Learn Game Design in High School with Destinations Career Academy

If you’re a high school student interested in becoming a game designer, it can be hard to know where to start. Sure, there are lots of options for learning game design if you’re in college… but for high schoolers, there haven’t been many options to “formally” learn game design, until recently.

One of your options for learning game design in high school, is an online program called Destinations Career Academy (DCA). It’s an online high school that’s tuition-free and fully-accredited, available in 19 states (US only). DCA also has some private schooling options, and runs free online game design summer camps.

Today, I spoke with an outreach manager from DCA to learn more about what it is, who it’s for, and what their education programs can do for high schoolers interested in game design.

How does DCA prepare students for a game design job?

Destinations Career Academy: There are 3 ways DCA helps students prepare for a career in game design: project-based career exploration, certificate-focused curriculum, and professional help with the job search after graduation.

1. Project-based career exploration

Most people wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it, so why would you choose a career before you know what it’s really like?

DCA knows that many teens have misconceptions about what different careers are really like. For example, you might want to be a game designer because you love playing video games, but did you realize that you’ll need some serious programming skills?

That’s why DCA requires every freshman interested in the IT cluster to take a semester-long, project-based course to explore the range of careers in IT. Careers like cybersecurity, networking, game design and programming, digital design, and web and digital communication.

During the career exploration course, students may interact with professionals in each field during virtual work-based learning sessions. You can ask questions about a typical work day, pay and benefits, opportunities for promotion, and how to best get into the field.

Students also explore each aspect of the IT field in depth through a project-based learning curriculum. For example, you’ll explore what it’s like to be a web designer by actually designing a real web page, and you’ll explore game design and programming by developing a simple video game.

By the end of the year, you’ll have “test-driven” all of DCA’s IT-related career pathways, and you’ll be ready to choose one that’s the best fit for you.

2. Certificate- and experience-focused curriculum

Without help, it can be challenging to get certifications on your own, or to arrange an internship with a game designer. At DCA, all of that is integrated into the curriculum. Each information technology (IT) pathway, including Game Design, is designed with an eye towards getting you the certifications and experience you need to stand out in a competitive job market.

That’s because DCA integrates project-based learning into everything they do, so the classwork closely mirrors what you’ll be doing in the workplace. With project-based learning, you’ll spend less time memorizing material, and spend that time solving real-world problems instead. And you’ll get experience working with your team to come up with creative solutions.

For example, students in the Game Design II course create a game-based solution to remove trash from the ocean using a remote-controlled robot named FRED (Floating Robot Eliminates Debris). To tackle the challenge, you’ll learn JavaScript, graphics, animation, prototyping, and data structures, as well as soft skills like communication, creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. And you’ll get frequent feedback from successful professionals in the field.

DCA also designs each track to end in a series of professional certifications, and the test-prep is integrated directly into the curriculum. DCA game design students typically prepare for and take certification exams in JavaScript and Python, as well as an actual Game Design Certification through Certiport.

Why do certifications matter? Because when most teens are interested in a game design career and graduate high school, they can say, “I’ve dabbled in JavaScript and Python, and created simple games for my friends.” But a DCA graduate can say, “I’ve learned JavaScript and Python, and I’ve got the certifications to prove it. Plus, I’ve developed game-based solutions to solve a pressing environmental problem and gotten feedback from professionals in the field.” That’s a big difference.

3. DCA helps students showcase their work to employers

You can have all the soft and hard skills in the world, but if you can’t get noticed by employers, it doesn’t matter.

DCA knows this, so they work with students create a tailored resume that highlights all of their experience. They also help students create a profile on Tallo, which is basically like LinkedIn for high school students, to connect with potential employers and showcase their work.

DCA helps students write cover letters, prepare for interviews, and more.

Is an online high school right for everyone?

According to DCA, not everyone is cut out for an online high school. But for students who don’t feel a brick-and-mortar school offers the right approach to teaching IT curriculum (like game design) in a way that’s career-focused and built around industry certifications, DCA can be a strong option.

And it’s probably not as different from a “typical” high school than you might think. You’ll still have some classes in real-time with an instructor who’s an expert not only in his or her field, but also in remote learning. Real-time classes feature plenty of time for interacting with the teacher and your peers, and for asking questions. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with your teacher for one-on-one help, and to work with your classmates on group projects.

Plus, DCA offers virtual student clubs, so you’ll still have opportunities to socialize outside of class and explore leadership positions. Many DCA schools also offer opportunities for in-person field trips, student competitions, career fairs, and other events.

Learn more about DCA

If you’re interested in learning more, go to Destinations Career Academy’s website to see the options in your state. Just click on the state, choose the option you’re interested in, and take a 30-second survey. DCA will be in touch!

Note from Jason: DCA did not give me any free products, services, or anything else for doing this article — I just think DCA is an interesting option for you to explore with your parents/guardians. There are many ways to learn game design, so please do the research to find the education and training that’s right for you!