Frequently Asked Questions
Are National University Academy High School courses for credit?
Credits earned in a National University Academy course are equivalent to a traditional high school semester-length class. Full-time National University Academy students earn credit towards their diploma by following the graduation requirements as stated in the Student/Parent Handbook.
Is National University Academy accredited?
National University Academy, Lakeside (NUA) and National University Academy, Armona (NUAA) are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Schools. The NUA team completed a self-study to demonstrate the school's compliance with the WASC criteria, as well as to show evidence of a focus on student achievement and continuous improvement.
NUA and NUAA will again welcome a WASC visiting committee in March 2013 for an accreditation review. Both NUA Orange Center and NUA Tulare are in the process of applying for WASC accreditation. Accreditation visits are expected in late 2012.
Click here to view the school's accreditation status as posted on the WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools website. The original letter approving NUA as a WASC accredited school is available as links on this page as well.
In addition to completing a rigorous accreditation process, NUA has also sought external validation from the College Board, the University of California (UC) system and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA). NUA has gained the approval for core courses from all three entities. The UC approval ensures that students are academically prepared for college level coursework and have a strong foundation across all subjects. Similarly, NCAA and NAIA develop rules and policies to ensure the academic commitment of student-athletes and to increase the likelihood that they will earn degrees.
Do students enrolled in the high school program take the courses only during normal “school hours”?
The availability of online courses is that students can study where, how and when they want. However, students must adhere to their instructor’s course outline and guidelines, which may require specific assignment due dates, participation in live online chats, threaded discussions, and online exams.
Do students taking online courses need a computer at home?
National University Academy highly recommends that students have continuous access to a computer with Internet access, preferably in the home. If students don't have a computer with reliable Internet access at home, they can use computers at the public library, internet cafes and community centers.
Is there a teacher for every class?
Yes. California certified teachers work closely with students in each course to provide guidance and frequent feedback as students progress through the curriculum. National University Academy teachers are content area experts in the fields that they teach.
Will students need to be online at the same time as the instructor?
The majority of National University Academy courses are conducted asynchronously, allowing students to participate at any time of the day. Some courses do require that students attend live chat sessions with their instructor and/or classmates. Times and dates are determined by the instructor.
What is the difference between “asynchronous” and “synchronous” discussions?
Asynchronous discussions, or “threaded discussions,” are intended for students to post messages at their leisure, or as otherwise instructed by their teacher. Synchronous discussions or online “chats” are intended for all students and their instructor to be present to communicate at the “same time.”
What about assignments, quizzes and tests?
National University Academy courses all have assignments that students turn in via a digital drop box housed right in the course. Most of the courses also contain quizzes, tests, and a culminating project.
How many National University Academy courses can students take at one time?
On average, a full-time student will take twelve courses per academic year in order to fully meet graduation requirements.
Who can a student contact if he/she is having trouble with an online course?
If the trouble is related to course content, students should contact their instructor. If the trouble seems to be technical, students may contact the online help desk at 1.877.533.4733 or via e-mail at helpdesk@myonlinelogin.com. The online help desk services are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
How do students create/receive their student ID numbers and passwords?
Upon enrollment at National University Academy, each student will be assigned a unique seven-digit student ID number and six-digit password. Students can reset their passwords by calling the National University Academy help desk at 1.877.533.4733 or via e-mail at helpdesk@myonlinelogin.com.