The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board recently argued that mastery-based programs like those offered at iSchool High, Quest Collegiate Academy, and Premier High Schools, better emphasize learning. They argue that mastery-based programs allow students, “…to think about their own progress and encourage them to take their skills as far as they can.” They go on to tout the model and its effectiveness for students of all levels.
In a mastery-based environment, students can complete coursework on a personally appropriate timeline and even graduate early. The lessons are personalized, which leads to teacher support that reflects the needs of the individual student. Thousands of students have achieved success in a mastery-based program but one of the most impressive recent examples is iSchool High – The Woodlands alumna Crystal Chavez.
While attending the mastery-based, dual-credit high school on the campus of Lone Star College, Chavez enrolled in college courses in the fall, spring, and summer. Through dedication and hard work, Chavez graduated with an associate of arts degree – before graduating early from high school in February. The opportunity to earn high school and college credits concurrently in a mastery-based environment allowed Chavez to push herself and obtain an associate degree far earlier than her peers.
“I remember attending the meeting with my dad and being so nervous after I left,” Chavez said. “I thought that the work at iSchool would be so much harder than at my regular high school, but I knew I wanted to get a college education and save money.”
When compared to the average annual cost of college and even the more affordable cost of a Lone Star College education over two years, the iSchool High program makes a lot of financial sense. Students who graduate with two years of college credit also enter a four-year college as a junior while most of their peers are just starting college as freshmen.
iSchool High School students complete their coursework online but students still work in small groups with their peers and receive in-class lecture-style instruction from caring teachers. The format allows students to manage their personal and academic workload without operating around the confines of a traditional school schedule.
“I liked the flexibility the most,” says Crystal. “You get to pick the time and the order that you work on assignments since it’s all online,” she said. “The flexibility also allowed me to manage personal and family commitments when I had to.”
Chavez is currently studying to obtain her real estate license before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Houston. For more information about iSchool High visit our website at ischoolhigh.com.
