With the emergence and popularity of online learning, many high school students around the country and even the world are looking to adopt a hybrid approach to learning that allows them to take classes both in-person and online. But what does that mean for the high school student experience?
SJB Global is St. John Bosco High School’s innovative online learning option. SJB Global provides a flexible and affordable path for students to take college preparatory classes and earn their high school diploma, whether on campus or across the globe. That’s right; this program is worldwide!
SJB Global is the only Catholic online learning option that’s attached to an in-person school. St. John Bosco High School in Southern California is a premier Catholic college preparatory school that was founded in 1940 and has a tradition of excellence and innovation in academics. With SJB Global, we’ve created various learning options that fit the needs of every student near and far, and in so doing, we’ve expanded the way students can experience high school.
In this article, we will fill you in on everything you need to know about SJB Global, how this program can accelerate your learning experience and the best ways to take advantage of this learning option.
SJB Global And Innovative Online Learning
To give you a little background, it’s essential to look at some information about our online learning approach.
Our online classes provide the best online experience from a Catholic school perspective with highly qualified teachers who accompany our students through the online learning environment, using loving -kindness in the tradition of our 80-year Salesian school history.
We offer options for students who need flexibility in their schedules for a variety of reasons or who are looking for a particular course that may not be provided on campus or during a certain time at St. John Bosco or wherever that student is enrolled full-time. While St. John Bosco High School is an all-boys school, SJB Global classes can be taken by anyone.
There are endless reasons why students love and thrive in online classes, and here are some of them:
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Remediation: We offer courses for remediation year-round.
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Unique Classes: Some specialty classes are offered online only.
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Scheduling Conflicts: Sometimes, a student wants a specific class, but it’s only offered at the same time as another class they need or want. Taking one of those classes online allows them to take both simultaneously.
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Geography: Students who live far away from campus (whether in a different city, state, or country) can take some or all of their classes online to provide flexibility with their schedule and still be a part of a traditional high school community.
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Athletics & the Arts: Students who are highly active in sports or the arts, either for school or a club, can take some or all of their classes online to add flexibility to their busy schedules. Teachers can provide extensions and work around hectic, demanding travel, competition, or performance schedules.
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Medical Concerns: Students with temporary or long-term medical conditions or concerns can still be a part of a high school community and work toward earning their diplomas while receiving treatment or working from home.
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Early Graduation: Students can take compressed online classes as part of or all of their course load, allowing them to graduate early in three or three and a half years.
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Travel: Families who travel or have been transferred elsewhere for work can remain a part of the Bosco community by moving full-time online until they return to the area or through graduation if needed.
SJB Global Online Classes: How Do They Work?
One of the most appealing things that students and parents like about SJB Global is how our online classes work. With such a dynamic and loving atmosphere for optimal learning and flexibility, students are set up for complete and total success.
Related Article: How to Pick the Best Online High School.
Asynchronous Learning That Fits Any Schedule or Environment
Our online courses are asynchronous. This means that the student and teacher can work at any time of the day that works best for them; assignments are due by midnight in the student's own time zone.
A Manageable Workload
Students should plan to spend 1-2 hours per lesson. There are 40 lessons per semester. Students can take a class in an 8-week or 16-week format, completing 5 assignments a week for 8 weeks or completing a lesson every other day for 16 weeks.
Most online classes consist of lectures, assignments, assessments, discussion forums, and semester projects, and this varies depending on the subject matter.
Unwavering Student Support
Students are supported by their online teacher, who is available during their office hours on each lesson day. Teachers will answer questions by email or phone, supply personalized and individualized feedback on assignments in a timely manner, and send home a weekly snapshot of each student's overall performance with tips and suggestions.
Students also have an academic advisor who checks their grades weekly and reaches out to students who need extra support. These academic advisors provide accountability, learning strategies, and time management skills to help students succeed.
Exploring Your Options: Here’s What to Consider
There are many online schools to consider when determining the best fit for your learning needs. While doing your research, here are some answers to some of the most common questions that will help guide you through this decision process.
Q: Is this type of remote learning structured solely on video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams?
A: This is not the case when learning with SJB Global. There is no “live” element where students must be in the classroom on a video call each day. All of the class content for the duration of that class is available for students to access beginning on the first day of class. Students either read or watch their lessons, interact with the content through various activities, and show mastery through projects and assessments. A discussion forum is also used for enhanced interaction between other classmates and their teachers.
Q: Can a student receive a credible high school diploma through SJB Global, even if they’re taking classes entirely or partially online?
A: Yes, absolutely! Students can take all required classes online to graduate through SJB Global, and their diplomas will be granted from St. John Bosco High School. For a student to graduate, they must have 260 credits or 26 units. All courses must be passed with a grade of D or higher to successfully earn their credits toward graduation.
Q: How are tests and final exams given?
A: All tests and final exams are online and are open-book and open-note—and the assessments are written with this in mind. This type of learning and testing allows students to take tests on their own, using resources they had available to them during the course of the class. Finals for core classes (Math, English, Social Science, Science, and World Languages) are in-person with a proctor. In this instance, students will be assigned a specific time that best fits their schedule and location.
To see a complete list of FAQs, you can reference this link here.
SJB Global And Your Future
Your high school years are pivotal academically as well as socially. SJB Global allows each individual student to learn in the best environment, specific to their needs and learning desires.
If you’re interested in learning more about SJB Global and what it means to you as a growing student, make sure to reach out to us here.