CMA Students' Perspectives on Online Education
Why did you leave your former school to attend Christa McAuliffe Academy?
As you think about and decide if CMA is the right place for you, you may be interested in knowing what some of our current students have to say about going to school with us...
When asked: "Why did you leave your former school and join CMA?" our students responded:
Difficulty working with so many teachers at my other school
Teachers who just taught and didn't care about students
At CMA the lessons are broken down and explained at every step. Teachers can't just skip ahead of you
There are not as many distractions in my life now. I control who i see and hang out with each day
I can finish quicker if I want to
The self-pacing gives me power and doesn't treat me like i learn like all other kids
The school and teachers seem very open-minded; this is most likely due to the type of people this type of education attracts. I like the interaction with a wide variety of people
The school-wide field trips are a great break from the classes
The smaller classes help me stay focused
I like the family atmosphere. Its cool to call my mentor by their first name
Our vacations are spread out
Its easy - spend 3 to 4 hours working from home or go to school for 8 hours!
Some alternative schools don't have a good reputation or strong academics; CMA does
I don't worry about my homework being stolen or losing stuff I used to have to take to school
I get to work better hours than my friends because my school time is flexible
It's nice to get to know people online without all the judging that goes on in person
There is very little busy or wasting time work here. It is all focused and meaningful
You get one-on-one help from a teacher
There is no pressure to stay caught up. If I need to take longer or go into the hospital, I can just work at my own pace
A diploma is always better than a GED!
It's a good way to catch up if you are behind in credits
Public school could not be flexible enough with their schedule for me to compete in my sport
No uniforms and no backpack full of books
Less teasing and no cliques of students. It is easier to be who you are
It is nice to still go to public school for sports or some electives, but have your basics at CMA
Hurdles to overcome for new CMA Students
Current CMA students noted the following "hurdles" to consider when enrolling:
The stereotype of being a private school snob
Planning ahead for days when the internet is down or your computer is broken
There is more responsibility on the student to keep track of work
No summer vacation!
You pay even if you aren't working, so parents will probably make you work
It can seem impersonal if you just wait for the mentor or classmates to email you
Have to find other ways and times to socialize besides school
It is hard to compare yourself to others to see how you are doing
You have to find other sports to do
If you don't like computers it is not a fun way to learn
There is not as much free time as there is at public school (lunch, breaks, etc.)
Hard to convince people you belong to a school since there isn't a building for them to see
Tips for New Students
Students who enrolled with CMA and have been successful students here offered the following in response to a request for "Tips of new students."
Stay focused on goal of graduating and stick to your plan
Do work everyday, even if some days can only be for 30 minutes
When you sit down to work, work hard so you don't get bored
Be patient with the technology and have a back up plan for days the internet doesn't work
Push yourself. You have no one else to compete with so see how much you can get done each day or week
Work with your mentor to set goals
Keep good records of your study plans
Save EVERYTHING so you have a backup
Learn to be flexible without giving up
You have to have self-discipline or have a parent or someone else to push you
Get along with your classmates. Help everyone feel welcome in this new environment
Use your time wisely
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