Online High School

Virtual high school that combines individual, flexible learning with real-time classrooms

Personalized and Expertly Taught Online High School

In every online high school class and in every subject, students and teachers dig deep into the material with a rigor that meets and exceeds state standards. These GCVS classes are taught by state-certified instructors who are not only experts in their fields, but also passionate about what they teach.

Our curriculum is designed to meet all graduation requirements as outlined by MassCore, and then some. As a virtual school, we are able to offer unique opportunities, personalizing student education and helping students succeed in subject areas that traditional schools sometimes struggle to provide.

For a list of some of the classes offered online by GCVS, see below.

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An Classroom-Based Online High School Education

In our online high school program, much of the work GCVS’s students complete is done on their own student’s own schedule, giving them the flexibility to work at their own pace. Students can dive deeper into subjects that interest them without the constraints of having to move on to the next subject, and they can practice other skills that need more work for longer than they would in a traditional school. And they have the online and offline resources available to accomplish even more goals of their own. Students in our classroom-based high school program also benefit from live, scheduled classes where they can be taught directly by GCVS’s expert teachers in real-time, and collaborate with their classmates in a live environment.

For many students, this is a best-of-both-worlds scenario: real-time interaction with plenty of flexibility. Online “live” classes are held two to three times a week, giving students plenty of time to learn straight from subject matter experts. In those classes, teachers are able to see real-time progress, and they adjust their lessons in and out of these classrooms to help students learn better. Areas that challenge a student can be focused on more to give them more confidence and support. The strengths of each student can be expanded on as well, letting them explore subjects more deeply.

Mathematics

GCVS high school mathematics courses emphasize the importance of math in everyday life as well as critical thinking. Teachers take students well beyond memorization and into a deeper number sense with an understanding of how mathematics can be applied. These high school math classes prepare students for their mathematical futures, whether it’s for day-to-day use, college prep, or a future where their careers are heavily dependent on higher mathematical concepts.

GCVS high school students also have the opportunity to take honors mathematics and AP Calculus.

Science

From explorations of biology and the human body to the physical sciences, including chemistry, physics, and astronomy, students at GCVS invest their curiosity in discovery and the scientific method. These courses give students the opportunities to dig deep into their own interests about the universe they live in.

High school students have many opportunities for interesting and advanced study, including forensics, honors classes, and AP Biology.

Languages

From the basics in communication in another language to expanding listening, speaking, and reading skills, GCVS foreign language classes encourage student interest in other cultures and the world at large. Spanish and French language classes give students a fantastic foundation in the romance languages that they can apply to further study or learning other languages beyond these.

Music

GCVS’s online music coursework takes students’ knowledge of music to the next level. They will learn about the impact of music on culture and history while discussing composers and their work. This class puts music in a historical perspective while exploring how music is made and why. 

English Language Arts

In the online English program, students develop language arts skills by reading, writing, listening, viewing, and speaking while learning to successfully express themselves. Students will encounter new vocabulary, refine their grammar and mechanics of their writing, and engage in thought-provoking projects. The program promotes analytical and critical thinking skills that help them discover how the human experience is the foundation of the best stories, plays, poems, films, and articles.

Students at GCVS also have the opportunity to take honors and AP classes in language, literature, and composition.

History

History, government, and social studies classes at the high school level bring insight and ideas to students by examining the events and cultures that have shaped our world. From world and U.S. history to economics and finance, students can delve into the stories that interest them and see where they lead.

GCVS high school students have the to enroll in honors classes and take AP U.S. History.

Fine Arts

Online art classes encourage students to critique, compare, and appreciate works of art and architecture across the ages. Students analyze the mediums art is created in while learning the appropriate terminology for discussing artwork from all corners of the world. Students are also encouraged to create their own art in order to express themselves and their ideas.

Physical Education, Health, and Wellness

This online physical education and health class provides high school students a strong foundation in understanding health and wellness. The coursework expands their knowledge of fitness and lifestyle choices, and them develop healthy habits that can lead to a vibrant and robust life.

 

“GCVS offers a lot of opportunities for students to get to know each other, even though we’re virtual … students can now chat with each other in different classes and can send emails to each other. Also, outings and other face-to-face get-togethers offer a lot of interaction as well.”

 

-Emily Weber
GCVS Class of 2018

 

Graduation Requirements

GCVS follows the MassCore recommendations for graduation requirements. Each online high school student is required to complete the following before graduating:

  • 4 years of English
  • 4 years of mathematics
  • 3 years of social studies and history
  • 3 years of science
  • 2 years of a foreign language
  • 1 year of fine arts

MassCore is a state-recommended program of study intended to align high school coursework with college and workforce expectations. For more information about MassCore, click here: http://www.doe.mass.edu/ccr/masscore/

GCVS High School Classes

English

  • English I
  • English I Honors
  • English II
  • English II Honors
  • English III
  • English III Honors
  • English IV
  • English IV Honors
  • Creative Writing
  • AP Language and Composition
  • AP Literature and Composition
  • Drama
  • Mythology
  • Reading/Writing

Mathematics

  • Algebra I
  • Algebra I Honors
  • Geometry
  • Geometry Honors
  • Algebra II
  • Algebra II Honors
  • Precalculus
  • Precalculus Honors
  • AP Calculus AB
  • Statistics
  • Math for College Prep
  • Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications

Science

  • Earth and Space Science
  • Biology
  • Biology Honors
  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry Honors
  • Physics
  • Physics Honors
  • Astronomy
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Forensics
  • AP Biology

Social Studies

  • World History
  • World History Honors
  • American History I
  • American History I Honors
  • American History II
  • American History II Honors
  • Economics and Financial Literacy
  • Government
  • Psychology
  • AP U.S. History

World Language

  • Spanish I
  • Spanish II
  • French I
  • French II

Computer Science

  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Computer Science

Physical Education

  • Health and Wellness
  • Personal Fitness
  • Personal Fitness Independent Study

Life Skills

  • Life Skills Mathematics
  • Life Skills English
  • Life Skills Science
  • Life Skills Social Studies

Art

  • Introduction to Art
  • Digital Photography

Music

  • Music Appreciation

A Day in the Life of a GCVS High School Student

GCVS’s classroom-based online high school program combines live online sessions, tutorials, videos, worksheets, reading, and other tools available to help students learn.

The flexibility students have around their online classes allows them to spend as much time as they need on topics that challenge them and interest them, as well as communicating with classmates and teachers through the online learning management system.