Frequently Asked Questions

Click a category for answers to common questions.

  • accreditation, graduation, and diploma
    • Is the Fairbanks B.E.S.T. program accredited?
      Fairbanks B.E.S.T. is a program offered by Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) and online learning leader, Advanced Academics. Advanced Academics, the content and instruction provider for the Fairbanks B.E.S.T. online program, has received regional accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation (NCA). FNSBSD is also accredited and will issue the diploma on behalf of the program.

      Who will issue my diploma?
      Fairbanks North Star Borough School District will issue the diploma on behalf of the Fairbanks B.E.S.T. program.

      Will I attend a graduation ceremony?
      Yes, Fairbanks B.E.S.T. students, in most cases, will graduate with their fellow online students in a special graduation ceremony.

  • how our online education works
    • Is online learning for me?
      The online student must take responsibility for his or her own learning. In any online education program, the student must be a self-directed learner, have internal motivation to manage his or her own learning during the course of study, and have a basic grasp of Internet navigation. Fairbanks B.E.S.T. requires students to make the appropriate time for their coursework, in order to succeed.

      How does this work?
      Because all of our courses are online, we offer our students flexibility that they might not receive in a traditional setting. Our online curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and self-paced. All of our courses are backed by our highly qualified staff of certified teachers who are available via instant message, phone, or email. We also offer a 24/7 student support environment so that you can get help when you need it.

      When do I attend class?
      Just as in a traditional school, students must engage in their coursework regularly and show weekly progress. Students may log in to their courses any time of the day or evening. Failure to attend courses regularly may result in withdrawal from the program.

      How quickly can I move through the course?
      All of our courses are set up on a 120 calendar day schedule, similar to a typical semester. However, you have the ability to move through the course at your own pace.

  • attendance costs
    • What is the cost of taking online courses?
      Fairbanks B.E.S.T. offers its courses FREE for students who meet the qualifications of the program.

      How can it be offered at no cost?
      In the state of Alaska, the same funding used for traditional students can be used for online students; therefore there is no fee for taking online courses for most students.

      What if I can't afford Internet access service or don't have a computer?
      It is required that students have access to Internet service and a computer in order to complete their courses. If you don't have access to Internet and a computer, you may check with your local library, boys and girls club, or community organization to see if they have a computer and Internet access you can use.

  • qualifying as a student
    • Are there any age restrictions?
      Yes, students under the age of 21 are eligible to participate in the program. Some other restrictions may apply.

      What grade levels does Fairbanks B.E.S.T. serve?
      Fairbanks B.E.S.T. serves students in grades 6-12.

      Can I take classes part-time and still be a part of Fairbanks B.E.S.T.?
      Currently Fairbanks B.E.S.T. is only accepting full-time students.

      How many courses must a full-time student take?
      Full-time students take a minimum of 8 courses (4 in the fall, 4 in the spring).

  • teaching & curriculum
    • Who is my teacher?
      Your teacher for each course is a state-certified teacher who has experience teaching online courses. Your first introduction to your teacher will be in a welcome phone call once your enrollment is approved. Your teacher will give you an overview of the course and answer any questions you have. you have.

      How can I contact my teacher?
      You may contact your teacher instantly through our popular instant messaging service. Also you may use e-mail, fax or toll-free telephone to contact your teacher. Certified teachers are available 24/5 (Sunday 6PM – Friday 5PM (AKST), and our customer support team monitors the phones 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, and is available to help you.

      What do I need to do to succeed in a Fairbanks B.E.S.T. course?
      When you take an online course you need to prepare yourself as you would for any course in a classroom setting. Key differences are that your teacher is online and not face-to-face, and your lessons are on a computer. In an online course, time management is critical to success because most activities can be accomplished asynchronously, which means you don't necessarily have to be online at the same time as your instructor or other students.

      What materials are needed in order to take Fairbanks B.E.S.T. courses?
      All of the courses offered by Fairbanks B.E.S.T. can be taken 100% online so there is very little need for any additional materials, except for some advanced courses. The only things online students truly need to begin their coursework are Internet access and a computer. All of our courses can be accessed through dial-up Internet access, but high-speed access is recommended.

  • technical requirements
    • What type of software or hardware will I need on my computer to take these courses?
      There are some basic requirements for the computer on which you will be working. Click here to see the basic requirements.