Distinguished Scholars Program

Course Description

Purpose: The primary objective of the DSP is to create a cohort of students who wish to meet and collaborate with other academically-motivated students. The second objective is to support students who are working toward the Distinguished Scholars Award (DSA). The third objective is to help students develop their leadership skills. The DSP is under the direction of the DSP advisors, (Natania Cook and Dr. Bell). Club meetings are student-led by the DSP planning committee. Second year members of the DSP are invited to join this group.

This program is open to the following AAO students:

1. The student is a rising 8th–12th grader.
2. The student will complete 2 high school credits through AAO each year. (Seniors who have been active in the program may request a reduction in required credits. 8th graders may participate if enrolled in 2 middle school credits or more.)
3. The student maintains a cumulative 92% average in AAO high school classes to continue in the program. (Averages are confirmed at the end of each semester.)
4. The student is academically motivated, intellectually curious, and interested in meeting other like minded students at AAO.

Program Description

• Students will meet over Zoom the second and fourth Friday of  the month as a cohort (Aug–April). The regularly scheduled time will be Fridays 11 AM EST. Time may vary depending on guest speaker availability. 
• The student planning committee will facilitate the club meetings with input from club members and club advisors. In addition to getting to know one another, we will listen to featured speakers (such as homeschool graduates now working in various careers) and discuss timely topics (such as entrepreneurship, AI, and alternatives to college). Meetings will be recorded for those who cannot attend.
• Students will continue their interactions throughout the year via monitored discussion threads on Canvas.
• Students will receive coaching regarding college planning, merit scholarship opportunities, and college applications.

Benefits

• Students will have opportunities for leadership positions in the Distinguished Scholars Program.
• Students’ participation and achievement will be listed on their AAO transcript.
• Students may list their participation in the program and their award (when achieved) on college applications.
• AAO will be able to provide more comprehensive letters of recommendation for DSP students.
• Students with a minimum 92% GPA may continue in the program and may list the DSP as an activity on their transcript.

Distinguished Scholars Award (DSA)

1. Students who earn 9 or more credits through AAO during high school (8th–12th) and achieve a minimum 92% overall average will qualify for a Distinguished Scholars Award. (8th graders enrolled in high school level credit-bearing classes, such as Algebra 1, French 1, Literature & Composition 8/9, etc. can count these toward the award. Middle school classes do not count.)
2. Award recipients will be determined from the pool of qualified applicants who are also recommended by the AAO faculty as distinguished in areas of leadership, academic integrity, collegiality, and academic motivation. 
3. This achievement will be noted on their Aim Academy Online transcript.
4. A Certificate of Achievement, suitable for framing, will be mailed to the student’s home address.
5. Student must be enrolled in the DSP program while accruing credits.

Credits

• Non-graded classes, such as most mini-courses, do not count toward credit.
• Semester courses equal ½ credit. Full year courses equal 1 credit.
• Honors courses equal 1.25 credits. AP courses equal 1.5 credits.

*Program and award requirements remain fixed for students the year of their enrollment.   Pricing may vary.

*Requirements and benefits for future cohorts may vary. 

Required Texts