Global Online Academy
St. George’s Independent School has entered into an exclusive partnership with Global Online Academy (GOA), an international consortium of leading independent schools that seeks to reimagine learning and empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society. As one of only two GOA member schools in Tennessee, St. George's is placed among other esteemed independent schools internationally and providing students and educators access to online courses that promote academic agency, forge meaningful global connections and expand cultural knowledge.
“One of our highest callings as a school is to equip young men and women with the confidence and passion needed to make meaningful contributions to our community and our world,” said Timothy Gibson, St. George’s head of school. “We seek to do this through collaborative opportunities that enrich educational development and provide perspective on each student’s role as a part of a global community. Becoming a GOA member school made complete sense in this context, as the organization’s mission is to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society.”
As a member school, St. George’s Upper School students can access online courses through GOA. The current course catalog features subjects that many independent schools couldn’t offer regularly on campus – like Architecture, Cybersecurity, Filmmaking, Global Health, Game Theory, Introduction to Legal Thinking, International Relations, and Medical Problem Solving – creating agency for students to expand their understanding of topics that could shape their future career path. Simultaneously, students are developing online learning skills that will support their future educational pursuits, studying under educators with subject-matter expertise that they would not have access to otherwise, and building connections with classmates at member schools around the world.
“The addition of GOA programming deepens our commitment to the development of each individual student,” said Pam McCarthy, St. George’s GOA site director. “We can partner with students and families to select courses that meet their particular strengths and interests, allowing them to better prepare for college and career opportunities while they’re still in high school.”
A number of seniors are participating in a course trial during the spring 2022 semester. Starting in March, St. George’s Upper School students will be able to enroll in select courses for the 2022-23 school year and Middle School students may have access to GOA courses through their teachers as part of a class. St. George’s faculty also have access to professional development courses.
The GOA Student Experience from Global Online Academy on Vimeo.
St. George's Independent School is a member of Global Online Academy (GOA), a consortium of more than 125 high-performing independent schools, representing 30 countries and over 30 states, whose mission is to reimagine learning to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society. GOA schools develop the strategies and tools to lead innovation, and GOA faculty design rigorous learning experiences focused on cultivating relationships, sharing diverse perspectives on global issues, and encouraging a passion for learning. GOA courses equip students with the skills, strategies, and tools to be successful modern learners.