Which level of astronomy should I choose for my student?

We have three levels of astronomy: Elementary Experience Astronomy (Level A), Experience Astronomy (Level B), and Experience Astronomy PLUS (Level C). 

Experience Astronomy PLUS (Level C) was designed for high school students. This course builds on our Level B program—with all the same lectures, quizzes, and outdoor sky observations—and then takes students to the next level. With 12 extra lessons, students receive throughout the year with projects or research papers to accompany each one. We typically recommend students 9th grade and above take this course, however, some motivated middle school students have successfully completed this course. 

Experience Astronomy (Level B) was designed specifically for middle school students. It includes 35 weekly lectures, quizzes, outdoor observations, and reading assignments. We typically recommend this course for students in 6th-8th grade, however, we have had some students slightly younger than this complete this course.

Our Elementary Experience Astronomy (Level A) course was designed for students 6-12 years old. 

Some parents with students in the 11-12-year-old age range debate between Elementary Experience Astronomy and Experience Astronomy and wonder what would be the best fit. Consider the following as you’re determining which course is right for your student:

• Video lessons in the elementary course are shorter than the upper-level videos and taught using simpler language for younger viewers.
• The upper-level course uses a traditional textbook whereas the elementary-level courses have a recommended reading list of various living books.
• Our elementary level class includes hands-on activities with various observation activities sprinkled in and don’t require late-night viewing. Whereas the upper-level class has weekly observation activities that need to be completed — many requiring either late night or early morning hours for viewing.
• With the upper level, your student will need to be diligent in keeping up with the lessons each week as they are dripped out one per week and follow what's going on with the sky - the course runs from the beginning of September through May (though you have access to the course for a complete year to finish everything up). The elementary course will give you maximum flexibility — you’ll have lifetime access to the complete course.

If you believe your student is in between the Level A and B courses, we’d encourage you to watch the lesson previews alongside your student to see if you believe the course is right for them. 

Also, remember our fabulous fit promise: you have 30 days from your course purchase date (for elementary courses) to check it out. For upper-level courses, you have 30 days from your course start date OR 6 months from the course purchase date (whichever is less) to check the course out. If you don’t think it’s a great fit for your family, simply email us and we’ll process your refund. Thousands of families have used our courses, but we want to make sure the course is a great fit for your family!