The American Academy

I started the American Academy one month ago. So far, the American Academy has been wonderful! We are traveling full-time in an RV, so we needed a school that would fit into our schedule and also be very flexible. We were searching online for schools and my mom called the American Academy. She spoke to Richard and he told her what she needed to look for in an online high school and what to avoid. We ended up searching further for schools, but the American Academy was the only one we really liked. I enrolled and really liked the teachers and the math curriculum. Things I like about the American Academy are that, it's accredited, it's flexible, there is always someone to answer my questions, and that you can go at your own pace. Just recently we were able to visit the staff at the American Academy in Salt Lake City, UT. They were extremely nice and answered all of the questions we asked them. They also told our story about us being on the road in an RV to the producer at Fox News Utah, and we were able to be on the morning show! It was very exciting! I am very happy that I am a student at the American Academy!

Watch Ben and his family on the Fox News morning show.

It's hard to believe, but it's been a little over a year since we launched The American Academy. And what a year it's been! Truly, I can say it's been one of the most rewarding years in my professional life (and in my personal life, but that's another story for another time...).

I came from the enterprise software world, building very large systems for retailers and state, local and federal government customers. That experience has given me an interesting view of the world of technology in education, and in particular in online learning.

This article in the New York Times this past weekend is an in-depth (and disturbing) look into the murky world of what are known as "diploma mills".

We get many calls every day, and of course many more online inquiries (after all, we are a virtual school!). Today we got a call that deserves particular mention. A gentleman called today from Saudi Arabia - his family is living in New Zealand. He was born in Korea.

We are proud to be one of the only schools in the world that offer language and government classes for the Navajo Nation. These classes are helping to preserve the language and culture not only for Navajo children, but for anyone who is interested in learning a language not likely to be taught in a regular high school!

Check out out our press release as well as a recent article about us in the Salt Lake Tribune.

Last week we celebrated the first official day in spring, the harbinger (English students, add that to your vocabulary lists!) of longer days, warmer temperatures, and ...the scramble to make up credits or make room for next year's band class!

This year, we put together a program designed specifically for our "summer school" learners. We know you want to finish your courses as quickly as possible so you can enjoy as much of that precious sunshine as possible. (I'm with you on that!). The theme for our summer school program is "Get in, get out, and get on with it!"

And how are we going to help you do that? Well, check out our new Summer School Program page for details! Okay, I'll give you a preview here: our program is all about support, both academic and motivation. You'll have access to a licensed instructor to answer your questions AND to a professional online tutor available on-demand, any time, day or night. We have a study log to help you see your time add up, a podcast to help you get started on the right foot, and a Online Summer School newsletter to keep you going throughout the summer.

Did we miss anything? Students, I invite your feedback! Good luck, all!

School choice could soon be a reality nation-wide if President Bush's plan to offer Pell Grants to k12 students turns into a reality.

"In his State of the Union Address, the President proposed $300 million in a Pell Grants for Kids program to help the parents of poor children in underperforming schools afford the schools of their choice.

Social networking tools like Facebook and MySpace make the world a smaller place. But did you know that your academic and social worlds could collide there, too? According to a recent survey of post-secondary admissions counselors, approximately 21% of them screen student applications by checking out their profiles on social networking sites!

Link to the full article is here: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/11/25/...

It's now on my list of recommended reading.

The Old Oquirrh School House (est 1896) was an auspicious cradle for The American Academy's first few months. Now that it is returning to its roots (it will be renovated beginning in January and turned back into a school), The American Academy will start it's adolescence in the historic and newly renovated Walker Center. The Salt Lake Tribune recently highlighted the history of our new home:

http://www.sltrib.com//ci_7477203?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib...

A researcher at Johns Hopkins University published a report last month that showed that in 1 in every 10 schools less than 60% (that's 3 in 5) graduate. In 2000 schools more students drop out than finish high school!

Utah was the only state in the country that did not have a so-called "dropout" factory. This commitment to helping students complete school is one of the cornerstones of our partnership.

The American Academy, the premier solution to the dropout crisis gripping the nation, offers courses aligned to the Utah state standards and utilizes Utah-licensed teachers.