<p>Wow, I didn't know that EGPY actually was an online school. I just thought it was like math classes and physics. But yea, that's really cool.</p>
<p>Okay, okay... I apologize. Unless I was a complete idiot and somehow skipped that paragraph, I don't think that it was included in the quoted text. Something about it still seems a bit... oh, I don't know. Feel free to ignore this post. I'm sure that majority of CCers can't understand what objections I could possibly have to this program.... I mean, I certainly feel frustrated by the limitations of my school program, but I don't think that I'd ever choose this form of education.</p>
<p>Oh, blehhh. This whole post was completely incoherent, but I can't really explain my feelings....</p>
<p>My only complaint?
Too few students can take advantage of this. I wonder how far this will expand in the future. A lot of early entrance programs haven't really expanded at all for years (and not many universities offer them).</p>
<p>But on the other hand - not much different from my opps - since I entered college 2 years early. Hmm - early entrance or online high school? I'm not particularly fond of the lectures here - but on the other hand I have a lot of freedom here.
[quote]
On top of reading Scarborough's notes on the screen and listening to him and their classmates speaking, the students maintain a running conversation of instant messages, which pop up near the bottom of the screen. It's like students passing notes in class, except that this is sanctioned — mostly.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Oh my god - I would DEFINITELY have a class like that!! I've written a number of pages about educational reform (including the college level) - and I never thought of that approach (lack of imagination).</p>
<p>One of my main complaints about in-class discussion: you have to exert conscious effort to take notes. And this takes away from the effort you can use in actually trying to understand the material (in trying to contribute an effective response). That - and the discussion is lost forever once the session ends. Additionally, the advantage of online classes like this is that in case you're feeling bad for whatever reason that day (or if you're not particularly attentive) - then you can always look at the session later. </p>
<p>==</p>
<h1>It's $12,000 though. Damn. I doubt my parents would pay that on me. Oh well - homeschooling can be just as effective - as long as the student is able to motivate himself without social peers. So it's not as if I missed too much of an opportunity. But here is an opportunity to actually make friends who aren't superficial. (which is difficult to do if you're homeschooled, and almost impossible if you go to a large percentage of public schools)</h1>
<p>The other issue is with addressing the needs of the profoundly gifted (I know one person who is that way - he's 16 and EPGY's textbooks are far too easy for him - since he's taking graduate level applied math courses - and getting 4.0s on them). But he's probably the most intelligent person that the University of Washington early entrance program has had for years.</p>
<p>Another thing I'd like to point out is that the best education can come from discussions that surround blogs that discuss research (though their audiences primarily consist of professional researchers + interested educated adults). People often talk about research journal articles in the blog comments. But that would work only for highly self-motivated students who can quickly absorb the information on research journals. Most gifted students are dependent on social motivation (when they're teenagers).</p>
<p>I've since had a chance to "face-meet" several of the members (well, about one-fourth of all the members) of the pioneer class at EPGY Online High School. They are a very interesting group of young people. I like the parents involved in the high school too. I expect several of us will be planning get-togethers at every opportunity.</p>
<p>In Nevada, the school district offers virtual classes for 100 dollars each class. You get the textbooks, the Apex program, an interact username, Webct, and etc. It is nowhere near that advanced, but it is pretty easy.
My only problem is that it requires a lot of self-motivation, just like home schooling and self-study do. I didn't realize this going into my APUSH online class, and my teacher was really easy on us. I got behind, and as a result I received a B for the 2nd semester. On the AP exam, I got a 3 (which I still believe was a miracle).
It is a great idea, but I don't know, I'd rather learn from someone who is standing right in front of me and who I know. It makes me feel a little more at ease, and I feel more pressure to do my hw (otherwise I'll get the 'YOU didn't do your homework' stare).</p>
<p>I took an EPGY grammar class once. It was a waste of time, and the online materials were terrible. They seemed like they were written by a student programmer. I'd be really cautious not to be burned like that again. I've taken a live EPGY summer program. Very fun, but I think I have outgrown it. Many of the online classes at EPGY are available for much less other places.</p>
<p>I got this e-mail from EPGY yesterday:</p>
<p>EPGY News Flash
EPGY Online High School Receives Accreditation
The Education Program for Gifted Youth Online High School at Stanford University has just been informed by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges that it has received Interim Accreditation (Grades 10 - 12) through June 30, 2010. This status, the highest that a new school can receive, entitles the EPGY OHS to formally state that it has been "Fully Accredited (Grades 10 - 12) by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges (WASC)."</p>
<p>As per request of WASC, we are including their content information in this news flash.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Accrediting Commission for Schools
533 Airport Blvd, Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone: 650 696 1060 </p>
<p>While the OHS has concluded the main application cycle for Fall 2007, we are still considering applications from students with outstanding academic records and compelling reasons for needing to attend the OHS this Fall. We will begin accepting applications for the 2008-09 academic year in October 2007</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing the news about the accreditation. </p>
<p>There was some comment upthread about the cost of EPGY courses. Years ago, in online discussion, someone told me that EPGY distance learning offers good financial aid that reaches up to higher middle-class income ranges than that of many other programs, and since then I have passed that news on to other parents, who have confirmed that report after applying for financial aid. I have heard of some families getting VERY steep discounts from list price for EPGY distance learning courses. I can attest, for the new online high school, that it is possible to get a full ride (including a full ride for the face-to-face summer sessions specific to the online high school) at genuinely middle-class income levels. An interested family should inquire about financial aid while inquiring about admission if a program looks suitable for an advanced learner.</p>