FAQs > (General Questions)
General Questions
Q: Do you offer classes year-round?
A: Starting in early August and ending by mid-June, KET classes are offered on a traditional two-semester basis or a one-semester block schedule. We do not have a summer session.
Q: What are the start and finish dates for KET classes?
A: These dates are flexible, based on your school calendar and needs. The only limitation is that your schedule must begin after August 1 and end before mid-June.
Q: How do KET classes fit into block schedules?
A: With the exception of AP® Physics B and Latin Literature, which can only be taken over two semesters, all KET classes offer suggested block schedules as well as traditional schedules. However, schools and students need to keep in mind that a block schedule is often quite challenging, particularly in the upper level classes.
Q: Can students begin classes in January?
A: Students may start a class in January to complete the one-credit course in the spring semester, ending in late May to mid-June. They also may complete the first half of a one-credit course starting in January and working until in the end of May, and return the next fall to complete the second semester. However, this is not the recommended configuration for content retention.
Q: How are students registered?
A: Principals, counselors, or other school personnel may complete the registration process for students on-line using either the Kentucky Enrollment Form for Kentucky schools, or Out-of-State Enrollment Form for schools outside Kentucky. Each of these forms has a Cost Calculator to help you figure the total cost for the courses. You may also call us at 1-800-333-9764 and we will advise you how to proceed with enrollment.
Q: How much does it cost to register for KET classes?
A: The cost of our classes depends upon where you live. The courses are tuition-free for Kentucky students (as long as a facilitator is present to perform certain responsibilities), whose only costs are for books and course materials. Out-of-state students are charged tuition in addition to their expenses for books and materials.
Q: What are the attributes of successful distance learning students?
A: Distance learning presents special challenges and rewards for students. In general, successful KET distance learning students are well-organized, independent self-starters who enjoy interacting with their teachers and are comfortable with electronic communication. Some students report that they actually prefer this mode of learning to conventional instruction. To see if you or a student with whom you're working is a good candidate for distance learning, check out our Self-Evaluation Questionnaire.
Q: Can students register themselves?
A: No. We require students to go through their schools to register for our classes.
Q: How do students get feedback from their KET teachers?
A: Students can communicate with their teachers in several different ways. They can leave messages at the KET Message Center; they can email teachers; or they can call our toll-free number. Teachers usually are available to answer questions and offer help during regular school hours (Eastern Standard Time) Monday through Friday from August through mid-June.
Q: What are your teachers' qualifications?
A: All four KET distance learning teachers are certified in their subject areas and have extensive classroom teaching experience. To learn more about our teachers, visit the individual German, Humanities, Latin, and Physics pages.
Q. Do you give final grades for KET courses?
A: No. We provide scores on tests and assignments, but schools determine what grade students receive for the classes.
Q: Do you award high school credit for KET courses?
A: No, KET is not a credit-granting institution. Credit is determined and awarded by schools. However, all our teachers are certified in their subject areas, and our courses are designed to meet state and national education standards and/or college preparatory standards.
Q: I am home schooling my children. Can I still use your program?
A: Yes. If you are home schooling your children, you may use the KET program for course fulfillment. Although our program does include grade reports and a means to figure a final percentage grade, KET does not award the credit for the courses. Many of our home-schooling parents make arrangements with their local school district to have their children receive credit.
Q: Is KET Distance Learning part of Kentucky Virtual Schools (KYVS)?
A: No. Students can enroll in KET classes through KYVS, but the KET program is entirely separate.
Q: What technology is needed for KET classes?
A: You can visit our technical requirements page to learn what hardware and software students need for their classes. These requirements vary from course to course.
Q: How do students get the textbooks or do they need a textbook?
A: Textbooks are ordered directly from the publishers or alternate web or used book sources. The list of required and optional textbooks for each course may also be found in the Cost Calculator on the Kentucky Enrollment Form and the Out-of-State Enrollment Form, under the Course Description links for a specific course, or in the Info section of each individual course home page.
Q: How many lessons are needed to complete the courses?
A: The number of lessons needed to complete a course for credit varies by course. The Latin courses have 160 required lessons. German I has 158 lessons for the yearlong course and 94 for the block course, German II has 111 for the yearlong course and 86 for the block course, and German 3 has 111 lessons. All German courses also include oral telephone tutoring sessions two or three times a week. Physics has 87 lessons plus a required lab; Honors Physics covers 15 chapters plus an optional lab; and AP® Physics B covers 30 chapters plus a required lab. The Humanities course, designed for use by a certified teacher, has 67 lessons for a block schedule; however, the number of lessons may vary depending upon the teacher's choices and input.
Q: How much time do KET classes require daily?
A: The amount of time required depends upon whether a class is taken on a two-semester or block schedule. For specific information about individual classes, see the Course Descriptions for German, humanities, Latin, and physics.