At ResponsiveEd, we proudly offer mastery-based programs through campuses like our iSchool High at University Park, which allow students to complete their coursework on a personally appropriate timeline and even graduate early. While in a mastery-based learning environment, students receive personalized lessons, and teacher support reflects their individualized needs.
Thousands of students have been successful in a mastery-based program, with one of the most impressive recent examples being 26 total of our iSchool High at University Park seniors who graduated with their high school diploma and associate’s degree this school year.
The mastery-based, early college high school is housed on the campus of Lone Star College-University Park and allows its students to enroll in courses at the college level. These students can graduate with two years of college credit and enter a four-year college as a Junior while most of their peers are just starting college at the Freshman level.
“The most notable impact of earning my associate degree while in high school is that I can jump into my first year of a four-year institution as a college Junior,” said iSchool High at University Park alumna Joshua Ortega. “I have saved thousands of dollars while participating in this program and, realistically, two years of University.”
Not only are students able to enter college ahead of their peers, but they can also achieve accelerated success in their future careers in the workforce and military. “Earning my associate degree in high school allows me to earn a higher rank and pay in the Army much faster than other new recruits,” said alumna Timothy Leavitt.
The self-directed curriculum, proven academic program, and instruction from caring teachers offered at iSchool High help students achieve their goals on their own terms. The format allows students to manage their personal and academic workload without operating around the confines of a traditional school schedule.
“I believe the freedom that iSchool [High] gives students allowed us to choose to learn,” said alumna Liz Nguyen. “The people I have met here are truly a blessing, and I could not have done it without my close friends and some teachers.”
Publications have further argued that mastery-based programs and the ability to earn college credit in high school allow students “to think about their own progress and encourage them to take their skills as far as they can.” The model was touted for its effectiveness for students of all levels and the culture of success it instills in graduates.
“At iSchool [High], we live by the mission of providing hope through moral and academic excellence. It is with this mission and our partnership with Lone Star College that we can foster a culture for students to achieve such a feat,” said Campus Director Bradley Sharp. “These 26 seniors bought into the culture and maintained the course of moral and academic excellence to achieve even with such adversity along their high school career. We are beyond proud of them for achieving their associate’s degree and a high school diploma. Congratulations to the Class of 2023!”
Find an iSchool High campus near you to learn about the unique educational opportunities these campuses offer their students. For more information or to apply at iSchool High at University Park, visit ischoolhigh.com/universitypark.
