A lot has been said about the importance of time management for students, especially online students. Those who are successful at managing their time will do well, but online high school students who excel at using their time wisely may even be able to work ahead. This can be an advantage in many ways. Students can work ahead in order to meet short term goals such as completing a class early in order to take a trip or to participate in another kind of opportunity. Students can also work ahead in order to move on to more advanced coursework or even college level classes while still in high school.
Short Term Goals
Whether it is a family trip or travel for sports, sometimes students need time to focus on other things. Students in online school can work ahead in their curriculum in order to prepare for these opportunities. Students must be aware of upcoming events that will impact their schedule. Then, the first step is always to contact the teacher of the class. The student and teacher can work together to make the best possible plan that balances the student’s upcoming events with the work load of the course. A student whose family is preparing to travel can finish work early or plan to take some work along on the trip; young athletes on traveling teams can arrange coursework around their game schedules; a pre-professional ballet dancer may be able to complete the first semester before Nutcracker performances begin. The possibilities are endless when online students and teachers work together.
Advanced Coursework
Students who learn quickly and want to move ahead may be able to do more through online school. For instance, a student who excels in math may be able to finish a course in half the time and move on to the next level. In this way, they can double up on course completions. Concurrent enrollment or early college can be possible through online schools as well. If a student qualifies for early college level classes, these can be taken at the local community college and the student receives both high school and college credit for the course. A high school student can even graduate with an Associates Degree or with a certificate they can use to get a job right away or to jump start them into more courses for a four year degree program.
Each student is on a different educational path and time line. Students who have the ability and the desire to move quickly through their courses have many opportunities to do so with online school. Online high school students can work with their teachers to arrange their schedules to meet their short and long term goals for a successful future.