Online Courses

Students at Wilbraham & Monson Academy have the opportunity to participate in a hybrid experience of both online and classroom learning. Students enrolled in our Virtual High School courses have an online learning block added to their schedule. Coursework is then completed according to the VHS schedule, teaching students to take responsibility for their own educational success.

However, these students aren't just sent to an online learning space. They report to a physical classroom, where a teacher is present to help them stay on task, manage their online platform and meet deadlines. Thus, the learning experience is guided and independent all at once.

Associated fees apply to these courses, and students will receive WMA transcript credit upon completion.

“We want our students to have a hybrid experience. We’re not just sending students to an online learning space; the students will have an online learning block in their schedule and they will be responsible for reporting to the classroom. There will be a teacher in the classroom to help the students stay on task, meet deadlines and manage their online platform.”
Meg Hutcheson, Chair, English Department

WMA offers online courses through Virtual High School. Students enrolled in these courses may be assigned an “online learning block” in their daily schedule with a WMA faculty coordinator to oversee their progress, take attendance and offer support. Thus, offering students a guided yet independent learning experience. All online courses will receive WMA transcript credit. There are fees associated with these courses.

Courses may vary depending on demand. Students taking courses through Virtual High School will be expected to work according to the VHS schedule. Course work will need to be done regardless of the WMA vacation schedule.

Offered Courses - Full Year

Honors computer science

Credits: 1.5

Level: Grade 10 and above

Subject: Computer Science and Technology

Overview: This course is an introduction to Computer Science Honors, covering the basic concepts and elements of the Java programming language and introducing object-oriented programming. Students will gain experience writing programs that are well documented according to industry standards and will have the opportunity to create Java Applets and learn about Graphical User Interface programming with Swing. Additionally, the students will be encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively to solve practical problems that illustrate application building techniques. This course is intended to teach and reinforce crucial academic skills to help students strengthen their background in computer science prior to taking an Advanced Placement course.

**Students taking this winter/spring semester online course will be assigned an "online learning" block within the school day, which is overseen by our online learning site coordinator. However, students enrolled in this class will have to adhere to a different academic schedule due to the semester structure of this online.

Prerequisite: One year Algebra and department permission

ap european history

Credits: 3

Level: Grade 10 and above

Subject: CEGS

Overview: During this full-year course, students will investigate the broad themes of interaction between Europe and the World, Poverty and Prosperity, Objective Knowledge and Subjective Visions, States and Other Institutions of Power, and the Individual and Society, while making crucial connections across four different chronological periods ranging from 1450 to the present. In addition, the course is focused toward 19 key concepts, which enable students to better understand, organize, and prioritize historical developments within a chronological framework. As students learn to analytically examine historical facts and evidence, they will gain deeper conceptual understandings of critical developments in European history and will understand issues from multiple perspectives. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable hours to homework and study, are necessary to succeed in this rigorous course. The challenging and stimulating curriculum of AP European History requires much more time than other high school courses. This course specifically encourages the development of students’ skills in the categories of chronological reasoning, comparison and contextualization, construction of evidence-based arguments, and interpretation and synthesis of historical narratives, all competencies essential for college and career success.

Prerequisite: Global Studies 1 and department permission required

AP computer science a

Level: Grade 10 and above

Subject: Computer Science and Technology

Overview: AP® Computer Science is a course designed to awaken and support students’ problem solving skills. The course will introduce the Java programming language while emphasizing universal language techniques like syntax, semantics and readability. Students will gain mastery in programming concepts by using a subset of Java features that are covered when needed throughout the course content. This allows the student to understand and master important concepts that will apply to programming problems in many additional languages. Students will begin by encountering situations that involve solving problems with the use of primitive data types, methods, and control statements. Later, this inquiry will evolve into the use of Object Oriented Programming (OOP), which is today’s most common and practical way to develop software. Throughout the course, students will also grow to understand how computers process information. This understanding will deepen as students apply concepts like string manipulation, the behavior of elements in arrays and lists, and the use of external data to interact with algorithms. The College Board’s AP® Computer Science curriculum presents three hands-on laboratory practice sets that will help students synthesize course concepts. These labs will expand and secure their knowledge of programming and prepare them thoroughly for the AP® Computer Science exam in May.

**Students taking this year-long online course will be assigned an "online learning" block within the school day, which is overseen by our online learning site coordinator.

Prerequisite: Computing Science Honors, Mobile Computing Science and Department approval

Offered Course - 15 weeks

java programming

java programming

Level: Grade 10 and above

Prerequisite: One year of Algebra and department permission

Overview: This course is an introduction to Computer Science, covering the basic concepts and elements of the Java programming language and introducing object-oriented programming. Students will gain experience in writing programs that are well documented according to industry standards and will have the opportunity to create Java Applets and learn about Graphical User Interface programming with Swing.

Unique Educational Opportunities at Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Our Virtual High School is just one of the distinct opportunities available at WMA. Our school was established in 1804, and while we honor our traditions, we continually look forward and prepare students for an ever-evolving world. By offering unique, hands-on educational opportunities, we spark a sense of curiosity in students. Some of the distinct programs included in our academics follow:

On-campus trading center: To give students an introduction to the real world of global finance, the Mark R. Shenkman Trading Center allows them to discover first-hand how decisions impact organizations.

Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance (CEEF): As part of our Social Science and History department, CEEF is a major component of giving students a global mindset.

Travel abroad: We believe that learning extends outside the classroom, which is why we create opportunity for our students’ opportunities to travel.

A Tinkering Place: This one-of-a-kind educational playground motivates students' curiosity and gives them a space to experiment and explore.

Supportive and Caring Faculty and Staff

Our curriculum at WMA is designed to be challenging, stretching students to reach their full potential. However, every step of the way, they're supported by our caring faculty and staff. They exemplify enthusiasm for learning every day, which fosters an environment of questioning and innovation. This atmosphere sets students up with a solid foundation that will serve them as they matriculate to college and in their future careers.

Programs for a Variety of Interests

To help develop well-rounded individuals, we provide opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Our afternoon programs and other extracurricular activities help students discover what they're passionate about, including:

Community service opportunities

Student leadership

Thriving athletics program

Fine and performing arts

More than 30 clubs and organizations covering an array of interests

And more

Provide Your Child With a WMA Education

Our online courses are just one aspect of how WMA sets itself apart from other Massachusetts area prep schools. Wilbraham & Monson Academy has a long-standing tradition of fostering tomorrow's leaders in a safe and nurturing environment. Our beautiful, traditional New England campus is the perfect place for them to develop a passion for learning and hard work that will serve them in whatever future venture they choose.

If you'd like to learn more about what an education at WMA entails, we invite you to contact us today. You can also RSVP for an upcoming Open House to tour our campus and see firsthand our unique academics and programs.