How is the curriculum determined?
Connection Academy, K12, and other South Carolina virtual schools provide comprehensive and interactive lessons that meets or exceed South Carolina Standards as well as the National Common Core standards. The proven curriculum incorporates materials developed by leading educational institutions as well as lessons and other resources developed by our own curriculum specialists. The curriculum providers include McGraw-Hill, Prentice Hall, Houghton Mifflin and The Calvert School to list just a few.
Is the curriculum and program accredited by an education organization?
The curriculums and the programs our students work with are accredited. All of the South Carolina virtual schools that our students are apart of are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & School Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accrediting division of AdvancED.
How much time per day should a student expect to be doing school work?
The amount of time each student works each day varies. BEST Skills Academy provides up to a 4 hour block of blended learning with professional Learning Coaches each day. Students taking challenging courses (Honors/AP), a high number of courses or who tend to take longer to master material may need more time outside of the BEST Skills Academy to complete their daily assignments.
Does my student need to have their own computer?
Yes, each student at BEST Skills Academy is required to have their own laptop computer. The computer needs to have Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). The laptop can be a PC or Mac. Students need to bring their charger and headphones every day along with their notebooks and note-taking materials.
Are the “Online Classes” taught by an actual teacher ?
Yes, each class is taught by a South Carolina Credentialed Teacher. They deliver the content using the latest online platform(s)which includes interactive “Live Lessons”, engaging online lessons, video, message boards, as well as traditional textbooks (both print and online).
How are grades determined?
Grades are determined through a wide variety of assessments. Each teacher will detail in the class syllabus the weight of each type of assignment. These vary from tests, quizzes, portfolio items, quick checks, discussion boards, participation etc. The grades follow the standard 4.0 scale. Grades are issued with five letter grades A, B, C, D, and F. Students enrolled in Honors and AP classes will also be issued a weighted GPA. Some colleges will use the weighted GPA when considering your student.
What are the hours and schedule?
Best Skills Academy full program is from 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM, Mon-Thurs, and Fridays from 7:45-12:00 noon. Students are to arrive between 7:45-8:00 AM. The Academic Support starts at 8:00 AM and ends at noon. Students arriving after 8 AM will be marked tardy. Student’s are expected to be in their assigned classroom from 8AM- 12 noon daily Social Skills classes will be Mon-Wed, from 1:30-2:45 PM.
Is lunch served at BEST Skills Academy?
Students are required to bring their own snacks and lunches.