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Agora’s Middle and High School Programs Prepare Students for the Next Phases of Their Lives
Founded in 2005, Agora is an online public school for Pennsylvania students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Throughout the 15 years, Agora has developed educational programs to meet the needs of all students, so they may reach their highest potential as they prepare for life after graduation. Agora’s continuity of education has allowed uninterrupted schooling providing a sense of normalcy during uncertain times. Upon enrollment each student receives a laptop, printer and all the resource material for online success.
One of the key elements that allows Agora to stand apart is their live, interactive classroom, taught in real time by PA-certified teachers. Agora’s students learn synchronously, meaning students raise their hands, ask and answer questions, and interact with their peers. Students collaborate with one another and have a direct line to their teachers during class sessions, as well as after class hours via direct email and help sessions. Agora is comprised of elementary (K-5), middle (6-8) and high school (9-12), with middle school helping to set an important stage for the future.
“Students enter middle school as children and leave for high school as mature young adults, prepared to take on their next challenge,” said Bridget Kozar, Agora Middle School Principal. “Agora’s structure is uniquely set up for virtual success and allows us to focus on each student as an individual, with different scholastic and social needs.”
The team structure of Agora’s middle school allows teachers of the 4 core subjects – Math, Science, English Language
Arts (ELA), and Social Studies – to work together, plan lessons and integrate the curriculum in a way that optimizes each student’s school day. This structure allows teachers and counselors to develop a personal relationship with their students and provides any extra emotional and academic support. Guidance counselors deliver assemblies on topics such as study skills, time management, internet safety and career exploration, thus preparing students for high school and ultimately, adulthood.
Agora has reading and math specialists who work to identify students who may need extra support. With 25% of its student population having an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Agora is known for its robust special education program for all grades. All IEPs are implemented the first day of school, reviewed, a meeting is conducted, and the IEP is adapted to cyber education within the first 30 days of enrollment. The virtual nature of Agora makes these specialists just one click away, as Agora staff rally around the student for continued support and academic success. Agora’s Advanced Learners Program (ALP) offers additional opportunities to nurture students’ growing scholastic appetite.
From classroom interactions, to science fairs, to team talent shows and clubs, the opportunity for social interactions presents itself in many ways throughout the school year. In non-pandemic times, Agora Days Out take place at museums, sporting events and other gatherings throughout the state, bringing families and best friends together for in-person meet-ups. Assigned to every family, Agora’s Family Coaches organize many of the social activities and provide an additional layer of social, academic and personalized support to ensure each student is working to their fullest potential.
As 8th grade students look towards high school, they are presented with career concepts and begin to explore post-secondary options. Whether a student is looking to attend a university, community college, a trade school, the military, or go directly into the world of work, Agora has supporting scholastic options for everyone.
“Agora prides itself on building a strong level of maturity and independence in its students which sets them up for success no matter what future path they choose,” said Jeffrey Miller, Agora High School Principal. “By offering students 80 electives and 25 plus clubs that span across dozens of subjects, students are exposed to a variety of career choices.”
One of the ways Agora specifically prepares high schoolers for college and careers is through Destinations Career Academy. Destinations Career Academy at Agora Cyber Charter School is an innovative online program available to students that combines traditional high school academics with industry-relevant, career-focused electives—giving students from 9th to 12th grade a jump-start on their college and career goals. While working toward their high school diplomas, students can choose a career path in Business, Healthcare, or Information Technology.
Agora’s College and Career Counselor offers in-person and virtual tours of universities, colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well virtual sessions on career readiness including resume writing, interview techniques, how to write a college essay and workforce etiquette. Agora’s 16 high school counselors work closely with the students providing guidance on course selection and ensuring they are on track for academic success and graduation requirements.
Dozens of electives, including Forensic Science, Game Design, Fashion and Interior Design, Early Childhood Education, Hospitality and Tourism, Culinary Arts and Medical Terminology, allow students to receive academic credit while exploring a wide variety of academic and career interests. Agora also offers 19 Advanced Placement courses and 14 honors courses to meet the educational needs of all students.
Thanks to NCAA accreditation, students who may need to seek educational options are no longer restricted by the passion that they have for their sport. Agora maintains a list of NCAA-approved courses so that athletes can go on to compete athletically after graduation, adding just one more way Agora helps to prepare students for bright futures. Whether it is an athlete logging on before a tennis tournament, a local dance star on a TV series joining her peers for a synchronous class, or a student with health issues talking to a teacher from a hospital bed, Agora accommodates all students.
An in-person commencement service culminates all of the effort and hard work the students have accomplished during their academic careers and opens the door to the future. n
