Mastery-Based Learning
Our online system is designed to focus on students’ strengths and achievements, rather than their limitations and failures. For example, our individually-paced mastery learning approach eliminates the “need for speed” present in a standard classroom and allows students to learn at their own natural rate. Students may begin a new course at any time during the calendar year, and progress at the pace that they find most comfortable. As long as the student eventually masters the course work, they will be awarded credit for the course. Instead of having to keep up with other students, Horton Academy students can learn as slowly or rapidly as their personal learning style dictates.
Horton Academy courses are self-paced. However, there are 2 limitations to this:
- No student is permitted to finish a course in less than 30 days from the time he or she submits the first lesson in that course.
- Your username and password are active for 1 year from the date of your enrollment – your Enrollment Year. If your coursework is unfinished after 1 year, you may simply re-enroll and continue where you left off. Or, if you have fewer than 5 lessons to complete, you may qualify to purchase an extension to complete your coursework.
Horton Academy’s mastery learning philosophy offers students the freedom and responsibility of self-paced learning. Students are accountable for mastering all the skills and content of each lesson. Students submit revisions of their work until the instructor determines that the student has a genuine understanding of the concepts in the lesson. In the process, students also master important life skills such as time-management, effective communication, independence, and responsibility.
Personal Graduation Plan
Every student works closely with his or her counselor to develop their Personal Graduation Plan. We begin by reviewing previously earned high school credits. From here, you and your counselor will review the course that you will be required to complete in order to graduate. You will have many course choices from core courses such as Canadian History and Trigonometry to electives courses such as Stress Management and Digital Photography.
Each week, your counselor will send you and your parents a Weekly Summary Progress Report so that you always know where you stand toward your goal of graduating. Students enrolling in the Diploma PLUS program also receive a Monthly Detailed Progress Report and may have regular phone meetings with their counselor as needed.
Developing Grit and Personal Responsibility
Teachers hold all students to high standards of mastery while being personally encouraging. Obstacles such as time and place are removed.
Students are encouraged to be in charge of their education by setting their own schedules, delving deeper into topics of interest, and practicing self-advocacy in various ways. Our lesson assignments are designed to give students opportunities for creativity and independence.
Each student is in charge of his or her own important tasks, such as submitting a request for a final grade at the completion of a course. Students also schedule their own time to work towards their personal goals.
Our graduates report having the skills and confidence to excel in college, career, and life.