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At WorldStrides Sports, we see the student in every student-athlete and the educator in every coach and athletic director. Our travel programs aim to excite these student-athletes and coaches with new experiences on their chosen field of play while presenting new challenges that take their game further. As an accredited organization, we’re proud to offer an exclusive Discovery for Credit program that provides our participants the opportunity to extend and deepen the learning beyond the on-trip experience. Keep reading to learn more!
Why does accreditation matter?
In 1996, WorldStrides became the first student travel company to be accredited by regional and national accrediting bodies, which means we’re held to the same strict academic standards as schools all across the country. Accreditation strengthens our capacity to offer high-quality student learning experiences across all of WorldStrides. Our academic standards, dedication to continuous improvement, and company-wide commitment to education are evaluated as part of the accreditation process.
Accreditation reaffirms our commitment to education and differentiates us from our competitors. It also highlights our strengths as an organization: our commitment to our mission, purpose, and values; our leadership; our strong business acumen; and our ability to provide research-based, targeted, innovative learning experiences for our students.
WorldStrides is proud to be accredited by three leading organizations:
- Cognia
- Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Earning academic credit
Our accredited status makes it possible for us to deliver on our commitment to education by offering academic credit to our student-athletes through the Discovery for Credit program, which provides students with the freedom to learn at their own speed, dig deeper into the subjects that interest them, and help them prepare for the future, all at the same time.
All traveling students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to enroll in online coursework that is carefully paired with their travel program. Most assignments are designed to be completed after travel, since they ask students to incorporate much of what they learned during the field experience. Courses vary in theme, content, and length based on the travel destination.
- Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to enroll in courses to earn high school credit at no additional cost.
- Our partnership with George Mason University provides students in grades 9-12 at the time of travel an opportunity to enroll in courses to earn college credit.
Course previews
The following courses are available to student-athletes participating in a WorldStrides Sports travel program:
Sports Performance (.5 high school elective credit)
Across the globe, students are finding new and inventive ways to be physically active. While activity is paramount in the struggle to maintain health, fitness, and well-being, many student-athletes are unaware of how to simultaneously improve physically while mentally pushing the boundaries to achieve personal or team success. Students will learn how to build aspects of being an athlete that are not always apparent on the field or court. Whether a student is a gifted soccer player or a beginning swimmer, this course will highlight aspects that will develop and enhance the athlete’s experience.
Leadership and Character (.5 high school elective credit, 1 college credit, or 3 college credits)
This course captures the demonstration of leadership and the development of strong character. The coursework has been designed to encourage students to identify the qualities and appreciate the benefits related to leadership and character. The course content has students examine the difference between good performance and great performance; the degree to which people put the interests of others ahead of their own; ability to coach and mentor; and the process of making decisions that benefit the good of everyone and reflect various perspectives.
Questions about accreditation or academic credit? The Curriculum and Academics team can be reached at discovery@worldstrides.com.