- GPS Global Academy
- Design Your Day: Online Learning Models
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Are conventional schools an imperfect fit?
Do you need a flexible schooling option?
Ready to accelerate your plan of study, or get back on track?For over 10 years, GPS Global Academy has been a school where Kindergarten through 12th grade students living all over the state of Arizona take high-quality online classes from highly-trained Gilbert Public Schools teachers. At Global Academy, students work on their coursework at any time of day and from any internet-connected location in the world. Take a look at our three models of online learning and choose the one that fits you best!
Need more information or help deciding? Talk with a counselor today!
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Students in the asynchronous model take up to 6 classes at a time, for 9-16 weeks each. Students can work on their courses at any time -- including working ahead or setting a work schedule that makes the most sense for their lives. GPS teachers provide support through email, Webex meetings upon request, quality feedback, and more.
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In the A La Carte model, students, in consultation with their parents and counselor, choose whether to take each class in the asynchronous or the synchronous format. They may end up with some of each in their daily schedule. Students in this model have a more flexible day than their fully-synchronous classmates but also benefit from having daily lessons and time to work with their peers on subjects in which they need more support.
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Students in the synchronous model have a set, daily schedule consisting of live lessons with a teacher and their classmates, independent online and offline activities, and highly valuable small group instruction. Students' days are packed with learning opportunities as well as activities to get them moving, expressing their creativity, and communicating well. Students follow the conventional semester-long schedule to complete their courses.
What are the class expectations?
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In asynchronous classes, students (with the support of their parents and teachers) work on their courses at their own pace. For these classes, students can choose the time of the day (or week) they work on their classes, but must aim to achive the weekly time requirement shown below.
Students must be motivated to work through their classes. With so much freedom, students sometimes fall off-track. We train students and parents on the ins and outs of our system and classes so that parents can support their learners.
Weekly online time, per class: - KG - 6th grade: 4 hours
- 7th - 12th grade: 5 hours
7th-12th graders must pass an in-person exam at the end of each course. All students must attend monthly Student Connect conferences with their mentor to set goals and monitor progress. -
With students taking some classes synchronously and others asynchronously, a high level of time management is required. Students are expected to develop a daily schedule and routine that includes time to work on their asynchronous classes and attend their synchronous ones.
Weekly online time, per class: - KG - 6th grade: 4 hours
- 7th - 12th grade: 5 hours
All students must attend monthly Student Connect conferences with their mentor to set goals and monitor progress. -
In synchronous classes, students have a schedule of class times where they will meet with their teacher and classmates via Webex. This schedule is consistent for every day of school. During live time, the teacher delivers an engaging lesson and guides students while they practice before sending students to practice on their own. Synchronous teachers also arrange small-group appointments with students who need more support.
Synchronous classes are most suitable for students who wish to see their teacher every day and rely on their pacing and support.
During class, students are expected to:
- Arrive to the Webex classroom on-time
- Remain focused on the lesson
- Keep their cameras turned on
- Participate fully
Weekly online time, per class: - KG - 6th grade: 4 hours
- 7th - 12th grade: 5 hours
Junior High and High School final exams typically consist of end-of-semester projects instead of a formal exam. All students must attend monthly Student Connect conferences with their mentor to set goals and monitor progress.
How much does GPS Global Academy cost?
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- Kindergarten through 12th graders who reside anywhere in Arizona are able to enroll with GPS Global Academy as a full-time student for FREE. If a student is already enrolled in Gilbert Public Schools, they may enroll on a part-time basis; if they're taking up to six classes at a time they may do so for free, but the seventh or higher class will come with a fee.
Where can I take GPS Global Academy classes?
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Online students can take classes anywhere they have a reliable Internet connection!
More specifically, we recommend students attend class in places that are:
- Free from distraction, including toys, games, televisions, and siblings
- Highly organized, including all of the technology and supplies the student will need for the day
- Well lit
What do students need? What does GPS Global Academy provide?
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Students will need a computer or Chromebook that is capable of internet access and has a camera. If they already have a suitable device at home, they may use that.
- Gilbert Public Schools provides Chromebooks for checkout upon enrollment
- Students do not need to check out a district Chromebook if they already have a suitable device at home
- Mobile phones and tablets are not suitable devices, as they do not display our content properly
A reliable internet connection
- Most modern internet plans will work, but live WebEx meetings may require more speed
Headphones/earbuds
- Headphones or earbuds help the student remain focused during live classes. Not every student will need them, but they're helpful to have on hand just in case.
Curriculum Materials
- GPS Global Academy will provide families with quarterly curriculum materials, including books and complex art supplies
Basic school supplies
- Whiteboard markers
- Paper
- Pencils
- Basic art supplies
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Students will need a computer or Chromebook that is capable of internet access and has a camera. If they already have a suitable device at home, they may use that.
- Gilbert Public Schools provides Chromebooks for checkout upon enrollment
- Students do not need to check out a district Chromebook if they already have a suitable device at home
- Mobile phones and tablets are not suitable devices, as they do not display our content properly
A reliable internet connection
- Most modern internet plans will work, but live WebEx meetings may require more speed
Headphones/earbuds
- Headphones or earbuds help the student remain focused during live classes. Not every student will need them, but they're helpful to have on hand just in case.
Graphing calculator
- We recommend a hand-held graphing calculator but students may also use Desmos, an online graphing calculator.
Basic school supplies
- Pencils
- Paper, lined and graph
Why Global Academy, instead of other online school options?
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Every elementary student receives a take-home curriculum package to support their learning. This includes textbooks, workbooks, art supplies, whiteboards, and more!
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Every full-time student participates in monthly Student Connect Conferences with an assigned staff member. During these 15 minute meetings, they review their progress, set goals, and learn how to best manage their time and energy.
These valuable meetings provide students with a strong connection to a staff member over the course of the year, who they can call on for assistance navigating their online learning experience.
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All GPS Global Academy classes use a robust, rigorous, accredited online curriculum. Students will read, listen, and speak in every course they take.
We offer a full spectrum of classes, kindergarten through high school graduation, which include credit recovery, on-level, honors, and Advanced Placement classes to meet the academic needs of all learners.
We also offer a wide range of electives, including:
- "Gym membership" Art and PE classes for our elementary students,
- Coding, Spanish, Art, and PE for junior high
- Computer Programming, Art History, Psychology, Spanish, French, American Sign Language, and a whole lot more at the high school level
Students have many pathways to success while they're online!
How do I enroll my child?
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We're honored that you're considering GPS Global Academy for your child's education!
- To begin the enrollment process, visit http://www.gilbertschools.net/enroll and follow the instructions to complete the Online Enrollment Form. When the form asks you to select a school, be sure to select 'GPS Global Academy.'
- Once received, a Global Academy staff member will reach out to you and let you know that your enrollment is being processed. Please email that person with any questions you have during this time.
- When your application is complete, you'll arrange a time to meet with our Onboarding Counselor who will show you how to get started!