Mat-Su Central offers self-directed opportunities

Traditional education might not be enough for college-bound students. While some high schools today struggle with overcrowding and do not offer personalized learning for students, Mat-Su Central School can help prepare students for college through independent learning and responsibility.

First off, Mat-Su Central School is a non-traditional public school that offers blended learning opportunities. Mat-Su Central supplies an alternative education program for kindergarten through high school and provides home school support for students and families who want self-paced instruction.

What sets Mat-Su Central apart from all the other schools is that it is technologically advanced, flexible education with hundreds of courses offered. It has a very broad range of educational options ranging from online courses to tutoring and support, to onsite (at the actual school) courses. It is also allotment-based. An allotment is a set amount of money per student that families can use to purchase curriculum and materials.

Mat-Su Central Principal John Brown said a student can have access to a rich menu of choices with personalized learning. Personalized learning is your educational needs and aspirations customized for you, while still meeting state standards.

Most people have not heard of this school, which is astonishing, as more than 1,600 students go to the school, with 30 people on staff. However, my experience most certainly does not feel like I was ignored in a herd of students. The opposite is actually true.

I was surprised that I could take classes that suited my needs and wants. For example, I wanted to take pre-calculus in the middle of a semester. I was hesitant to see if I could, as I never had that option before, and I was delighted to find it was an option. I could start a class during the semester and work at a time that suited my needs.

For once, I was able to learn at my own pace. I didn’t need to wait for other students, and if I was having trouble, I could slow down until I understood. I didn’t just learn from my education, but I learned quite a bit about self-motivation and a self-driven me, which I hear is important for the adult life.

For my online classes, I could work at a time that worked for me rather than exactly 11:49. There are no cliques, no high school drama, and no distractions or petty little problems. Only opportunity.

I had never felt like I had a say in what I wanted to learn until Mat-Su Central. If you want a class, most of the time, you can do the class whenever you would like. Students are not bound by daily schedules, and students have the option of taking courses from a wide range of vendors, some of which are outside of the state. This is truly an auspicious program.

Though this program, and home schooling in general, is commonly misunderstood, I believe it is what high school students who are college-bound, need. It does not just teach you at your own pace, but how to be more self-reliant and independent.

Many of my graduated, college friends tell me that traditional high school did not meet their college expectations. What I mean is, they expected a high school environment and got a college one.

College was more serious with less chances on late assignments and such. There is no time for messing around in class and slacking off. This really changed their perspective, and my own, on education and whether we are doing what is right and necessary for secondary education preparation.

Students should have more opportunities to be independent and self-directed to help them for a brighter college future. That is what sets Mat-Su Central apart.

Catherine Dunleavy is a junior at Mat-Su Central School.