by individual states rather than federally, which gives school administrators more freedom in designing educational plans that align with local priorities and culture.
States set their own graduation requirements as well as guidelines for coursework hours. While this might seem like an inconvenience on the surface, it has led to increased flexibility among leading educational institutions.
Students receive regular feedback and support from teachers
The American curriculum emphasis on student support and counseling. This helps each child feel like they matter – which is incredibly important – and ensures that every student reaches their full potential.
The American online high school curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards, which are internationally benchmarked and research-based
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is an educational initiative in the United States that details what K-12 students should know in English language arts and mathematics at the end of each grade.
These standards were developed by states to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared for college and careers.
However, even though the syllabus focuses on these two core subjects, the skills taught are relevant across all academic disciplines. This ensures that students receive a well-rounded education instead of simply learning facts for tests.
The nationwide standardization is both fair and balanced
Standardization ensures fairness among all schools because it establishes clear goals for student achievement.
It also allows schools to transfer credits between different institutions with ease, making earning your degree less expensive.
Students have access to a wide variety of courses and electives
Many schools in the United States offer many types of courses that take students’ specific interests into account.
This is incredibly important because it ensures that each pupil has access to classes that interest them and challenge them as well.
The American curriculum is designed to prepare students for college or career
One of the fundamental aspects of an American high school curriculum is the “career readiness” component. This ensures that students graduate as fully prepared as possible for college or a career in their desired profession.
The curriculum has been developed by experts and educators
Many organizations within America provide professional development workshops to teachers on how to implement best practices in the classroom. The most notable of these is the Center for Best Practices. Their research and resources ensure that quality education becomes more cost-effective and accessible.
The American curriculum is constantly updated and revised
The U.S. Department of Education releases updates and revisions to the curriculum every two years, offering schools a unique opportunity for course correction.
These changes are often implemented as part of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, which ensures that all students within the United States have access to a high-quality education regardless of their state or school.
Online Learning
Online learning has become a cornerstone of the American education system because it offers students access to courses, resources, and even teachers from around the world.
The most popular online high school is High School of America, which takes over 100 different classes online each semester.
How Studying Online Outshines Other Options
Are you thinking about returning to high school to earn your diploma? Learning new skills is important in today’s workforce, but finding the right program can be overwhelming. While studying online offers many benefits, some may still wonder which learning method is more beneficial: traditional classroom or online classes? The answer might surprise you!
Online learning beats out other options on nearly every measure, so read on to learn more.
You Can Study at Your Own Pace
Traditional classrooms typically offer fast-paced curriculums that can compete with your peers’ busy work and social lives. However, this kind of schedule leaves little room for errors and excuses.
With online courses, students can study at their own pace. Classes are self-paced and allow students to log in whenever they like in order to complete coursework and assignments.
This leaves more room for focus and concentration, which can greatly benefit students who work full-time or have other responsibilities outside of school. There is no need to stress about fitting in time with friends or family–you can do it at your own pace!
You Can Fit Classes into a Busy Schedule
Studying allows people to learn new skills and gain new knowledge, but it also leaves little room for socializing or balancing a busy schedule. Fortunately, with online courses, students can study on the go!
With a laptop computer and a good Internet connection, students have access to their work from anywhere. This means they can answer emails after taking care of kids in the morning before heading off to work or finish coursework at night while waiting for dinner to cook.
In other words, this flexible learning method allows students of all walks of life to incorporate studies into their busy lives–and that’s priceless!
Customization
Students have more freedom over what they want to study. Being able to select the information they wish to see allows them to tailor their learning experience by focusing on what is most important.
Longer contact time with teachers
There is nothing more valuable than one-on-one time with a teacher, and that can never be replaced. However, online learning allows pupils to access their lessons 24/7, which ultimately means they spend more time working hands-on with their instructor.
Collaboration with classmates from around the world
Many students struggle in traditional schools due to bullying or social isolation issues.
However, an online high school ensures that students can connect with people from various backgrounds and work together to achieve success.
Access to mentors and counselors
Increasingly, schools are looking for ways to help students achieve a sense of well-being.
An online high school offers one-on-one time with mentors and counselors who offer guidance in the face of life’s challenges.
Online education is cost-effective
The online school system saves both parents and schools money because it eliminates many costs associated with standard public schooling, such as transportation expenses.
The school also does not need to provide lunchrooms, playgrounds, or other physical resources, which would be required if it were a brick-and-mortar institution.
Access to a superior education
Since online high school students have access to the same courses as their on-campus peers, they can graduate with a diploma that has been earned in a rigorous academic environment.
In conclusion, the American high school diploma is the most respected and sought-after in the world. And, with online learning, students have access to more courses and a wider range of topics than they would at any other institution. Students can also learn at their own pace, which allows them to focus on areas that need more attention.
If you’re looking for an excellent education that will prepare you for success in college and beyond, look no further than High School of America.
Contact us today to get started!