High School Quarters Information
Missouri Virtual 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.