Christa McAuliffe Academy
Offers A Personal Touch for
Distance Learning
On the surface, it looked
like any high school prom. Students entered through
an ivy archway, the music roared, and the lights danced
around the tiny mirror-walled ballroom. Rather than
dancing however, many of the more than 20 teens attending
Christa McAuliffe Academy’s senior
prom, opted to spend their time chasing each other through
the halls, grazing from the food tables, or sitting in
corners chatting.
Several prom goers explained; most of them are scattered
around the world and only get to meet each other in person
once a year for special school events. This is because
Christa McAuliffe is not a traditional school. Christa
McAuliffe Academy is one of the first and most premiere
on-line learning institutions for grades K-12. Headquartered
in Yahima, Washington, the school has been in existence
for over 20 years. Christa McAuliffe Academy, named in
honor of the teacher who died tragically in the space
shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986, prides itself on
offer personal quality education.
CMA assigns a certified online “mentor” to
each student. The mentor offers personalized and individual
guidance to each student while he/she is attending the
school. This mentor, not only by e-mail but also by utilizing
our highly advanced virtual classroom environment that
incorporates the best text and voice features the Internet
has to offer.
CMA has the distinction of being the only accredited
distance learning school to have vClass for group discussion
and interaction with peers. vClass is an advanced technology
system used to conduct scheduled weekly online classes
for all full-time students. The vClass system provides
ample opportunity for the students to learn and exchange
ideas, to practice communication skills, and to get to
know each other and their mentor in real time. It also
provides opportunities for each student to prepare and
present lessons or projects.
CMA Model also adheres to the concept of parent involvement
in the learning process. They expect a commitment from
students and parents to accept responsibility for learning
outcomes. Students are empowered to learn at their own
pace, so they must take responsibility for setting and
maintaining appropriate study habits and schedules. Parents
take an active part, monitoring daily progress and giving
encouragement and support when needed.
The total model seems to work!
Jennifer Scott, a recent graduate testifies, “CMA has given me a sense of
accomplishment in my school work, the drive and focus
to reach my goals. Caring teachers, administration, and
staff really made the difference for me…I had
a chance to meet students online from all over the US
and the World.” A great testimonial for any school!#
For information on Christa McAuliffe Academy call
1-866-575-4989, or visit our website at www.cmacademy.org.
