Overhauling Student Education for Ideal College Applicants: A New Approach Encroaching on Whole Academic Growth
Crimson Global Academy: A Revolutionary Online International School
Crimson Global Academy (CGA), a pioneering online international school, was founded approximately five years ago by Dr. Jamie Beaton, a Harvard and Oxford graduate, and CEO Penelope Barton. With a vision to provide a flexible, borderless education system, CGA serves around 2,200 students from over 65 countries, offering a high-quality, personalised learning experience that overcomes traditional barriers of location and rigid schooling models.
Origins and Founding Vision
Dr. Beaton's experiences at Stanford, where he witnessed students thriving in online environments, inspired the creation of CGA. The core mission was to develop a high-quality, flexible online education that rejects outdated modes of online learning characterized by isolated video lectures. Instead, CGA focuses on fostering trust through rigorous accreditation (WASC accreditation with the maximum six-year term) and building a strong community aspect often missing in online schools.
Academic Programs
CGA offers a fully personalised education for students aged 7 to 18. It provides internationally recognised qualifications such as A-Levels, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and IGCSEs. Classes are live, small, and led by experienced teachers with interactive online video sessions. Instead of grouping by age, students are placed in classes based on their ability, allowing accelerated and advanced learners to excel. Students can choose class schedules based on their needs, allowing flexibility to pursue passions like sports or arts concurrently with academics. Assessment methods are diverse, including quizzes, essays, exams, project-based, and portfolio-style assessments—all with ongoing feedback for student improvement.
College Counseling
While the school's college counseling program is not explicitly detailed, the school's founder's background (Dr. Beaton also founded Crimson Education, a company known for university admissions consulting) strongly suggests robust college counseling support designed to help students secure places at top universities globally. Additionally, the provision of globally recognised credentials like A-Levels and AP courses indicates alignment with competitive university admissions requirements worldwide.
Student Experience and Community
Contrary to common concerns about online learning isolation, CGA maintains an active and connected student community. Students socialise on platforms like Slack, participate in clubs such as Model UN and economics societies, and attend local meet-ups and global social events organised by CGA. The school balances structured live classes with flexibility, recording sessions for catch-up learning. Parents have visibility into student progress, schedules, and teacher feedback through a digital platform, enabling involvement without direct teaching responsibility.
Notable Students
Jacob Roberts, a nationally ranked swimmer and diver, enrolled in CGA to accommodate his six-hour training schedule and advanced academic needs. As an 8th grader in CGA, Roberts tested into advanced high-school level classes and will take AP French and Algebra II Honors as a freshman. Nagwa Nofal, a world-ranked Egyptian saber fencer, chose CGA to pursue both her sport and academics, taking British A Level courses at the school. Despite a busy schedule with five subject classes a week, Nofal finds her life balanced and has some free time.
In summary, Crimson Global Academy represents an innovative, flexible, and high-quality alternative to traditional schooling, designed especially for families and students seeking a personalised global education without sacrificing academic rigor or social engagement.
- At Crimson Global Academy, students can pursue a wide range of hobbies and interests alongside their academics, such as sports, art, or joining clubs like Model UN and economics societies.
- The school's technology-driven platform allows for flexible class scheduling, ensuring that students can manage their time effectively, whether they are advanced learners, athletes, or artists.
- By providing internationally recognized qualifications like A-Levels, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and IGCSEs, Crimson Global Academy equips students with the necessary credentials for higher education and self-development.
- Teachers at CGA employ diverse assessment methods, including quizzes, essays, exams, project-based, and portfolio-style assessments, to cater to each student's learning style and foster their growth and improvement.
- In addition to offering a personalised and flexible learning experience, Crimson Global Academy prepares students for success in the online education landscape, providing them with the skills needed for future learning and employment in an increasingly technological world.
