Global Online Academy
Walnut Hill is a member of the Global Online Academy (GOA), an international consortium of leading independent schools dedicated to offering high-quality, relationship-based online learning options to their students. The GOA program is designed to be highly collaborative and relevant, and empower students to thrive in a globally networked society. GOA electives create opportunities for students to share their local and personal perspectives on global issues through stimulating discussions, ongoing feedback, and thought-provoking coursework.
As a GOA member school, Walnut Hill is able to expand the range of electives offered to our students, providing access to topics of study that are of particular interest to them. Students in grades 10 through 12/PG may elect to take one or more GOA courses per year in addition to the standard sequence of academic courses at Walnut Hill. Each online class is limited to 20 students, and the courses are predominantly taught by the faculty at GOA member schools. GOA course offerings can be reviewed in the GOA Course Catalog.
For students interested in pursuing an academic minor or major at the collegiate level following their graduation from Walnut Hill, GOA offers Pathway Certification in eight areas of study, or Learning Pathways. To earn Pathway Certification, a student must successfully complete at least three courses in any one Learning Pathway.
GOA is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) and the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC).
Walnut Hill Official Policies for Global Online Academy
GOA course registration is open to students in grades 10 through 12/PG with approval. GOA courses may only be taken as a supplement to the courses in the Walnut Hill standard academic sequence, not in place of any courses required for advancement to the next grade level or graduation. Students may take up to a combined total of 6 academic courses in any one school year (Fall and Spring semesters). If a GOA course will count as a 6th academic course for a student, they must first submit and receive approval for this via a 6th course petition. Summer courses do not count towards this course maximum.
All classes contain both synchronous and asynchronous components, giving students the opportunity to connect in real time and the flexibility to work when and how they like. Students considering GOA courses should be prepared to manage this flexibility and the requirements of a GOA course independently, while also upholding all Walnut Hill obligations.
Students registering for GOA courses can anticipate dedicating 5-12 hours of study per week on each 14-week Fall or Spring semester course, and 10-15 hours per week on intensive 7-week Summer courses. GOA course grades are taken for credit and will appear on the Walnut Hill transcript, identified as GOA courses. GOA courses are not factored into the student academic GPA.
Enrollment and progress in GOA courses is managed at Walnut Hill by Erin Young, Associate Director of Educational Programs.
Global Online Academy imagines a future where all students acquire and practice modern learning skills to be global citizens.
GOA's mission is to reimagine learning to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society.