With the new school year came new friends, activities, teachers, and courses. However, this year, Cathedral has also initiated a new learning experience for students: online classes.
Students will have the opportunity to take one of five different classes through Aventa Learning, an outside company that Cathedral has partnered with to broaden prospects for students. The classes being offered include AP European History, AP Computer Science, Web Design, and Mandarin Chinese 1 and 2.
“Our new online classes are great for students who are diligent, independent learners and have an interest in any of the classes being offered,” said Mr. Dave Silva, counselor. “Two of the classes are also weighted, which is very beneficial to students looking to raise their GPA and boost their class rank.”
While the classes are online, it will still be mandatory for students to take all tests and final exams with CCHS faculty by arranging to do so beforehand. And to prevent overburdening, students may only take one course at a time.
“In addition to widening students’ course résumés, the classes are also great practice for students to take online classes in college, since many colleges are now offering online classes as a more convenient alternative,” said Mr. Baier, AP American Government teacher and Director for Center of Innovation.
Online classes are becoming an increasingly popular trend. According to USA Today, more than 6.9 million students took an online class during the fall 2011 semester, which is an 11% increase from the year before. In California alone, over 175 colleges including Cal Polytechnic, UCLA, and Stanford University offer online educational enrichment programs. “Taking online classes in high school can help better prepare students for their transition into college learning,” said Mr. Baier.
“These classes hold awesome opportunities for students interested in taking them,” Mr. Silva said. “But before you commit to taking one of these classes, make sure you have the time. It is important to keep in mind that these classes will have an equal workload to any of your other classes and should be taken just as seriously.”
In order to take part in this learning experience, students must visit their counselors and obtain an access code to sign up for the class. In addition, students are required to sign a commitment contract and pay a fee of $500. Students interested in taking advantage of the opportunity to add another class to their workload are urged to set up a meeting with a counselor as soon as possible.