About Our Academics
The academic program at Prestans provides students with access to an incredible catalog of courses, all taught by experienced and engaging teachers. By combining live online classes with accompanying asynchronous coursework, our program strikes a balance between an excellent education and the flexibility our students need.
Optimized Schedule | Live Classes | Asynchronous Coursework | Academic FAQs
Optimized Schedule
Our full-time students take 2-3 courses per semester, totaling 5-6 over a full year. This model ensures flexibility, reduces stress and screen time, and maximizes learning outcomes.
Live Class Sessions
Each course meets twice weekly and contains no more than six students, ensuring a supportive and connected classroom environment. Our teachers utilize a standard-based assessment system that focuses on a clear, skill-specific rubric. Combined with regular feedback and support from an advisor, students are encouraged to see learning as the journey towards mastery.
.jpg)
Asynchronous Coursework
Every course offers asynchronous course materials to complement live class sessions. These resources are carefully curated to deepen understanding and reinforce the concepts discussed during the live classes. This hybrid approach ensures students have the flexibility to learn at their own pace while benefiting from the structure and real-time feedback of synchronous education.
Academic FAQs
Standards Based Grading focuses on what truly matters: learning and mastery. It measures students' progress against clear standards that are discipline-specific, ensuring that they develop the skills and knowledge needed to have an enduring understanding of the material. Student progress is assessed using course-specific rubrics that clearly outline abilities and areas for growth in the learning process. Each standard is measured using a 0-4 point scale, and a letter conversion is provided alongside the 4 point scale on official grade reports and transcripts.
| Standards-Based Four Point Scale | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 3.5-4.0 | A |
| 2.5-3.4 | B |
| 1.5-2.4 | C |
| 0.5-1.4 | D |
| 0.0-0.4 | F |
Students receive personalized and constructive feedback on their assignments within 3-5 days of completion. This feedback highlights strengths, identifies areas for growth, and guides students toward mastery of the material using the skill-specific rubric in their course(s).
Feedback is available online throughout the course(s), allowing students to track their progress in real time. For semester and full-length courses, formal reports are provided at the midterm and end of the term to give a comprehensive view of a student’s progress. Our small classroom environment (maximum of 6 students in a class) allows for students to receive frequent and transparent feedback during synchronous course sessions. These conversations are instrumental to student growth and progress.
At Prestans, homework isn’t one-size-fits-all. It varies by course. What sets Prestans apart is the unique approach to asynchronous work. Between live class sessions, students complete activities designed to nurture their skills and deepen their understanding of the material. Homework will then often focus on practice and reinforcement.
For high school students, this typically means about 90 minutes to two hours of asynchronous work for every hour of live class time in credit-bearing courses. Middle school students should expect 30 to 45 minutes of work per live session.
Assignments are usually due before the next class, and teachers aim to return thoughtful feedback within 3-5 days. This feedback helps students gauge their understanding and supports a collaborative learning process between students and teachers.
Students at Prestans have access to a robust support system that extends beyond live class sessions. Faculty are available to answer questions between sessions and provide guidance, ensuring that students can get help with assignments, concepts, or other course-related questions whenever they need it.
Additionally, each student has access to an advisor who meets with them weekly. Advisors play a key role in helping students thrive, offering personalized support around organization, time management, and other strategies to help keep students on track academically. Advisors provide encouragement, effectively guiding students towards balancing their workload with their other commitments.
For students seeking additional support, our Enrichment Program offers supplemental tutoring tailored to specific needs and goals. Whether a student wants additional help in a subject, a particular skill, or to prepare for an AP exam, this program ensures students have the resources they need.
Prestans is proud to offer courses that meet the NCAA eligibility standards, ensuring that student-athletes can meet their academic goals while training for collegiate sports.