About ASU Prep Digital Archives

Letter From A Parent

« Back | agosto 3, 2022 - ASU Prep Digital

It’s not uncommon for parents to write to us, and we love getting letters that celebrate our staff. We recently received the letter below from a family who admitted they were reluctant to enroll their daughter in a virtual school when she suggested it, but made the move when the pandemic hit.

“Once I found ASU Prep Digital, I knew we had a
great option available to us.”

– Matt Cepkauskas, parent

“I felt like I needed to take a few minutes to sing the praises of Mrs. Sanderson and let you know how much she has meant to our family.

We enrolled our daughter Paris into ASU Prep Digital two years ago. Paris was doing fine at her traditional high school grade wise but was very unhappy. She was asking us to do school online or homeschool. I was pretty negative about the idea. Then COVID hit and Paris was forced to take her classes at home. We noticed that Paris had the self-discipline and commitment to thrive in an online atmosphere. That summer I researched numerous options for Paris to continue her education online. Once I found ASU Prep Digital, I knew we had a great option available to us.

We enrolled Paris in ASU Prep Digital in the summer of 2020. We brought with us several other families who were also looking for a change from our old high school. I was very nervous as now I had my own daughter changing schools but also felt responsible for the other families that we encouraged to go to ASU Prep Digital. At the time, I asked for an experienced Learning Success Coach to guide my daughter and these new families. We were all assigned to Mrs. Sanderson. After meeting Mrs. Sanderson for the first time I knew we were in good hands.

Over the past couple of years, I have filled out several surveys about Mrs. Sanderson. I always talk about how professional she is. Every email is answered timely, every question is answered in depth, and I know she is in constant contact with Paris. On top of this Mrs. Sanderson really cares about her students. She has done so much for us over the past two years.

Thinking ahead to college
Paris had an interest in some college design classes. Despite not being on the normal list of ASU classes available, Paris was able to take the classes she desired and now has a very clear path of what she wants to pursue in college.

As we have started to look forward to Paris’s college career Mrs. Sanderson arranged for Paris to meet a graduated ASU Prep Digital student who enrolled in Barrett, The Honors College. Paris got to sit in on an Honors class and loved it.

Paris wanted to learn more about ASU and her desired college major of Graphic Design. Mrs. Sanderson made some calls and we ended up meeting an advisor for Graphic Design students. We met with Mr. Brady who took an hour with us to describe in great detail the program and educational options for Paris. Paris loved the meeting and Mr. Brady. We then found out Mr. Brady would be Paris’s advisor if she attends ASU.

Recently, we met with Mrs. Sanderson about Paris’s senior year. Mrs. Sanderson did additional research to make sure that Paris not only completed her required high school classes but that she would also take needed classes to qualify for specific scholarships.

Graduating with 50 college credits
As parents we are very proud of what our daughter has accomplished. Paris will graduate ASU Prep Digital with around 50 ASU college credits. This has been due to the support and teamwork we have had with Mrs. Sanderson. Paris has always been focused on college since before high school. Part of that focus has been to go to college in a big city. Paris has always been drawn to San Francisco, New York, or Chicago. Any mention of going to ASU was not met with excitement. With Paris being our only child, we are not comfortable with the idea of her going to a big city. We also knew that Paris would need to reach a decision on her own about what was the best fit for her. Lately Paris has been very open and even excited about ASU. Why? She recently told me that everyone she has ever encountered at ASU Prep Digital or ASU has been friendly, professional, and encouraging to her. She also mentioned Mrs. Sanderson specifically. As parents who would like to see our daughter go to ASU, Mrs. Sanderson has been instrumental in Paris getting to see what a great institution ASU is.

Regardless of what the future holds Mrs. Sanderson is a great representative of not only ASU Prep Digital but also ASU. As she often says, “ASU is one big family.” We are grateful to be part of that family and particularly grateful to all that Mrs. Sanderson has meant to our family.”

With Sincere Thanks,

Matt and Amber Cepkauskas

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Cepkauskas, for entrusting Paris’s educational journey with ASU Prep Digital and taking the time to celebrate Mrs. Sanderson. We are grateful for our ASU family, too, and it means a lot when parents share their joy and pride of their student’s success with us.

Connections in Online Learning Supports Student Achievement

« Back | julio 25, 2022 - ASU Prep Digital

The ASU Prep Digital Partnership: Student, Parent, Teacher, Community

All students, regardless of age or grade, want to feel valued and cared about. They want to be seen, understood, and accepted. Whether attending school in person or online, finding connections is critical to their educational success.

Sociologist Joyce Epstein, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education and founder of the National Network of Partnership Schools, has gathered decades of research showing the correlation of connections between schools and families, and their influence on students’ education. ASU Prep Digital wholeheartedly believes the student/family connection to school, teachers, and community supports student achievement.

Student/Family Connections

“We know that parent involvement raises student achievement,” said Emily Mulvihill, M.Ed., ASU Prep Digital Elementary School Assistant Principal. “When parents communicate their expectations and can link learning to current events, it has value and is a strong association to student achievement.”

Dr. Sage Sirotkin, ASU Prep Digital High School Principal agrees. “When parents are involved, we see higher GPAs and outcomes in math and reading. It’s vitally important to create a community with the parents for the success of the student and school.”

Partnership is the heart

ASU Prep Digital is focused on creating connections with students and families to build meaningful partnerships.

“It’s the heart of what we do; it sets us apart,” said Sirotkin. “Our first priority is building relationships. When students recognize that we support them and believe in them, they will strive to achieve because we built that connection. Our ‘secret sauce’ is we create connections.”

“Our younger students especially need more connection, and we take it very seriously,” said Mulvihill. “We make it a high priority to meet with students and families and engage in a variety of ways. Our parents are truly partners in the learning experience. They’re home educators—it’s a collaborative partnership and our model as a school.”

Parents are invited to come to live lessons, join in coffee chats and discussions, and are encouraged to be involved in school events—no matter what their child’s grade.

“Parental involvement doesn’t end at 6th grade. We make sure we continue through high school,” Sirotkin said.

Building connection virtually

When does connection start? Sirotkin stated, “It starts at the beginning from day one. Those calls we make are the first impression and connection with our students. Teachers find out what the student is about and what life is like when not in school. It’s important to just be yourself. Let them get to know you reciprocally as well—to see you as a person who has hobbies, interests, pets.”

“We love having parent guest speakers and this year in First grade we had career day with a parent panel of experts including a pilot and music producer,” said Mulvihill. “Parents can also participate in clubs along with their students or as a club guest speaker.”

The latest format for connecting families and students is a learning pod. Teachers match students geographically and share the contact information with the parent pod group leader. Participation is voluntary, and in this model, families plan in-person activities to get the students together for shared learning experiences.

“Pods have become so popular that a lot of students have requested to be in the same classes this year,” she said.

Many teachers extend their time outside of the classroom because they, too, are enjoying the close connection. In fact, many teachers have told Sirotkin that they feel more connected to their students than when they were in a face-to-face classroom. In an online school format, teachers are able to spend the time to develop those individual 1:1 connections. Last year, ASU Prep Digital teachers planned park days, scavenger hunts and field trips to meet up with families for learning fun and additional relationship building.

Clubs and community involvement

Students need a safe space to explore interests, strengthen skills, and build their resume–as well as connect with others who have a similar passion. Clubs and extracurricular activities are a great way for students to get involved and make friends outside of taking courses. ASU Prep Digital offers nearly three dozen clubs, with more being added based on students’ feedback and interests. Robotics, National Honor Society, Model UN, veterinary club, and creative writing are just a few to choose from.

Families are also encouraged to connect with the university community and utilize available resources.

“Arizona State University is number 1 for innovation and we extend that thinking to our digital world,” said Sirotkin. “The school, administrators, teachers—everybody has a responsibility to get the family involved. We’re learning and willing to try things to build that connection to community and to families.”

With a firm partnership in place to support students both in and outside of the classroom, ASU PD students are connected at the core, and poised to achieve.

Resources

25 Years of School and Family Connections
National Network of Partnership Schools

Upcoming Events at ASU Prep Digital and ASU

« Back | diciembre 8, 2020 - ASU Prep Digital

As the fall semester comes to a close and we look ahead to the spring, we’re excited to share a list of upcoming events for students, parents, and educators. From networking opportunities to talent shows and everything in between, ASU Prep Digital and Arizona State University are ready to help you fill up your calendar!

Take a look at what’s on the horizon:

ASU Innovation Week 2020

Now to December 11, you’re invited to virtually participate in Innovation Week at ASU. This week is designed to take attendees through the innovation journey—from idea to implementation—while giving you opportunities to network and learn new skills in a range of sessions covering different topics. In fact, ASU Prep Digital will be hosting two of its own sessions: ASU Prep Digital Code Academy and ASU Prep Family University. Each session will feature a different topic and project, so visit the website to learn more and reserve your spot!

REMOTE K12

On January 9, 2021, ASU will be hosting REMOTE K12, the Connected Teacher Summit. This free, virtual event will provide K-12 teachers with effective techniques, tools, and insights geared toward online/blended learning while giving attendees the opportunity to engage with colleagues from all around the country. Teachers can even earn an ASU-certified Professional Development Credential by attending the event and filling out a post-show survey. Visit their website to learn more about this event and the sessions that will be offered.

ASU Prep Digital’s Got Talent

January 14, 2021 will be a night to remember as you cheer on your fellow Sun Devils during ASU Prep Digital’s Got Talent! Stay tuned to our social media for more information as the event gets closer.

Free Meals for Students

Every Friday, ASU Prep and ASU Prep Digital families are invited to pick up 5 free breakfasts and 5 free lunches for children in the household under 18. No proof of enrollment is required. Please visit one of the designated pickup locations listed below:

ASU Prep Phoenix Campus

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

201 E Indianola Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85012

ASU Prep South Phoenix Intermediate Campus

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

5610 S Central Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85040

Enrollment Deadlines

Not part of our community of learners yet? There’s still time to join us! Applications are now open for the spring semester, but spots are filling up fast. Check out the deadlines below and begin the application process by visiting our website.

December 18 is the last day to enroll early as a full-time student and begin on January 11, 2021. All required documents must be submitted by the deadline in order to have your application reviewed.
Interested in taking concurrent courses with ASU? Be sure to submit your course request by the following deadlines for each session:
- Session A: Submit by 12/31/20 for a 1/11/21 start date
- Session B: Submit by 2/26/21 for a 3/15/21 start date
- Session C: Submit by 12/31/20 for a 1/11/21 start date

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get updates on upcoming events!

Upcoming Deadlines at ASU Prep Digital

« Back | junio 19, 2020 - ASU Prep Digital

If you’ve been wanting to join the community of learners at ASU Prep Digital, now’s your chance! While we have open enrollment all year long for our part-time program, we are currently enrolling for summer and math programs, as well as for our full-time program beginning this fall. Here’s a list of upcoming deadlines to mark on your calendar:

Summer Session 2 – Enroll by June 26

Our second summer session runs from July 6 to July 31. And if you live in Arizona, we have exciting news! Arizona residents can enroll in high school summer courses for free. Visit our summer school page for more information.

Math Momentum – Enroll by June 26

New this summer is our Math Momentum program, a 4-week course where students in grades K-12 will work toward mathematical skill mastery, complete with a highly qualified math instructor, access to math content, and live online tutoring sessions via video chat. Like the summer session, this course runs from July 6 to July 31. Visit our page to learn more about the program.

Full-time Fall Session 1 – Enroll by July 13

If you’d like to take six courses with a full semester (18 weeks) to complete them, enroll by July 13 for an August 3 start date.

Not ready to enroll just yet? Here’s another full-time fall enrollment deadline to keep in mind:

Fall Session 2

6 courses with 16 weeks to complete – Enroll by July 27 for an August 17 start date

Still weighing your options? Schedule a call with an admissions advisor and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with information to make an informed decision for your family. We look forward to welcoming you into our community!

Social and Emotional Learning Gives Students an Advantage in Life

« Back | abril 25, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

In high school, students learn about the Civil War, the basic properties of a cell, the structure of a sentence, and the right way to solve algebraic equations. But to get through high school, college, and the rest of their lives, they need a little more than that. This is where social and emotional learning (SEL) comes into play, and it may just be the most important aspect of a student’s high school career.

“I have a student named Lucas who recently moved to a new town,” Lisa Edgar, a Learning Success Coach (LSC) at ASU Prep Digital, said. “He expressed sadness over not having any friends and we discussed ways he could use his communication, sympathy, and empathy skills to find new friends and be a good friend to those kids when he found them.”

Not too long after their conversation, Edgar received a call from an overjoyed Lucas.

“I picked up the phone and he excitedly said, ‘I got a new friend, Ms. Edgar!’ and it was clear how thankful he was,” Edgar said. “This is why social and emotional learning is so important. It encompasses preparing whole students for the next phase of their life.”

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is defined as “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”*

According to a recent study**, there is a 6 percent improvement in high school graduation rates and an 11 percent improvement in college attendance and degree attainment among students who receive SEL training. These students are scoring higher academically and reaping “lifelong monetary benefits for their healthy adult lifestyle.”

So how does teaching a student to communicate effectively and express sympathy contribute to their success in college, careers, and everything in between?

“Kids can’t go off to college and careers with just good grades and a good GPA to get them by,” Edgar said. “They need soft, transferable skills to be successful in life. This includes teaching them how to form friendships, how to be confident, how to deal with stress, and how to set goals.”

SEL training has been embedded into the instructional model at ASU Prep Digital since day one, specifically in the LSC role. In their core classes, students are being prepped for academic success. With their LSC, students are being prepped for social and emotional success. The combination of the three enables students to achieve their full potential in school and, more importantly, in life.

“The ‘whole student approach’ is at the core of what the LSC does,” Edgar said. “ASU Prep Digital has been ahead of this. We stress the importance of educating the whole student because we know it’s not just about the academics—it’s also about college and career readiness. It’s great to see the educational system getting on board with this.”

Schools across the country are beginning to incorporate SEL training into their curriculum as more research proves that it’s “critical to a child’s development, as it directly correlates to success and happiness as an adult.” ASU Prep Digital will continue to place an emphasis on SEL training, preparing students for college, careers, and everything in between.

Learn more about how we embed SEL training through our Own It! Program and how to get your child started with us.

* Definition from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

** Study performed by CASEL, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University, and the University of British Columbia

Staff Spotlight: Learning Success Coach

« Back | febrero 7, 2019 - ASU Prep Digital

Every student has their own unique vision of what their path to success looks like. At ASU Prep Digital, each student is assigned a Learning Success Coach in order to support their specific needs, from setting goals to figuring out what learning style best serves them and planning their path to college. Whether they want to become a better leader, be more independent, or manage their time more efficiently, their Learning Success Coach is committed to helping them achieve personal growth.

In the first meeting, your child will introduce themselves and express any fears, expectations, or ambitions before they begin designing their schedule. Are there any issues or obstacles they faced in their previous school that prevented them from achieving success? This is the perfect opportunity for your child to open up and allow the Learning Success Coach to get to know them on a personal level.

As they discuss what the future holds for them, they will develop short and long-term goals, and the Learning Success Coach will help them create a plan to stay on track. Does your child have the desire to start their own business or pursue a professional sport? Sharing important insights like this will allow them to craft a high school experience that will best support these goals. The Learning Success Coach will also guide them as they begin exploring potential college majors and career pathways. Whether they want to enroll in college courses in high school or plan a visit to campus, the success coach will help your child stay organized with applications and deadlines.

After establishing a strong understanding of your child’s needs, the Learning Success Coach will work closely with you and your child’s teachers to establish the personalized learning environment that best suits them. Providing background information and context around your child’s specific situation allows teachers to better relate to your child. Students can customize their schedule based on their activities outside the classroom, giving them the flexibility to focus on their passions. For example, if their goal is to play soccer professionally and devote more time to training in the mornings, they can plan to study and complete coursework in the afternoon.

Additionally, they’re in control of setting their own pace based on their unique learning style, whether they want to spend more time on a challenging topic or move ahead quickly without having to wait for the rest of the class to catch up. The best part is, your child will be supported every step along the way. Teachers and learning success coaches are available to communicate with students based on their preferred method of contact, whether it’s through video chat, email, phone call, or text message.

If your child is ready to take charge of their education, we’re ready to welcome them into our community of independent learners. Schedule a call with an admissions advisor today and help them reach their full potential.

1. When is the deadline to enroll?

The only deadline is for students who are full time and live in Arizona. For part-time students (those taking courses to supplement their schedule) or students who live anywhere outside of the state of Arizona, we offer rolling enrollment at ASU Prep Digital. Rolling enrollment means that you can sign up for courses at any time throughout the school year. For Arizona full-time students, enrollment for the Fall semester closes on September 4th.

2. How much do courses cost?

We get this question a lot and the answer is, it can vary based on a few different factors. We created this tuition calculator to help determine what tuition will cost for you.

3. How do I start registration?

When you’re ready, just visit the enrollment page and click “sign up as a student” to get started. If at any time you need assistance during the process, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Admissions Team, at 844.692.3372.

4. How long does registration take?

Not long at all! Plan to spend approximately 10-15 minutes to complete the application process. Once submitted, you’ll hear from an Admissions Advisor within 24-48 hours to verify your account information. After that, you will be paired with a Learning Success Coach to discuss your learning goals and course selection for enrollment at ASU Prep Digital.

5. What paperwork do I need to register?

This can vary based upon whether or not you are a full-time, part-time, out-of-state or in-state student. All students must submit a birth certificate, a copy of valid parent photo ID, an unofficial transcript and signed FERPA form. An Admissions Advisor will speak with you about any additional documents required.

6. Do I need my transcripts to register?

If you have any high school courses under your belt, yes. This will help us ensure that you have met the prerequisites for certain courses. Your transcript will also serve as a guide so that we can schedule you in the courses that align with your graduation plan.

If you feel ready to take your first online course, getting started is easy. If you or your parents have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Admissions Team, at 844.692.3372. They’re real faculty here at ASU Prep Digital (they’re really nice) and they’re ready to help you through the process.

“Once I found ASU Prep Digital, I knew we had a great option available to us.”