Academics
School Profile
World Class Academy was founded on the belief that students can pursue ambitious athletic and travel experiences without sacrificing academic rigor. In accordance with this philosophy, in order to participate in the daily athletic workouts and extra-curricular activities, students must maintain strong academic performance.
Students at WCA complete a fully accredited, college-preparatory curriculum across the core disciplines: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, World Languages, Fine Arts, and select electives. Many students also opt into taking Advanced Placement courses where they can earn college credit, or taking supplemental coursework online.
With daily study halls and small-group tutoring supporting their coursework, students know that staying on track academically is what earns them time on the water, rock, or trail.
An Experience-Based College Prep Education
Because WCA’s locations change throughout the year, so do the classrooms. Courses may meet in shared living spaces, local libraries, community centers, or outdoors. An Environmental Science class might take advantage of a nearby river system, while Physics students apply concepts in a bike or cable park. Humanities courses are shaped by the cultural and historical context of the regions we visit. These experiences are not replacements for academic rigor–they sharpen it, giving students regular opportunities to apply learning in authentic, real-world contexts.
What distinguishes WCA academically is not only where students learn, but how much responsibility they are supported to take on. Students manage demanding schedules, meet real deadlines, and work toward both academic and athletic goals. Students and faculty live and travel together in small cohorts, where daily life and shared responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, and learning to live well in community become part of the education. Students also participate in once-quarterly Life Skills modules and once-a-semester Service Learning Projects that emphasize making meaningful contributions to the places they live and learn.
World Class Academy is fully accredited through Cognia, an international organization that ensures our school meets high standards of quality and education. Learn more about Cognia here.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a diploma from World Class Academy, students must complete credits in the following course areas:
| Course | Required Credit |
|---|---|
| Language Arts | 4 credits |
| Social Studies | 3 credits* |
| Mathematics | 3 credits* |
| Science | 3 credits* |
| Language | 2 credits* |
| An additional 2 credits in either Math, Science, or Social Studies based on your choosing | 2 credits |
| P.E. & Health Enhancement | 2 credits |
| Fine Arts | 1 credits |
| Elective Credits | 6 credits |
| Total Credits | 26 credits |
* 4 credits recommended for highly selective colleges and universities
College Planning & Course Catalogue
College Planning
Our program is designed to do two things equally well: prepare students for the academic demands of college and equip them with the real-world skills needed to be capable, grounded individuals.
Students are expected to reflect on their next steps, explore viable pathways, and take ownership of the process. To support students in that process, in the fall semester all juniors and seniors are enrolled in Seminar: The College Experience. Juniors focus on self-assessment, research, identifying prerequisites, and early planning. Seniors move into execution: completing applications with support on essays and managing key deadlines.
Ultimately, WCA students graduate with more than transcripts and credits. They leave as self-directed learners who have demonstrated they can thrive in rigorous academic environments, collaborate within a community, and adapt confidently to new challenges. This combination of academic strength, independence, and perspective prepares WCA students not just for the next step, but for a lifetime of learning.
To learn more about where our alumni have landed, see our annual Alumni Magazine.
Classes Offered at WCA
Click here for access to the full Academic Guide.
Math
Algebra I
Algebra II
Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry
Geometry
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Language Arts
World Literature
Literature of the Americas
Comparative Literature
Foreign Language
Spanish – Beginner-intermediate
Spanish – Intermediate-advanced
Spanish – Spanish Language and Culture
Science
Biology
Environmental Science
Chemistry
Physics
History
World History
History of the Americas
Government / Economics
Human Geography
Electives
Athletic Training & Performance Health
Life Skills
Media Productions
College Seminar: College & Career Readiness
Denotes AP course available
Please note that WCA courses are offered on a rotating basis and are determined each year based on students’ academic interests and credential requirements. Requests for students to pursue additional coursework through dual enrollment with external institutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For specific questions about upcoming course offerings, student schedules, or credit transfer, please contact us at [email protected].