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From Magic City Morning Star Education
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA -- America's newest Christian high school is being built without the assistance of a single architect, engineer or contractor. That's because when St. Mark's Academy opens next fall, it will be completely online. Online education is growing at a tremendous rate, given that it is flexible, permitting students to learn at their own pace and in an environment where they feel most comfortable. Investments that would otherwise have to be put into buildings and a physical infrastructure can be used to develop and support academic programs. Also, in an online atmosphere, both students and parents can follow the student's progress each step of the way. "St. Mark's Academy provides an alternative for those middle and high school students whose needs are not being met in a traditional school setting," said Jamie Osborne, the school's Headmaster. "Our educational model is designed to provide a learning option that maximizes flexibility and personalization, without sacrificing academic quality." A key feature of the school is 24/7 on-demand access to e-instructors, said Osborne. These content-area experts - most of whom are Masters or Ph.D.-level educators - are just a mouse click away. St. Mark's will be closed on days denoted as holidays, and no live sessions will be conducted on those days, but students may access course work and have normal access to an e-instructor. Given the current economic climate, school officials have made every effort to keep tuition low, said Osborne. "We also have a convenient monthly payment plan, which eliminates the need to pay for a semester in advance," he said. Tuition is $795 per semester, or $1,590 a year, for the first student enrolled from a family. For additional students from the same family, a reduction in the tuition costs bring the tuition down to $645 per semester, or $1,290 a year. Most texts are provided online, at no additional cost, but some courses may require outside texts or materials, many of which may be obtained free from a local public library. St. Mark's digital curriculum offers a range of solutions to support students, from pre-high school Foundations level courses through college-level Advanced Placement. "Most often, we are forced to take a 'one size fits all' approach to education," said Donna Antonopoulos, a middle school Spanish teacher from South Carolina who also serves as a St. Mark's enrollment counselor. "With this new school, we can provide a much more customized approach that addresses different learning styles and paces." Classes can be tailored to a student's interests and strengths, as long as the graduation requirements are achieved. Twenty credits are required for graduation from St. Mark's Academy. A one-semester course is valued at 0.5 credit, and a two-semester course is worth one credit. The credit requirements are as follows:
Students may complete work early, but all work must be complete by the semester end dates. Students can submit enrollment applications at any time of the year, but must wait to begin classes until the beginning of the fall or spring semesters. Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, including a review of the records from the student's current or former school district. Applicants must be able to demonstrate completion of the sixth grade through official transcripts or homeschool portfolios in order to be admitted to St. Mark's middle school program. Those applying for admission to the high school program must demonstrate completion of the eighth grade. Applications must be accompanied by payment of a $99 non-refundable fee for first-time students. Notification of acceptance will be received within two weeks of receipt of all required enrollment documentation, with acceptances contingent upon receipt and review of transcripts. St. Mark's is a Christian school, but students from Christian churches of various denominations and theological beliefs are welcome. As a non-denominational Christian academy, St. Mark's is not aligned with any particular denomination. St. Mark's Academy is preparing its application for accreditation by the Northwestern Association of Accredited Schools, a recognized accreditation agency for distance education schools. Diplomas issued by St. Mark's will say "St. Mark's Academy", with no reference made of its online status. A series of virtual information sessions for parents and students is currently being planned, Osborne noted. For more information, visit the school's web site at www.stmarksacademy.net or phone 1-866-296-3140. © Copyright 2002-2008 by Magic City Morning Star |