High School Quarters Information
Missouri Digital Academy enrolls new students every quarter. Students take 3-4 courses during quarter, earning the same amount of credits at the end of the academic year that they would earn in a traditional semester schedule.
Advantages
Focused Learning: With 3-4 courses at a time, students can concentrate more deeply on fewer subjects at a time, fostering deeper understanding and engagement.
Individualized Attention: Teachers will have the opportunity to dedicate more time and attention to each student within smaller groups, allowing for more personalized support and feedback.
Increased Opportunities for Mastery: More frequent assessments and evaluations mean that students and teachers can track progress more closely, identifying areas for improvement and celebrating achievements more regularly.
- Accelerated Credit Accumulation: Quarters provide more frequent opportunities for students to earn credits, allowing them to get ahead or catch up more efficiently.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Pace of Learning: Quarters move at a faster pace compared to semesters. It's crucial for students to stay organized and manage their time effectively to keep up with coursework.
- Course Load: While the total number of courses over the year remains similar, the distribution across quarters may vary. Students should plan accordingly to balance their workload throughout the year.
- Grading and Assessment: Grades are finalized at the end of each quarter, not at the end of the semester. It's essential for students to track their progress and address any concerns promptly.
- Communication: Regular communication between students, parents, and teachers will be essential to ensure everyone is informed about progress and any challenges that may arise.
Tips
- Time Management: Encourage your child to use planners or digital calendars to stay organized and manage deadlines effectively.
- Seek Support: Our faculty and staff are here to support students throughout this transition. Encourage your child to reach out if they have questions or need assistance.
- Stay Engaged: Regularly check in with your child about their progress and encourage open communication with teachers.
Sample Schedule
The graphic illustrates an example of class scheduling under both the previous semester-based system and the new quarter-based system. This side-by-side comparison allows students and parents to see how courses from the previous semester schedule are now distributed across the quarters.
Important Dates
It is important to remember that classes are only open for the quarter. All assignments must be submitted on the last day of the quarter. Grades are final at the end of the quarter.
Quarter 1
First Day of Quarter
August 24, 2026
Last Day of Quarter
October 15, 2024
Quarter 2
First Day of Quarter
October 19, 2026
Last Day of Quarter
December 17, 2026
Quarter 3
First Day of Quarter
January 6, 2026
Last Day of Quarter
March 4, 2026
Quarter 4
First Day of Quarter
March 15, 2026
Last Day of Quarter
May 20, 2026