Great Hearts Distance Learning

Frequently asked questions and answers regarding Great Hearts Distance Learning options for the 2020-2021 academic school year.

Click the bubble to expand the answer to the question regarding the Great Hearts Distance Learning (GHDL) options for the 2020-2021 academic school year.

FAQ updated July 17, 2020 at 9:33am MST

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Q. When can I find out more about the program?

A.

Please contact your headmaster for more information and details.

Q. Will my child be taught by a teacher from his or her school?

A.

Yes, students will be enrolled in courses and taught by teachers in their own school with regular video contact. In some cases, distance learning students will be consolidated into full sections, still taught by a teacher from their school. In other cases, depending on enrollment number, students will be in a blended section with in-building peers.

Q. Are there limited spots?

A.

No.

Q. Is there additional cost?

A.

No.

Q. What if I change my mind during the year?

A.

You may opt into Great Hearts Distance Learning at any time during the year, but students must wait until a quarter break to return to campus.

Q. How will Great Hearts Distance Learning be different than Q4 Remote Learning?

A.

There will be more frequent video (live and recorded) contact with the teachers and regular assessments to monitor student learning. Archway students will experience some video contact with their teacher every day, and Prep School students will have three lessons on average of contact with each classroom teacher per week, including both synchronous and asynchronous video as well as Humane Letters seminars. Participation in these activities will be required for student attendance. Zoom tutoring will be available, and students will be assessed every week and held to the same academic standards as their in-building peers.

Q. What if my scholar is not in the GHDL Program, but gets sick and has to stay home from school?

A.

Follow medical advice and guidelines and keep the school informed. Until there is confirmation that COVID is involved, your student is simply "sick" in the traditional way sick students are treated and following CDC guidelines they may return to campus. Students absent from school for prolonged periods of time will NOT be required to enter GHDL; however, as usual, a student will have to makeup work that is missed. In some cases, they will be able to plug into the GHDL activities. If you believe your child(ren) will be out for an extended period of time, please consult with your Headmaster regarding the GHDL option.

Q. Will a computer be available if I do not have one?

A.

Yes, if you do not have access to a computer with an internet connection, your school’s leadership and the GHDL team will provide you with a device.

Q. How will I get textbooks?

A.

Necessary textbook will be provided by your academy. The academy will also provide a list of “Classics to Keep” that you will purchase.

Q. If my child enters GHDL will his/her seat remain available at my home campus?

A.

Yes, your child remains enrolled at your Great Hearts school even though he/she is learning from a distance.

Q. Will the curriculum be the same?

A.

Distance learning students will learn the same subjects and take the same courses as they would in person. They will receive instruction that is equivalent, but not identical: lessons delivered by teachers may be over live video or may be pre-recorded; lessons and tests may be shorter and more frequent than in the classroom; independent student activity may be unsupervised rather than under the watchful, real-time classroom eye of the teacher. While distance learning students will progress through the curriculum at a similar pace to their in-building peers and reach the same endpoint, they may spend less time on some topics and more time on others to ensure that the most essential knowledge and skills are mastered for future years.

Q. Will credits for high school transfer?

A.

Yes, because students are enrolled at courses in their normal school, there will be no need to “transfer” credits. To put it another way, students are in the same classes as they would be if they were learning in person.

Q. What platforms will be used for this program?

A.

Google Classroom with asynchronous videos on SWIVL will be used for GHDL. Zoom will be used for live events.

Q. How will work be turned in?

A.

Work will be submitted through Google Classroom. Teachers will evaluate the work and communicate grades through Google Classroom.

Q. Can I participate in athletics while I am in GHDL?

A.

Yes, as a student enrolled in a specific school you may participate in Athletics programs, as well as interscholastic performing arts programs or academic teams, offered by the school. However, one should be mindful that Athletics will require close physical contact with several other students.

Q. Will there be a chance for parent-teacher meetings and conferences?

A.

Parents are always free to reach out to teachers and school leadership via email. Accommodations will be made for parent-teacher conferences at the appropriate time.

Q. Can I stay out for the entire year?

A.

We hope to welcome all students back into the building as soon as possible, and enrollment in GHDL will be decided by the parent on a quarterly basis, but yes, it is possible to stay in the program for the entire year.

Q. How do I get signed up?

A.

After the start of the year, if you want to transition to Distance Learning, please contact your local academy.

Q. Will GHDL provide additional academic support?

A.

Students will receive the same level of academic support as their in-building peers.

Q. What is expected of me as a parent?

A.

Depending on the age and ability of your child, parents may need to support their child with accessing technology and providing a quiet space in which to complete work.

Q. Are special education services available?

A.

Yes, students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) will continue to work with their teachers/coordinators in Special Education.

Q. What about state tests?

A.

Students in GHDL will still be required to complete state-mandated standardized testing. A student’s home campus will make arrangements with the family for testing. Note that depending on state regulations, physical presence in the building may be required in order to complete these assessments.

Q. How will high school courses show up on a transcript and GPA?

A.

High school classes will show up on a transcript exactly as they would if a student was learning in person.

Q. Will I have to pay tuition for full-day kindergarten while enrolled in GHDL?

A.

No.