Course Types Explained
Choose the right experience for your student.
You want an educational experience that works for your student’s needs and your
family’s lifestyle. We offer many courses in multiple formats so you can choose
the one that’s best for you.
Live Courses
If you want the personal connection of an excellent brick-and-mortar classroom combined with the flexibility of online learning for your student, choose this option. Our signature live online courses are the heart of the Williamsburg program, led by expert mentors who create a deep sense of community between students. Live courses include the following benefits:
Weekly live classes with mentor and peers
Live interaction via webcam, mic, and chat box
Access to live study groups and 1:1 tutoring
Chances to participate in student government
Group projects & peer-reviewed presentations
Simulations & student-led discussions
Written, oral, and project-based exams
Classic & Honors Versions
In many live courses, we offer both a Classic and Honors format. Students in both versions meet in the same live class sessions, but students in Honors courses have about 30% more readings and assignments, including projects that are more challenging. Students are welcome to enroll in whichever version fits best for them and can switch within the first twenty-one days of the semester. Honors courses are not available in the self-paced format.
Classic courses provide:
Freedom to participate in other programs and extracurriculars
Freedom to go deeper in other areas of interest
Time to process what you’re learning without being overwhelmed by assignments and readings
Honors courses provide:
Opportunities for deeper readings, discussions, and analysis
Challenging assignments exploring themes, lessons, and characters in the liberal arts
Freedom to thoroughly explore the subject material
Self-Paced Courses
If your student works well independently or needs more flexibility to work around other
activities, our self-paced courses are an ideal option and provide a richer, more personal experience than many other asynchronous online courses. Self-paced courses include the following benefits:
Interaction with peers through online forums
Access to weekly mentor office hours
Streamlined assignments for meaningful learning
Same high-quality readings as live classes
Same personalized feedback as live classes
Independent Studies Courses (High School)
High school students can fulfill Fine Arts, PE, and Electives academic credits when they complete independent study hours through a third-party curriculum provider. Some students put in long hours practicing musical instruments, competing on an athletic team, or participating in internships. Students can earn credit for these and other activities by enrolling in an Independent Studies course, provided they fulfill the course requirements (see the above course links for full details).