Programs
Grades 5–12 · Bilingual · AP Curriculum · Credit-Bearing
Grades 5–12 · Bilingual · AP Curriculum · Credit-Bearing
Joy Academy Online is an online school guided by truth, committed to excellence, and dedicated to honoring every student's voice. We offer a comprehensive, credit-bearing international curriculum for students in Grades 5–12, aligned with U.S. standards and designed to prepare graduates for admission to English-instruction universities worldwide.
At Joy Academy Online, we believe the most important thing we can give a student is not just knowledge — it is the ability to keep learning for the rest of their life. Our 5C framework defines the lifelong skills every JAO graduate carries into their future: into universities, workplaces, communities, and families. These are not abstract ideals. They are practiced every day, in every class, at every grade level.
Expressing and listening with clarity, honesty, and sensitivity across cultures and contexts.
Respecting differences and taking responsibility for one another in every community we belong to.
Looking at everything from multiple angles — with depth, rigor, and intellectual honesty.
Approaching every challenge with curious eyes, an open mind, and the courage to explore.
Acting on our beliefs and values — embracing difficulty, leadership, and growth without fear.
ESL 1, ESL 2, English 1, English 2, English 3, English 4, Honor English 1, Honor English 2, AP Language Arts, AP Literature
Grade 5 Math, Pre-Algebra, Intro Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, Linear Algebra
Earth Science, Life Science, HS Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP Physics I & II
Geography, The Ancient World, The Medieval World, U.S. Through Industrialism, World History (Regular & Honor), European History (Regular, Honor, AP), U.S. History (Regular, Honor, AP), U.S. Government, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics
Middle School Chinese Reading & Writing I–II; High School Chinese Reading & Writing I–II
Project-Based Learning (PBL): Middle School PBL, High School PBL — students tackle real-world challenges through interdisciplinary projects that build teamwork and innovation skills.
Computer Studies: MS Office (Middle School); Computer Science, AP Computer Science (High School)
College & Career Research Seminar (Grades 11–12): A rigorous two-year academic seminar in which students conduct formal research into career fields, higher education systems, and professional pathways. Students develop analytical reading, research writing, rhetorical analysis, and evidence-based decision-making skills through structured inquiry — culminating in a comprehensive university application portfolio. Topics include career field research, comparative university analysis, learning science, standardized test strategy, personal narrative writing, and professional communication.
Grades at Joy Academy Online reflect more than content mastery. Every course blends measurable knowledge with our 5C school-wide learning outcomes and is built around increasing levels of cognitive rigor, guided by Bloom's Taxonomy. Learning is assessed through four types of work — formative checks, summative tests, performance tasks, and participation — and each quarter's grade is calculated from six weighted categories: Classroom Contribution and Language Skills (10% each), Homework and Quiz (15% each), and Unit Test and Midterm/Final Exam (25% each). Coursework is designed so students move beyond recall, building from foundational thinking (Remember, Understand) toward higher-order skills (Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, Create).
See the full Grading & Assessment page → for the complete weighting table, how the 5Cs show up in each category, and our full Bloom's Taxonomy breakdown.
We believe every student deserves teaching at their level. English and Social Studies classes are grouped by English proficiency level, while Math and Science classes are grouped by academic level. For example, a student may begin with Pre-Algebra in Grade 6 and advance to AP Calculus by Grade 11 or 12, following a sequence tailored to their pace. This flexibility ensures no student is left behind and no student is held back.
To earn the Joy Academy Online diploma, students must complete a minimum of 25 credits. Students planning for competitive university admission are strongly encouraged to reach 28 credits.
| Subject Area | Minimum Credits | Recommended for University Admission |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | 4 |
| Mathematics | 4 | 4 |
| Science | 3 | 4 |
| Social Studies | 3 | 4 |
| Foreign Language (Chinese) | 2 | 2 |
| Electives | ||
| — Project-Based Learning (required) | 2 | 2 |
| — Computer Studies (required) | 1 | 1 |
| — College & Career Research Seminar (required) | 2 | 2 |
| — Other Electives | 4 | 5 |
| Total | 25 | 28 |
All students must graduate by May 31st of their graduation year, prior to their 20th birthday.
To be eligible for the Joy Academy Online diploma, students must be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 7 courses per year) during Grades 11 and 12. This ensures that every diploma graduate has been fully supported through the most critical years of college preparation.
Students in Grades 5–10 may enroll part-time, taking individual courses at their own pace. Credits earned part-time count toward diploma requirements if the student later transitions to full-time enrollment.
Students who complete Grades 10–12 at Joy Academy Online and fulfill all graduation requirements will also earn the Rockford Christian School High School Diploma, an accredited U.S. high school credential recognized by universities worldwide.
Joy Academy Online uses a standard 4.0 GPA scale: A = 4.0, A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B− = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, and so on. AP and Honor courses carry additional weight, rewarding students who challenge themselves. Strong academic performance is recognized each semester.
Our dedicated college counselors begin working with students in Grade 11, providing personalized guidance through every stage: standardized test planning (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT), university selection, application essays, recommendation letter strategy, and scholarship applications.
Our goal is for every Joy Academy graduate to gain admission to an English-instruction university — including institutions in the QS World University Rankings Top 200.