WorldStrides: Frequently Asked Questions

These are frequently asked questions by parents, teachers and WorldStrides students about the Discovery for Credit program.

1. Will my school accept credit?
2. What courses can I register for?
3. How much does each course cost?
4. Who develops and grades each course?
5. What is the responsibility of the teacher for this course?
6. Why would students want to take advantage of this option?
7. Where can I request more information, such as a course syllabus?
8. What does the transcript look like?
9. How many hours does each course take?

1. Will my school accept credit?

As an accredited school with the Northwest Association of Accredited schools (see certificate) - we are just like any other public school in America in regards to our curriculum and assessment - our D4C program is rigorous, relevant and equal to a typical course offered in most schools in the U.S.  The only difference is our program instructs and teaches our curriculum in a unique way - through a travel program.  Students work independently and at their own pace to complete the online portion of the course.

As an accredited school, other public high schools are required, by reciprocity, to accept our credit.  This applies to students in grades 9-12.  Students in grades  K-8, however, are bound by district or local policy; many of which do accept high school credit without question.  Some districts or schools, however, do have policies that prohibit middle school students from obtaining high school credits prior to actually entering high school.  It depends on the school district whether or not students are considered 9^th graders on the day they "graduate" middle school or the day they "enter" high school.  The summer between 8^th and 9^th grades are tricky to understand and are simply up to the local school policy to decide whether or not to award the credit.  We strive to communicate with the school district in these cases about the rigor or our programs, but in the end, it is a local policy. 

2. What courses can I register for?

The following courses are available to WorldStrides students who are planning or who have traveled on a trip with WorldStrides. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL - Grades 5-8 

HIGH SCHOOL - Grades 9-12

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3. How much does each course cost?

Nothing. It's FREE.

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4. Who develops and grades each course?

Our Director of Education develops and oversees the content and assessment for each course.  A certified teacher and administrator, our Director of Education has extensive background and experience in education.  The program was created in 2001 and has recently gone through a review and renovation process.   

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5. What is the responsibility of the teacher for this course?

We ask the Program Leader at a traveling WorldStrides school to promote this option to students.  Posting the D4C link on MyTrip, mentioning it at parent meetings or classroom meetings and generally including it on correspondence home to parents and students.

Teachers do not grade or assess any of their students or any student on this program.  They do not write curriculum or develop any type of assessment. Teachers who do want to have a stronger presence for their students to support the D4C efforts, do have the potential to receive an "administration" password for D4C and view and track the progress of their students who are taking the courses.  This is an option that is available through the website or via the Education Department. 

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6. Why would students want to take advantage of this option?

First and foremost, it's a good thing.  When students can take what they learn on a travel program and apply it through quality discussion questions, or short writing analysis - they validate their learning.

Second, these courses apply to a student's high school graduation record.  This may then open up other opportunities during their high school years to take other courses of interest.  Their schedule becomes much more open to new possibilities.

Finally, a student's high school record is sent off to colleges and universities during the admissions process.  A student has an advantage when they can showcase their "travel" experience and learning through experiential activities.  This same advantage applies for scholarship applications.

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7. Where can I request more information, such as a course syllabus?

Contact our Education Department at discovery@worldstrides.com

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8. What does the transcript look like?

Here are previews of what a WorldStrides, Discovery for Credit looks like:

• WorldStrides Transcript: FRONT | BACK
• Heritage Festivals/BGA Transcript: FRONT | BACK

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9. How many hours does each course take?

• Every course varies, but on average, each Elective course (0.5) credit should take a student 60+ hours to complete (20 pre-trip hours + 20 on-trip hours + 20 post-trip hours)
• Each Academic course (1.0) credit should take a student 120+ hours to complete
• Students may complete their work at any time.  This work may be completed pre-trip, on-trip, or post-trip, up to 6 months after their travel dates.  Once a student registers, an online "clock" lets them know how many months and days they have to complete their course before their time expires. 

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• About Discovery for Credit
• Accreditation
• Frequently Asked Questions