Hassel Free Education – 02.21.12

Posted on February 22, 2012 by John Karas

If you are seeking to complete your high school education without the hassle of the traditional brick and mortar school, turn to Beacon Academy of Nevada for your online education.  Beacon Academy of Nevada a statewide virtual online charter high school headquartered in Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada and available in all Nevada counties and cities invites you to capitalize on the wealth of Internet learning opportunities and their accompanying resources.  Bring your curiosity and your browser to Beacon Academy of Nevada and experience the benefits of virtual online education

Typically, students can attend their virtual online courses anytime, from anywhere, making scheduling around jobs, travel, children and responsibilities considerably easier.  Wherever there is an Internet connection, you will have the opportunity to learn.  With Beacon Academy course material accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week you will have the capacity to work at your pace, and at your leisure.  While most traditional brick and mortar students must catch all information as it is disbursed, you have the option and the availability to review coursework, reacquaint yourself with topics as well as learn the most recent developments in your areas of interest.  The power of technology coupled with the idea of being able to learn without distraction allows the online education student the luxury of truly capturing all there is being offered.
To learn more about Distance Learning at Beacon Academy of Nevada,  a state-wide online public charter school sponsored by the Nevada Department of Education with its main office in Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada click on the links below..

Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE

James Karas
Tech Support
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a comment

High School From Home – 02.20.12

Posted on February 20, 2012 by John Karas

High School From Home – Beacon Academy of Nevada
 ONLINE ~ FREE

Tuition Free, Statewide, Online, Accredited, Public, Charter, High School

  • FREE public high school grades 9-12
  • Full Spectrum of AP, Honors and Elective Courses
  • Learn from anywhere, anytime, 24/7 – Learn wherever you are
  • Enroll free up to age 21
  • School issued laptop computer, if needed
  • Full range of student activities and services
  • Early graduation and credit recovery programs
  • Credit for work experience, educational travel and community service
  • FREE therapeutic / clinical social work and counseling for students and their families
  • Tutoring and one-on-one mentorship

Why finish high school online from home at Beacon Academy of Nevada?

  • It’s safe. The learning environment is free from bullies, drugs and violence.
  • It fits your lifestyle and family needs. Learn at your pace, on your time, in your own way.
  • It offers you a larger number of AP, Honors courses and electives.
  • Get better grades in less time. Learning online is efficient and focused allowing for greater probability of better grades.
  • Catch up on credits or move ahead of others. Online learning allows you to pace your learning at your speed and interests.
  • Learn from anywhere at anytime. Your high school can travel with you and fits perfectly into the demands of your work and family responsibilities.
  • We can help you with all the technology you need. You can use your own computer or, if you prefer, you can borrow a laptop computer from Beacon Academy of Nevada.
  • Enroll up to age 21. Return to school and get the diploma you deserve.
  • It’s your RIGHT. As a Nevada resident you have the right to choose your school. The state is required to pay for your public education.
  • It’s FREE, accredited, state sponsored, and a great deal of fun.
Posted in General Topics | Leave a comment

FREE Counseling Services Available to all Students and their Families – 02.16.12

Posted on February 17, 2012 by John Karas

School social work services at Beacon Academy of Nevada provide a link between home, school, and community. This service enables students and their families to overcome social and personal problems which impede learning.  Through the Center of Health and Learning, all Beacon Academy students can receive individual and family counseling, and other services which help students be successful. Beacon Academy social services collaborate with community agencies and provide case management for students and families requiring multiple services.  No matter if the student lives in Clark County, Washoe County, Nye County, Churchill County, Esmeralda County, Lyon County, Humboldt County, Pershing County, Lander County, Eureka County, Elko County, White Pine County, Storey County, Douglas County, Mineral County, Lincoln County, and the Nevada cities and towns of Las Vegas, Reno, Pahrump, Ely, Goldfield, Winnemucca, Elko,  Beatty, Hawthorne, Fernley, Fallon, Sparks or Tonopah, we will work to address any concerns and help students overcome whatever barriers are impeding success.

The overall goal of this unique partnership between the Center for Health and Learning and Beacon Academy of Nevada is to provide behavioral health and wellness services to persons who need them and who are not receiving these essential services from other community providers or agencies. In some cases, the services provided by the Center for Health and Learning are specifically designed to assist students in overcoming issues and challenges to learning while at other times the services are directed at personal development, wellness and interpersonal improvement and enrichment for children, adolescents, adults and families.

If you feel like you could benefit from these services or know someone, please contact Jill Nestor either by email (jill.nestor@banv.org) or phone (702-726-8664).

If you are tired of the routine of a brick and mortar school and would like to try a new innovative way to earn your high school diploma, check us out.  Here are some helpful links:

Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE
Events – Click HERE
Enroll Now for Fall 2011-2012 – Click HERE

Jill Nestor
Social Worker
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Social Services Sector | Leave a comment

YEARBOOKS! – HSPE – 02.16.12

Posted on February 16, 2012 by John Karas

Time is running out to submit your pictures for the 2012 Beacon Academy Yearbook!  Yes, even though we are a virtual online charter high school, Nevada’s online high school does have a yearbook.  You can submit your own pictures and artwork for the yearbook through the link posted in the Announcements on Blackboard.  The deadline to submit is March 1st!  Be a part if this tradition and buy your yearbook today.  Yearbooks start at $30.  The link to order can also be found in the Announcements on Blackboard.

High School Proficiency Exams are 3 weeks away!  The exams are scheduled for March 6th through 9th STATEWIDE.  All 10th graders and eligible 11th and 12th graders are REQUIRED to participate.  Be sure to RSVP for your testing location using the link in the Announcements on Blackboard.

But there is no need to stress about the exams!  Your Beacon Academy of Nevada teachers are running help and study sessions from now until testing week to get you ready.  All help sessions are either by Elluminate (after all we are a virtual online high school) or in person at the Las Vegas and Reno Offices.  Please check out the activities calendar for dates, times and locations.  For more information on the Help Sessions that are being offered you can go here or check out the Student Services tab on Blackboard.

Yes, Beacon Academy of Nevada, Nevada’s Online Highs School has lots of activities for its students.  You too can participate in these exciting events and all the other activities and events we have, if you are enrolled in Beacon Academy.  For information on Beacon Academy, check out the links below:

Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE

Lenna Cherry
Student Events and Attendance
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Activities Center | Leave a comment

Proficiency Exams Are Around The Corner – 02.15.12

Posted on February 15, 2012 by John Karas

With proficiency testing three weeks away and the boxes of materials slowly starting to arrive the important thing to remember is practice.  At Beacon Academy of Nevada, an online free public charter school, students need to practice, practice, practice in order to prepare themselves for each of the proficiency exams.  The exams cover math (algebra and geometry), reading comprehension, science (all levels of basic science), and writing (proper essay format, grammar and spelling).

Here at Beacon Academy of Nevada, Nevada’s Online High School, our teachers recognize that students need help and guidance on how to successfully take these important exams.  Our teachers have developed tutoring sessions for each area.  A list of the tutoring sessions can be found on our class site under Student Services or by clicking on the following reservation link: https://banv.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.  Students will find a link to the High School Proficiency Exam page created specifically for our students which is full of practice tests for our students to practice as well as the current tutoring times and locations.

The proficiency exams are stressful for every student because they can be the difference between receiving a diploma and a certificate of attendance. That’s why Beacon Academy of Nevada has done so much to help prepare our students to be successful when taking these exams.

For more information on Beacon Academy, check out our website.

Here are some useful websites:
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE

Amanda Cook
Academic Counselor
Testing Coordinator
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Counselor's Corner | Leave a comment

How distance learning can enrich your life – 02.14.12

Posted on February 14, 2012 by John Karas

Distance education at Beacon Academy of Nevada, Nevada’s Online High School, is a viable option for anyone who wishes to return to school to receive their high school diploma.  It is a godsend for any students who do not want to attend a physical campus.  Most accredited schools like Beacon Academy have now recognized the value of its students young or old.  You are never too old for continuing education or personal growth.

We need not revisit the insecurities and growing pains of our youth in order to continue our educational pursuits.  While distance education may present challenges all of its own, one need only to possess reasonable computer skills and a willingness to learn in order to be successful.  With age comes expertise in time management, study habits, and common sense.  All are beneficial to the learning process.

There are no worries of peer pressure, travel concerns, or wading through a sea of strangers. Interaction with teachers and counselors offer you a comforting amount of anonymity as you dialogue online as opposed to face-to-face.  Likewise, your fellow students are available in chat rooms and forums if you choose to participate.

For some people, distance education, at a virtual online high school in Nevada, allows the opportunity to bypass the daily trials and tribulations that many students face.  The instructors do not know or care how old you are. They are there to teach, and you are here to learn

Going back to school later in life can be a difficult decision.  The rewards, however, can make it well worth your time.  It is never too late in life to decide what you want to be when you grow up.  Life is short, and it is what we make of it.

Never let age or perceived abilities be a barrier to your personal growth and development so come join Beacon Academy of Nevada, a state-wide online public charter school sponsored by the Nevada Department of Education with its main offices in Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada and Washoe County, Reno, Nevada.

For more information on Beacon Academy, check out our website.  For more information you can also click on a number of other websites.  Why don’t you check us out?  Here are some useful websites:

Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE

James Karas
Tech Support
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a comment

HSPE On The Horizon – 02.13.12

Posted on February 13, 2012 by John Karas

The Spring High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) cycle is upon us.  Here at Beacon Academy of Nevada, Nevada’s Online High School, our students are preparing to take their HSPE.

For those students who feel they need additional help in any of the four exams (reading, writing, math, and science), Beacon Academy provides a series of special tutoring sessions.  These sessions are available to our students no matter what part of the state they live in.  After all, we are a virtual online high school.

When our students open up their Blackboard tab they see a prominently displayed announcement regarding the upcoming HSPE exam cycle.  The announcement reads:

Proficiency Exams are upon us!
Please go HERE for more information about upcoming Help Sessions and Boot Camps for Math, Science, Writing, and Reading.

At Beacon Academy we take serious the education of our students and we provide them a support structure that can help them succeed.  Obviously, the student needs to want the help.  If the student wants that help, the entire Beacon Academy team is there to support them.

If you are not getting the support you need to be successful in school and would like to try a different and more progressive route to education, come check us out.  We welcome you to visit either our Las Vegas or Reno offices or check us out on the WEB.  Remember, we are all here to help YOU!

John Karas
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Academic Angle | Leave a comment

GSA Club at Beacon Academy! – 02.10.12

Posted on February 11, 2012 by John Karas

Here at Beacon Academy of Nevada, Nevada’s Online High School, we offer many activities and clubs for our students.  Even though we are a virtual online high school we offer these activities for our students.  Now, we are very excited about the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Club that is starting this semester.  Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a youth leadership organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources through peer support, leadership development, and training.  GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: 1) create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia, transphobia, and other oppressions, 2) educate the school community about homophobia, transphobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues, and 3) fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools.

GSA Club will be meeting twice per month to discuss plans for upcoming events and to offer support to the students of Beacon Academy of Nevada. The next meeting is scheduled for February 17th from 12:00-1:00pm. If you are interested in joining this club, please contact Mrs. Nestor at jill.nestor@banv.org.

If you are tired of the routine of a brick and mortar school and would like to try a new innovative way to earn your high school diploma, check us out.  Here are some helpful links:

Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE
Events – Click HERE
Enroll Now for Fall 2011-2012 – Click HERE

Jill Nestor
Social Worker
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Social Services Sector | Leave a comment

Proficiency Exams Heading Our Way! – 02.09.12

Posted on February 9, 2012 by John Karas

High School Proficiency Exams are right around the corner!  The exams are scheduled for March 6th through 9th STATEWIDE.  All 10th graders and eligible 11th and 12th graders are REQUIRED to participate.

There is no need to stress about the exams!  Your Beacon Academy of Nevada teachers are running help and study sessions from now until testing week to get you ready.  All help sessions are either by Elluminate (after all we are a virtual online high school) or in person at the Las Vegas and Reno Offices.  Please check out the activities calendar for dates, times and locations.  For more information on the Help Sessions that are being offered you can go here (http://beaconacademyevents.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/high-school-proficiency-exams/) or check out the Student Services tab on Blackboard.

The 2012 Beacon Academy Yearbook is on sale!  Be a part if this tradition and by yours today.  Yearbooks start at $30.  The link to order can be found in the Announcements on Blackboard.  You can also submit your own picture and artwork for the yearbook!  The deadline to submit is March 1st!

Yes, Beacon Academy of Nevada, Nevada’s Online Highs School has lots of activities for its students.  You too can participate in these exciting events and all the other activities and events we have, if you are enrolled in Beacon Academy.  For information on Beacon Academy, check out the links below:

Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE

Lenna Cherry
Student Events and Attendance
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Activities Center | Leave a comment

What Do I Want To Do When I Graduate? – 02.08.12

Posted on February 9, 2012 by John Karas

Now that we have entered into the spring semester here at Beacon Academy of Nevada, a virtual high school, seniors often begin the daunting task of figuring out what to do after they graduate.  Some will go into the armed forces, others will go to work, while a good majority of our students will go into some type of college.

For those students planning on going to college a crucial step will be taking their SAT and ACT tests.  These tests are a measure of a student’s general knowledge in many core areas and colleges use the test scores to determine their eligibility for scholarships and placement into their educational system.  Students can register to take the SAT exam though collegeboard and their website is www.collegeboard.com. Students who wish to take the ACT exam will registers at www.actstudent.org.

Many students ask if they have to take both. Most colleges will take either or, but not all – there are a select few that require only the ACT.  That is why it is very important for students to have an idea of where they will attend so they know what the admissions requirements are.

I recommend that students take both during their junior year.  Many times a student will do better on one than they do the other.  By starting in their junior year students will have time to study and retake the tests if necessary.  The important thing is to start early and plan what they need to do to meet the admissions requirements for the college they want to go to. This is true across the board for all students, not just those in an online virtual high school.

For more information on Beacon Academy, check out our website.

Here are some useful websites:

Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE

Amanda Cook
Academic Counselor
Testing Coordinator
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Counselor's Corner | Leave a comment