Approximately one-third of students who enter 9th grade do not receive a high school diploma in four years.

There are numerous reasons students drop out of high school, and there is not a simple solution. But, for many students, there is a common denominator: They have simply not been successful in the one-size-fits-all model of the traditional classroom.

A growing number of high schools are offering non-traditional programs in an effort to retain at-risk students and bring back those who have dropped out. To provide the personalized learning experiences that these students need to be successful, schools are implementing online learning solutions.

Differentiated Instruction

Digital curriculum from Apex Learning makes it possible to individualize instruction to address diverse student needs. Students can progress at their own pace, taking as much — or as little — time as necessary to master the material. Direct instruction incorporates multimedia — in the form of images, audio, video, animations, and interactive elements — along with instructional text to provide students with multiple representations of concepts as well as address their different learning styles. Formative assessments help students to gauge their understanding and improve performance, while summative assessments chart progress and skill development. Unit-level diagnostics allow students to move quickly over material they have previously mastered.

Multiple Course Pathways

Apex Learning digital curriculum is designed to support academic success for all students, including those who have not been successful in traditional programs. Foundations courses meet the needs of students who are not prepared for grade-level academic challenges and need to develop basic skills in math, reading, and writing before tackling high school academic courses. Literacy Advantage courses integrate literacy scaffolding to support below-proficient readers in mastering required content in high school math, science, English, and social studies courses. Finally, Apex Learning Core courses meet the needs of a range of students as they endeavor to master rigorous content and earn credits toward graduation.