Dual enrollment classes that are offered in person at Lake Oconee Academy highlighted the school’s Board of Governors meeting on Monday.
Dr. Brad Bowling, LOA’s executive director, said the school used to offer dual enrollment classes online through Georgia Military College. When the classes were offered online, Bowling said students essentially had “study periods,” where they weren’t necessarily on campus, minimizing their high school experience.
Now, through a partnership with Toccoa Falls College, LOA teachers on campus teach dual enrollment courses. LOA currently offers English 1101, Spanish, government, and economics courses. After completing a dual enrollment course, students earn credits toward high school graduation and college.
Bowling said the classes have been “really successful.”
“In an online-type system, we dealt with being able to get in touch with the professor if you have a question, trying to get registered for the class, and then that actual instruction that’s taking place in the classroom. [Now, students say] they feel much more prepared and like they really are getting a college class,” Bowling shared about the success. “We’re [also] getting a lot of great feedback from parents who are glad that their students are here on campus, learning in classes.”
In other business, Bowling said LOA has signed on with a consultant to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment for safety and security, including inclement weather and active threats. The tentative start date is Nov. 15, and Bowling hopes to have the consultant present the assessment at the December meeting.
Bowling also said LOA is working with engineers on the RFP process to replace two HVAC units.
Engineers are also working on a facility maintenance report to provide a comprehensive overview of all existing buildings from a wear-and-tear standpoint.
Bowling said he hopes the board will have the report by the December meeting.