Sterling Academy Blog

4 Reasons to Take French 3 Online

Posted by Sterling Staff on Oct 28, 2021 9:40:00 AM

In today’s competitive educational landscape, multilingual competency can give aspiring students a substantial advantage over their peers. Indeed, numerous studies indicate a positive correlation between learning a second language and academic achievement, with students who study a second language improving their college admission test scores with each year of advancing language study. (And just for comparison: studying other subjects for multiple years shows no similar advantage.) Furthermore, many admissions counselors look for advanced language instruction on a prospective student’s application as an indication of his or her commitment to hard work and appreciation of academic value. But learning a second language doesn’t just influence access to higher education; research also demonstrates that multilingual college graduates often have higher salaries and better job security than those with mastery of only one! With digital technologies providing faster, easier access to language courses coupled with the fact that many believe French to be the “Language of the Future,” there’s really no good reason to not take French 3 online. Here’s a short list to prove our point:

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Why Game Design Classes for High School Students Are a Good Choice

Posted by Sterling Staff on Oct 18, 2021 9:11:01 AM

There is really no such thing as a standard high school curriculum anymore. Yes, completion of certain basic math, science, language arts, and history classes are usually included as part of most secondary education requirements; but beyond a few core courses, high school education can — and should be — centered on the passions and interests of individual students. Rather than simply preparing them for future success, high school should inspire students to dream, stretching their imaginations so that they are able to recognize and assess endeavors they might never have otherwise contemplated. Thus, part of a good education is exposing kids to new ideas through unique and unusual electives. Here are five reasons to consider game design classes for high school students:

 

  1. Game Design Classes for High School Students Inspire Creativity


    In contrast to many foundational courses, coding and programming are inherently creative processes, demanding curiosity, imagination, innovation, and agility rather than mere memorization. Game design classes for high school students, in particular, rely on abstract thinking, as well as experimentation, to foster ideas, develop a story and bring concepts to life. Research shows that having an outlet for creative expression increases a student’s confidence, encourages the development of advanced problem-solving skills, decreases his or her anxiety, and leads to a deeper understanding of a subject.

  2. They Teach Logical Thinking


    The goal of any educational program is to inspire understanding. And understanding stems from logical, critical thought. Because the essence of computer programming is decomposition, taking a problem and breaking it into smaller parts so that it can be figured out, game design classes for high school students are the perfect vector for teaching computational thinking, the foundation on which more advanced thinking evolves.

  3. Game Design Classes Strengthen Communication Skills


    Coding is essentially a type of language, and studies show that learning a new language actually builds brain matter, providing enhanced cellular connections that enable increased cognitive processing and safeguard against age-related brain deterioration. The result: game design classes for high school students help to open and protect students’ minds so that they can better understand the world around them.

  4. They Improve Career Opportunities 


    Being able to code is a very marketable skill. Game design classes for high school students teach essential computer programming skills that many future employers look for in employees. A background in coding opens doors for students in college and beyond.

     

  5. Game Design Classes for High School Students are Fun


    Of course, coding is also fun, providing students with an outlet to explore, design, and create without limit. Adding courses that spark the interest of students and are enjoyable allows kids to relax for at least part of their school day, better preparing them for other courses which might be less appealing.

The Sterling Academy Difference

At Sterling Academy, we believe students need access not just to quality core classes, but to electives that excite and engage them. Our game design courses offer learners the opportunity to explore a potentially marketable (and lucrative) interest while at the same time instilling in them fundamental academic skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Please contact our Enrollment Office to learn more about what makes Sterling Academy different from other online institutions.

 

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How elective courses help you follow your passion

Posted by Sterling Staff on Oct 5, 2015 8:00:00 AM

Thinking electives are nothing more than those “extras” you have to take to graduate or beef up your college application? Not so! Why take just anything, when you can take something that lets you follow your love? At Sterling Academy, we offer 40 different electives, in six categories.

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How Elective Courses help you investigate future careers

Posted by Sterling Staff on Sep 7, 2015 7:19:00 AM

Some people know from childhood exactly what they want to “be” when they grow up. For most of us, however, it’s not that simple. Today’s high school students can look forward to jobs your parents never heard of. And there are a lot more career opportunities out there you’ve never heard of, simply because you’re young and haven’t run into them yet.

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How Elective Courses help you build your resume

Posted by Sterling Staff on Aug 17, 2015 8:07:00 AM

You have to take a certain number of electives in high school, so why not make the most of them? The electives you choose can help you build a stronger high school resume, whether you’re off to college or off to work after graduation.

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What should your high schooler do over summer break?

Posted by Sterling Staff on May 4, 2015 7:46:00 AM

Most American students who attend public schools look forward to a hiatus every summer. Traditionally, many high school students seek part-time jobs during this extended period. It’s an excellent opportunity to earn money to put toward college or necessities, and holding a job teaches teens about the importance of “work ethic,” a life skill they will always need.

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3 elective online courses that would benefit any student

Posted by Sterling Staff on Feb 2, 2015 7:36:00 AM

Electives are the courses that allow you to personalize your high school education. One of the many advantages of an online high school like Sterling Academy is that we offer a broader selection of electives than may be found at your local school. That means you can learn more about what interests you most, explore new subjects and take courses that will help make you a more well-rounded person.

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