Frequently asked questions about academics
What should students expect at GILA?
We have the highest academic requirements of any school district in the state of Alaska. Teachers receive training every summer at the PEAK institute in Colorado, and throughout the school year from the school district, and outside educational consultants. Students are expected to approach learning with enthusiasm and respect. More than 99 percent of our graduates have passed the Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Test.
What are the requirements for graduation?
Students first enrolling in Sidney C. Huntington School or Galena Interior Learning Academy as a freshman or sophomore student:
FRESHMAN & SOPHMORE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
| Subject | Units of Credit |
|---|---|
| English | 4 credits |
| Science | 4 credits |
| Social Studies | 4 credits (.5 credit required in Alaska History) |
| Mathematics | 4 credits |
| Computer Science | .5 credit |
| PE/Health | 2 credits |
| Electives | 6.5 credits |
| Total | 26 Credits |
Students first enrolling in Sidney C. Huntington School or Galena Interior Learning Academy as a junior or senior will be dealt with on an individual basis; however, they must at least meet the state minimum requirement of 21 credits and be enrolled in at least 7 credit generating courses each semester.
JUNIOR & SENIOR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
| Subject | Units of Credit |
|---|---|
| Language Arts | 4 credits |
| Social Studies | 3 credits (.5 credit required in Alaska History) |
| Mathematics | 2 credits |
| Science | 2 credits |
| PE/Health | 1 credit |
| Electives | 9 credits |
| Total | 21 Credits |
What’s the typical school day like at GILA?
Students start the day in the residential hall and head to the dining hall for breakfast. The menu includes eggs, sausage, yogurt, cereal, bagels, banana, fruit, breakfast burritos, and oatmeal, among other rotating menu items.
The school doors open at 8 a.m.
There are five periods each day. Classes are scheduled every other day; four subjects are taught one day (the “A” day), and four different subjects are taught the next day (the “B” day). There are Four regular classes followed by our Fifth hour (Advisory) which lasts 30 minutes each day. The Advisory helps students learn successful study habits, set goals, and acts as an extra study hall for homework and extra class work students will need to finish.
~The class schedule is:
- Period 1 – 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
- Period 2 – 10:20 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- Lunch – 11:45 p.m. – 12:25 p.m.
- Period 3 – 12:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
- Period 4 – 1:50 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Period 5 - 3:20 PM to 3:50 p.m. (Advisory)
Students often meet with teachers after school to make up assignments or to receive assistance with projects and schoolwork. Our after school program runs from 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm. Dinner is served at the dining hall at 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. Afterwards, students go to the residence hall, where the staff organizes study time, games, and activities.
What’s the average size of a GILA class?
We aim for a student-teacher ratio of 15-20 students for each teacher in each class.
What kind of counseling services are available at GILA?
There are four counselors available for students – one at the GILA campus, one at the Sidney C. Huntington School campus, and two in the residential hall. In addition, counselors are also available as needed at the community health center.
What kind of health services are available at GILA?
There is a clinic in Galena with regular and emergency services for all students and residents of the community.
This page was made possible by: Kayla Stepetin May 11,1011