Global Online Academy

 

 

What is Global Online Academy?

The mission of GOA is to reimagine learning to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society. We deepen learning through courses that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be successful in high school, college, career, and life. GOA expands educational opportunities for students by making available the hallmarks of our 140+ member schools - teaching expertise and intellectually rigorous courses.  By banding together as a consortium, GOA schools are able to offer far more courses than any single school could offer on its own. 

Students will join a global learning community through a high-quality online learning experience that allows them to develop critical skills and habits of learning such as cross-cultural collaboration, time management, project planning, advocacy, and real-world problem-solving. GOA’s course catalog is comprised of more than 65 unique, passion-driven courses targeting learners in grades 9-12. 

 

Why would my student take a GOA class rather than a class on campus? 

The most popular reasons students cite are: the chance to explore a topic they’re interested in that may not be offered on campus; the opportunity to learn with students whose backgrounds, experiences, and opinions differ from their own; and the ability to develop and practice new skills and learning strategies they will need and use in the future.

 

How can I be sure this is a quality experience?

Our member schools have all evaluated the GOA program and affirmed that the quality of instruction and student experience are equivalent to the quality of courses offered on campus. GOA courses are taught by expert educators predominantly from our member schools who are experienced and deeply skilled in teaching and supporting students both in-person and online. All GOA teachers receive 70 hours of professional development prior to teaching a course and are paired with an instructional coach for ongoing mentoring and support. Courses are observed and evaluated by our staff to ensure they meet the standards of our exemplary schools. In 2016, GOA became the first online academy to receive accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). GOA is also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

 

What are the important dates to know?

• End of August: Semester 1/Yearlong Courses Begin
• Mid December: Semester 1 Courses End
• Early January: Semester 2 Courses Begin/ Yearlong Courses Resume
• End of April: Semester 2/Yearlong Courses End

 

What are GOA’s Learning Pathways and Certification?

Students seeking to demonstrate depth of interest and expertise in a field of study can pursue one of GOA’s eight pathways to earn a Pathway Certification. Students who take three or more courses from a particular pathway will be issued a GOA transcript that lists the courses taken, the competencies mastered in those courses, and the certification earned. Schools will continue to record grades from GOA courses on the school’s transcript as well. Pathway Certification allows students to further distinguish themselves and create opportunities for sharing their unique learning journey in the college admissions process. 

 

How does it work?

GOA courses are teacher facilitated and paced, but they are predominantly asynchronous, offering students flexibility to work at their own pace and time with regular feedback and guidance from their teachers. Designed as highly interactive, the use of online discussion tools and scheduled video conferencing allows students to build relationships and share experiences with peers and teachers around the world. All student work is submitted and assessed in our Learning Management System.  Students communicate frequently with teachers and peers via email, our discussion platform, and periodic video calls. Students can expect to connect synchronously with teachers and classmates via video call on a weekly or biweekly basis.

 

If enrolled, what are the expectations of my student? 

A GOA course takes a similar commitment of time, effort, and engagement as an on-campus course. Courses are collaborative, engaging learning experiences and dependent upon student participation. Students typically spend 5-7 hours a week on GOA courses -- a significant commitment-- so it’s wise to discuss your student’s readiness with the Site Director and review the Student & Family Enrollment Presentation with your child before requesting enrollment. 

 

What can parents expect of GOA?

It is of paramount importance to us that families and schools are in the know when it comes to a GOA student’s experience. As a consortium of schools, you can expect that we have created frameworks and policies to help us unify our approach to teaching and learning and the student experience. You can expect reliable, regular communication from GOA and your student’s school when it comes to issues of student support and wellness. Our Student and Family Handbook outlines the details of our program.

• All teachers at our member schools are eligible to teach a GOA class. For more information on teaching a GOA course, click here.
   
• Educator Courses are available at no additional charge to member school faculty/staff.
   
• Link to our Insights Blog – our creative content collection about modern learning.