Why Houghton Academy Online?

Houghton Academy Online extends, beyond geographic limitations, the traditional Christian college-preparatory education that Houghton Academy has offered for over 137 years. Houghton Academy Online provides students with a challenging, comprehensive and flexible academic program as an alternative to a traditional school program. Students have the flexibility to pursue their passions and interests that may compete with expectations and limitations found in most traditional brick and mortar schools. At the same time students are presented with a challenging college preparatory curriculum infused with a Christian worldview and taught by exceptional Christian educators.

What are the requirements or criteria for admission into Houghton Academy Online?

Admission into Houghton Academy online is determined on a student by student basis following a review of their application and transcripts. The academic expectations are ambitious and therefore students should have a record of academic success and should be motivated, disciplined and self-directed.

How do online classes work?

All classes will meet once a week for a live synchronous session. Attendance at these sessions is important to allow students to interact with their teachers and classmates. The majority of students’ work will take place asynchronously. Students therefore have great flexibility in both their pace but also their daily schedule. Students who are unable to join their live, synchronous sessions are able to view taped lessons. Teachers will also be available weekly with office hours during scheduled times communicated with students.

How do I apply?

Students may apply online at https://www.haonline.org/how-to-enroll. Students should complete the online application form and submit high school transcripts. Application deadlines for Fall, Spring and Summer sessions are posted on the HA Online website. These deadlines provide us enough time to ensure placement in your classes for the start of each semester. Once an application is received, students will be notified within 48 hours through an acceptance letter.

What platform will be utilized for online classes?

Students enrolled in Houghton Academy Online will be utilizing curricula built by Oaks Christian faculty and delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Canvas is a proven industry leader in providing a reliable, integrated and highly interactive learning environment for teachers and their students.

Will online students be able to interact with their teachers and classmates?

Yes, students will be able to interact both with classmates and their teachers during their scheduled synchronous sessions, during office hours or as arranged by the students and their classmates or teacher.

Will you offer Advanced Placement Courses?

Yes. Students will have access to 18 Advanced Placement classes taught by qualified and experienced teachers.

Are online students able to take dual credit college courses?

Yes. A wide range of dual enrollment classes are offered through 6 universities/colleges across the United States. The cost benefit offered students to obtain university credit through these dual enrollment courses is significant, therefore HA Online continues to work with our university partners to expand these opportunities. Azusa Pacific University Berklee College of Music Colorado Christian University Grand Canyon University Liberty University The King’s College

Do most colleges accept credits earned through these dual credit courses?

It has been our experience that dual credit courses are generally accepted by universities in the United States when used to fulfill general education requirements. Final decisions will be made by the university students choose to attend.

Are there supplemental materials needed for courses and costs for these materials?

Some classes have additional required materials. A full listing of courses with additional material needs can be found at MBS Direct Bookstore. When you receive confirmation for your selected courses, you will be provided a direct link to materials for the classes you are registered for.

What support will Houghton Academy provide in my university application process?

Houghton Academy Online offers a 9 course sequence of College Counseling classes. Students may take any or all of these courses during their enrollment. Each of these courses is scheduled for an 8 week period.

• What Colleges Want
• Understanding Your College Choices
• College Test Prep (ACT/SAT)
• College Application Strategies
• Application Writing
• Finishing Strong
• Paying for College
• Athletic Recruiting
• Visual & Performance Arts

Am I required to take the TOEFL or IELTS exams for admission into a US university?

International students whose native language is not English are generally required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS.) Students who have studied in an English language school may, however, be granted a waiver. The final decision on whether an exam is required for admission will rest with the university to which a student is applying. Students are advised to discuss this with admissions staff early in the application process.

Is Houghton Academy Online accredited?

Houghton Academy is dually accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CSS). Our partner, Oaks Christian is accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Serving and Accrediting International Schools (SAIS.) Courses have been approved by the NCAA.

Would my student have the opportunity to complete their high school education on the Houghton Academy campus?

Absolutely. Students interested in transitioning from online to the Houghton Academy campus should initiate this discussion with our Director of Guidance and Student Success. Students who choose to complete their high school degree on our campus will be immediately eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics and all Academy co-curricular activities provided all eligibility requirements are met. Additionally, for the 2020-21 school year, students who enroll with HA Online will receive a 100% credit of their online tuition costs towards full tuition costs as a boarding student for a subsequent school year @ Houghton Academy.

What is Houghton Academy’s experience with students’ ability to gain admission to colleges of their choosing?

Houghton Academy has a proven track record of equipping students for entrance into the university of their choosing. Our academic program, co-curricular opportunities and the support we provide our students has consistently enabled our students to enter the most competitive universities both in the United States and globally.