Introduction to College Academics

8-Week Virtual Classes for Current High School Students to Develop Critical College Academic Skills

College-level courses put significant demands on students’ critical academic skills – including more essays, longer projects, in-depth research and complex math. For students who struggle in one or more areas of their coursework, this academic transition can have a negative effect on their grades, mental health and adjustment to college life.

Our 8-week online Introduction to College Academics courses provides current high school juniors and seniors with a dedicated small-class setting to develop the skills needed to plan and execute college-level assignments in reading, writing and mathematics.

Students participate in weekly live, online courses plus hands-on activities and independent self-study to learn and perform each stage of the process. By the end of this course, each student will have a completed a physical piece of work relevant to their current high school studies.

Please note: these courses are not offered for college credit. 

Learn More at a Virtual Info Session

Join us for a live virtual information session on Sept. 26, 2023 at 6 p.m. EST.

2023-2024 Course Options

Reading

October 2 – November 21, 2023

With guided lessons and holistic reading comprehension exercises, students learn to build critical reading skills needed for success in college classes. Students are introduced to a wide variety of college-level texts — textbooks, novels, articles, or primary sources — and new strategies to enhance global reading skills.

Writing

February 5 – March 26, 2024

Through direct coaching and hands-on practice, students build academic readiness in key reading and writing skill areas throughout the writing process. From developing their thesis statement and beginning to research, through the process of organizing and structuring their work, all the way to citing sources, concluding, and revising – students learn critical strategies for their college academic success.

Math

April 8 – May 28, 2024

Nearly half of all college students fail freshmen math. But nearly all Beacon students complete their math requirement! This course introduces students to key mathematic strategies and the essential skills needed to be successful in college math. You must have successfully completed geometry in high school to select this course. 

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