How to Help Your Student Make the Most of Summer

« Back  |  May 5, 2021 - ASU Prep Digital

Summer is a time to recharge from the busy school year, but it can also be a great opportunity to sharpen your student’s skills while they have some spare time. Whether you have an early learner or college-bound student at home, here’s why you’ll want to consider enrolling your student in one of our 2021 Online Summer School Sessions, and sooner rather than later.

Session 1 runs from June 1 – June 25, with the last chance to enroll on May 7. Session 2 runs from July 12 – August 6, with the last chance to enroll on June 18.

Catch up
This past year has made it hard on students and parents to maintain a normal momentum with curriculum learning. Online summer school can make up for lost time and bridge any learning gaps that happened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Get ahead
Our online program covers essential math and reading material your student can expect to face in the upcoming school year. Each course is targeted to your student’s level of learning from K-12, comes with live and digital lessons that can be completed any time, and only requires 2-4 hours of work each day.

Math Momentum, our summer math program, is a great way for students to accelerate their math skills with the help of our expert online teachers. High school students can choose from Algebra 1, Algebra 2 or Geometry.

Reading Refresh is perfect for students who want to improve their English reading skills. Your student will be required to take a preliminary reading assessment, which will help our instructors create a personalized lesson plan.

Students in grades 6-12 also have the opportunity to register for ASU Prep Digital online high school courses over the summer, a great way to get ahead .

Keep busy
Any parent knows that the summer months can be the hardest when it comes to keeping your student occupied. School’s out, and while summer camp is a great option for some, summer school can actually be a better choice for busy parents. You won’t have to worry about recurring fees or dropping off and picking up your kids every day. They can participate in our classes at home in just a few clicks. That guarantees hours of stimulating course material for your student, and much more me-time for you.

Tuition is the same for all K-12 offerings and simply depends on what type of student you are. Full-time ASU Prep students and Arizona private school students can register for online summer courses tuition-free. Part-time Arizona public and private school students pay $200 per course, per session. Out-of-state and international students can also attend for $275 and $600 per course respectively.

Stay sharp
Online summer school is a great way to help your student stay sharp. Studying even just a little through the summer will prevent any kind of learning gap between last school year and the next.

Our online summer school program is designed to keep your student focused by offering two short sessions for them to choose from. That way they don’t have to commit to a full season of learning—just enough to keep them engaged in time for the new school year.

Prepare for college
Our online summer school program can help your high school student get ready for—or get a jumpstart on—college. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in concurrent university courses online, designed to help them graduate early and earn college credit in high school. Explore the full catalog of online college courses here.

Ready to register your student? Enroll now. Not sure what session or courses are right for your student? Learn more about ASU Prep Digital online summer school here or talk to an advisor.

Five Activities You Can Do This Summer to Boost Your College Application

« Back  |  July 20, 2020 - ASU Prep Digital

You’ve turned in your last assignments, taken your last final, and bid farewell to the classmates you’ve spent all semester with. This can only mean one thing: summer is here! While it’s the perfect time to unwind and catch up on all the episodes of the latest Netflix crave you missed, summer is also a great time to boost your college application. Here are five activities that will help you stand out from the crowd:

Virtual college visits

One of the best ways to express your interest in a prospective college, and boost your college application, is to visit! While many colleges have temporarily suspended on-campus visits, several institutions are offering virtual tours, including Arizona State University.

Virtual Experience ASU visits are live sessions with ASU enrollment and academic team members held through Zoom. This gives students an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the admission and enrollment process. School visits, even virtual ones, give you a leg up on the competition by knowing exactly what to expect come application season, so be sure to schedule a few this summer!

Learn a second language

We’ve already talked about the top three benefits of learning a second language, so what are you waiting for? Summer is the perfect time to dive deep into a new language, whether it’s Spanish, French, or even German! In fact, ASU Prep Digital is offering world language courses this summer, and Arizona students can enroll at no cost. There are also fun apps you can use, such as Duolingo.

Volunteer your time

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your community and show colleges the different causes you’re passionate about. As we continue to battle a global pandemic, there are plenty of ways to safely help the cause, including volunteering at food banks or offering to help make masks to donate. Volunteer Match is a great place to start and will show you available opportunities in your area.

Dive deep into your passion

Colleges like to see that applicants are well-rounded and passionate outside of the classroom, which means taking the time to develop new hobbies and skills. Whether it’s joining a sports team, learning how to code, or picking up an instrument, there are so many ways to explore your passions and show off your talents.

Prepare for the SAT/ACT 

It’s no secret that your  SAT and ACT test scores are vital to your college application, but did you know that scoring well also puts you in the running to earn scholarships? That’s why it’s never too soon to start prepping. There are plenty of resources at your disposal, including practice tests and study guides. And be sure to visit the official ACT and SAT websites for information on testing dates and registration.

 

Looking for more activities that will boost your college application this summer? Check out this post:

Top 10 Summer Activities to Boost Your College Resume

Socially Distant Activities to Enjoy This Summer

« Back  |  July 7, 2020 - ASU Prep Digital

As summer gets underway, things might look a little different from last year. Some indoor activities may be closed while others may be limiting capacity in an effort to follow social distancing guidelines. However, there are still plenty of things to do that can be done safely and outside of the house. Take a look at some socially distant activities you can enjoy this summer:

Picnics

Picnics are becoming increasingly popular during this time, and it isn’t hard to see why! They’re a great way to get some fresh air outside, and they’re easy to have while remaining socially distant. Grab a blanket, pack a basket, and head out to a nearby park to enjoy a stress-free afternoon. And don’t forget to check out these safety tips before planning your day.

Backyard camping

If you’re not able to safely travel to a campsite, why not try camping in your backyard? You can easily set up a tent under the stars, grill some food, and end the night with smores and campfire music! The best part is that you’ll be steps from your home, just in case you need a quick bathroom break or extra marshmallows!

Hiking

Hiking is a great physical activity in general, but the fact that you can do it and keep your distance from others makes it the perfect way to spend a summer day. If you’re local to Arizona, consider taking a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Many National Parks are open around the country, and you can use this guide to help you find the closest one to you.

Beach

If you’ve been waiting all year to hit the beach, the good news is that you can still enjoy a dose of vitamin sea this summer! While many beaches are implementing restrictions to help with social distancing, you’ll still want to be cautious when visiting. This article details a few ways to safely enjoy your day in the sun, including avoiding group activities, bringing your own food, and choosing a spot that’s less crowded.

 

Looking for more information on socially distant activities to enjoy safely this summer? Check out these posts:

The Benefits of Taking Summer Classes

« Back  |  June 1, 2020 - ASU Prep Digital

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start making plans. While it might be tempting to sleep until noon every day and spend countless hours binge watching the latest Netflix craze, there are ways to be productive—and you don’t even have to leave the couch! Taking summer classes may not sound fun at first, but here are a few benefits that are sure to change your mind:

Boost your GPA

For those who are looking for a way to get ahead of the competition, taking summer classes can be an excellent way to accelerate your academic career and bump your GPA up! Your GPA is calculated based on the quantity and value of your grades, which means that doing well in summer courses has the potential to increase your GPA and help you stand out on college applications.

Explore your passions

During the regular school year, your main focus is taking core classes, such as English, math, and science. Luckily, taking summer classes will give you the opportunity to explore fun electives that you’re passionate about! Courses like digital photography, game design, or guitar have the power to set you on track for a future career pathway while helping you earn some extra credits.

Graduate high school sooner

If you’re longing to begin your college career, enrolling in summer classes can help you get there faster. Using your summer to knock out additional courses not only gets you one step closer to high school graduation, but also shows prospective colleges you have drive and a great work ethic.

Earn College Credits

Not only can taking summer classes help you graduate sooner, it can also help you save time and money in college! Set yourself up for success by enrolling in concurrent courses, which allow you to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. And at ASU Prep Digital, you can take ASU courses with real ASU professors, giving you a taste of the college experience before stepping on campus.

Credit Recovery

If you struggled in a class during the regular school year, summer is a great time to recover those credits so you can graduate on time. Many schools allow students to retake courses, but some may not offer the subject you need. ASU Prep Digital works with schools to enroll students in the classes they need to stay on the path to graduation.

 

Interested in learning more about the benefits of taking summer classes? Check out these other blog posts:

 

Did you know that if you’re a full-time Arizona student at ASU Prep Digital, you can take high school summer courses for free? Check out the details here.
And if you’re a resident of Riverview, Orange, San Diego, or Imperial county in California, ASU Prep Digital and BEST Academy are partnering to provide tuition-free, online courses this summer. Learn more about it here.

ASU Brings Tuition-Free Summer Session Courses to California High School Students

« Back  |  March 23, 2020 - ASU Prep Digital

ASU Prep Digital, the online high school of Arizona State University, is partnering with BEST Academy to provide tuition-free, online courses over the summer to California students in Riverview, Orange, San Diego and Imperial Counties.

It’s been a challenging time for summer school programs in California, with budget cuts straining student opportunities and leaving families with few options. In four southern California counties, the Brookfield Engineering Science & Technology (BEST) Academy has teamed up with ASU Prep Digital to provide students with free, online high school and college Summer Session courses.

All high school students in the four counties are eligible to enroll in summer session courses and receive high school credits. Incoming 9th-12th grade students with grade point averages 3.0 or higher are eligible to enroll in concurrent college courses and can earn both high school and university credits from ASU.

Students can benefit from summer session courses by pre-registering now to reserve their courses of interest. All registered students will be assigned a teacher and an ASU Learning Success Coach to support their online learning experience. Summer Session classes start on July 1st and courses are available until filled.

To learn more about online Summer Session courses or any of the BEST Academy programs, please visit BEST Academy, email info@bestacademycs.com, or call 833-619-BEST (2378). 

Ways to Keep Your Brain Active This Summer

« Back  |  June 6, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

Summer break is a great time to reflect on the past school year and recharge for the next one. While your plans probably include plenty of beach days, barbecues, and binge-watching shows on Netflix, you should also find time for activities that will keep your brain stimulated until you resume classes in the fall. And don’t worry—they won’t feel like schoolwork! Here are four ways to make sure your mind stays sharp this summer:

Read

This may sound boring, but the beauty of summer is that you aren’t obligated to pour over textbooks, which means you can read anything you want! Is your favorite TV show or movie based on a book? Have you been meaning to catch up on your favorite comic? Treat yourself to some light, fun reading and keep your mind and imagination active.

Learn an instrument

Did you ever watch School of Rock and wish you could shred on the guitar or lay down some beats on the drums? Playing an instrument has been proven to improve long-term memory and reaction times, as well as change brain structure and function for the better. Check for lessons in your local area or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, teach yourself! There are plenty of online tutorials that will walk you through the basics. If you’re leaning toward guitar, you could even continue your learning with ASU Prep Digital this fall and enroll in our Guitar 1 class.

Write

Don’t worry, we aren’t talking about writing essays, summaries, or book reports. Leisurely writing can be fun and help your mind stay sharp. You can write poems, short stories, or journal entries about your summer adventures! Writing in any form improves cognitive function, increases brain plasticity, and strengthens concentration skills.

Play Board Games

You read that right! Playing board games can have a positive impact on your brain function and development, and the fact that they’re fun is just an added bonus. There are a variety of games, such as chess, Risk, and Clue, that will help boost creativity, enhance logical and critical thinking, and improve long-term memory. Grab your friends and family for a game night and have fun while working out your mind.

 

If you’re looking to expand your mind even further this summer, consider taking a summer class through ASU Prep Digital! The enrollment deadline for our Summer Session 2 is July 2. Learn more about tuition and classes here.

 

 

Top 5 Summer Programs for High Schoolers in Arizona

« Back  |  April 30, 2018 - Stefanie Contreras

Arizona Summer Programs for High School Students

In today’s future-focused world, high school summers are now seen as opportunities to rack up college credits and build skills, rather than to lounge on the couch. As the emphasis on a student’s personal journey expands, so do the options for immersive summer programs that keep students active while delivering some serious fun.

Lucky for students in Arizona, there are plenty of in-state summer programs that focus on nearly every area of study and combine interactive learning with one-of-a-kind experiences. Here are our top five picks for students in Arizona looking for cool summer activities:

iD Tech Camps

iD Tech Camps combine unique STEM courses with fun summer activities to create week-long summer camps held at colleges and universities around the world. This summer, Arizona State University will host several iD Tech Camp programs. You can choose from more than 50 camp programs covering specific courses in coding, design, game development, and robotics. The interactive, hands-on courses are taught by leading STEM educators and class time is interspersed with awesome summer camp activities, like swimming, hiking, and frisbee.

ASU’s Digital Culture Summer Institute

This program will engage the left and right sides of your brain in ways you never thought possible! The Digital Culture Summer Institute combines the artistic and technical sides of learning into short, fast-paced and hands-on courses that explore everything from digital sound design and video editing to game coding and 3D printing. You’ll get to work directly with ASU professors and grad students, and will have access to state-of-the-art technology to bring it all together. If you’re interested in using technology in a creative field, then this is the perfect way to spend a week of your summer.

Summer Experience at West

This ASU Summer Enrichment Experience is geared toward college prep and experiential learning. The three-day program, held on ASU’s campus in Glendale, is all about collaboration. You’ll join an interactive learning community centered around a theme—this year’s options include “Psychology and Music” and “Bio-Sustainability”—where you and your fellow students can take part in seminars, presentations, and college major explorations led by both ASU students and faculty. Not only does this program give you a taste of how to succeed in a college learning environment, but it also may introduce you to future college friends!

Young Writers Institute

If you crush it in English class and plan on studying the humanities in college, this tuition-free, three-week program at the University of Arizona is a great way to boost your writing skills. You’ll work with UA faculty to build confidence and fluency in your academic writing through project-based writing workshops with other students. The program is interactive, collaborative, and includes some cool excursions. Click here for details on how to apply.

UA Summer Law Program

Is the courtroom in your future? It’s never too early to start preparing for law school, and University of Arizona’s five-day intensive exploration of law theory and practice is a great way to take a deep dive into the legal world. You’ll learn how to develop effective lawyering skills from preeminent attorneys and professors before applying your knowledge in interactive workshops led by UA law students. It all culminates in a mock trial held at the Tucson courthouse. How cool is that? Check out how to apply here!

If you’d like to learn more about Arizona summer programs, don’t hesitate to tune in on the ASU Prep Digital Facebook page.