Self-Paced Online Learning: How It Works
Every student deserves to be the priority in their academic journey. At Holston Academy, we provide the educational tools and support they need to establish a solid foundation for success.
Our Approach to Education
When an educational program cannot provide students with learning systems that accommodate their needs, the students lose. Our online school highlights each student’s unique strengths, interests, and preferences, allowing them to learn at their own pace and facilitating a deeper comprehension of essential subjects. Each student will find cheerleaders and mentors in our expert teachers and Academic Coaches, who provide individualized support every step of the way.
Understanding Our Online Learning Management System
Gain insight into our student learning platform and request more information to learn more.
How Does Online School Work?
Our streamlined onboarding process allows students to start learning as soon as possible and experience all the benefits of self-paced online learning. As soon as they enroll, students can look forward to all these benefits and more.
Student Assessment
A student’s first step to excellence is meeting our Education Team and taking assessments, which serve as the foundation of their Personalized Learning Plan. These assessments include items like:
- Transcript evaluation: We use students’ past transcripts to develop an Academic Plan based on their current education levels.
- NWEA MAP: Evaluates math and reading skills.
- MindPrint: Collects objective cognitive data that identifies a student’s strengths and personalized learning needs.
- Interest Inventory: This can help students (and their teachers) see where their interests lie and which classes they may enjoy most.
- Future Goals: We request that students complete this questionnaire to help us understand how to best support them regarding their future.
Academic Coach Support
Within their first days at Holston Academy, students will be assigned and meet with their Academic Coach. Our trained Coaches are here to support students in any way they can, such as providing strategies that will help them far beyond school. Together, the student and Coach will review the student’s Personalized Learning Plan and meet regularly to help them stay on track with their education and goals.
Teacher Interactions
Teachers will also meet individually with students, ensuring they have one-on-one time to address course questions and receive instructional support that addresses their learning needs. Teachers are also available by text message, email, and phone so they communicate in whatever ways are most comfortable and accessible for the student.
Mastery-Based Learning
Each of our more than 300 courses is self-paced, meaning no student is left behind. Teachers and Academic Coaches adjust their approach to each student’s needs rather than the other way around, allowing them to repeat lessons or jump ahead where needed.
Parent Involvement and Time Management
Every student learns differently, and our courses accommodate flexibility, allowing each individual to complete their coursework in the most effective way for them. Holston Academy also encourages parents to stay informed and track their student’s progress through the Holston Learning Management System so they can engage with their child and support them when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our school is a vibrant community of families who value the flexibility of participating in an academic program that is personalized to meet the needs of individual students. Upon enrollment, each student is assigned an Academic Coach who works with the student and family to create a Personalized Learning Plan, which includes courses and a schedule for students to complete coursework at their own pace. Academic Coaches meet with their students regularly to review progress, teach study skills, and provide academic counseling. Subject matter teachers guide students through the courses, providing grading, personalized feedback, and support along the way. Tutors are available to help support students on a scheduled or on-demand basis at an additional cost. Students are required to maintain continuous progress on a weekly basis, although they may skip weeks from time to time by arrangement with their Academic Coach. Holston Academy is a mastery-based program. Students receive credit for demonstrating that they know the material required. They may test out of units they have already mastered or slow down to spend more time on new or difficult material.
No, we do not offer live classes. Holston Academy’s courses are asynchronous, meaning students are able to work independently through their coursework at a time and pace that works best for them. Teachers are available for additional support at a time arranged by the student and teacher.
Holston Academy students have access to one-on-one individualized instructional sessions with teachers, basic tutoring (for a fee), screen readers in multiple languages, built in interactive tools and scaffolding, audiobooks, and other learning support tools.
We encourage parents to be actively engaged in their student’s education. Engagement may take the form of reviewing student progress in the Learning Management System, attending meetings with their Academic Coach or teachers, or helping students with scheduling and time management.