The start of the school year is just around the corner! Cyber students may not be preparing to get on a bus, but successfully transitioning out of “summer mode” can be a challenge for any family. Here are a few tips and tricks to that can help cyber school students make their virtual classroom feel like a close knit community!

• Interaction is Key – Cyber school teachers can’t always see your face to know if you are confused about a particular skill or topic. Master the technology and don’t be afraid to speak up and raise your virtual hand, type a question in the chat box or start a discussion on the microphones. Interacting with students from across the state will help you get to know your classmates better and make classes fun and engaging.
• Unplug & Reach Out – Making new friends while developing skills beyond the classroom is an important part of your educational experience. If you are new to cyber school you can still connect with your classmates in and out of the classroom. AHCCS students come from all over the state and there is bound to be another student in your local area who can help you adjust to the new environment. Ask a parent / guardian to help you make plans if you are going to meetup outside of the virtual classroom and in your local community.
• Eat Smart – Cyber school students are the creators of their own schedule – which can be great for those who have honed their time management skills. But setting your own schedule also means that there isn’t a bell telling your student to go to lunch at a specific time. Make sure to eat breakfast before starting your day so you are less likely to get hungry during mid-morning classes. Schedule a break for yourself midday for lunch, and don’t get so wrapped up in your work or classes that you forget to eat.
• Take a Risk – In addition to core classes, AHCCS offers a number of electives through the school’s Innovation Academy that are unique and challenging for students. From courses in digital photography and learning to code to starting your own small business, Innovation Academy gives students the tools they need to be competitive in the 21^st century. Even if you don’t plan on entering the IT or computer science field, branch out and give one of these fun electives a try during the 2017-2018 school year!

At Achievement House, students have the opportunity to personalize their learning experience and prepare themselves for academic and personal success. Students can make friends and new memories with classmates from all across the state through participation in various clubs, special projects and field trips. Even without extracurriculars, many AHCCS students use our online communication tools to stay in touch with classmates throughout the day. No matter what your path after high school may be, AHCCS can help you get there!

AHCCS may not follow your local school district’s calendar, and our first day of school is Tuesday, September 5. If you are interested in enrolling in cyber school, get started today!