The growing popularity of online high schools vs. public high school isn’t a coincidence—it directly reflects the increased demand for flexible learning options in modern education. Diverse learning styles, personal responsibilities and career interests all play a factor in the need for adaptable environments that traditional high schools may not always provide.
According to Consumer Affairs, remote learning through online courses remains a primary source of education for many students in grades K-12 and college, with 4.9 million enrolled in 2022. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of online high schools and how you can find the right online program for you or your student based on learning preferences and lifestyles.
Benefits of online high schools
Flexibility and convenience
Virtual platforms offer tailored curriculums and high school courses, allowing online students to progress at their own pace, while accommodating extracurricular activities, part-time jobs or family needs.
Personalized learning
As technology advances, online high schools offer a modern solution to meet the varying needs of students. Many online learning or homeschool curriculums offer personalized asynchronous learning through adaptive learning technologies, while others use personalized synchronous learning through learning analytics that provide real-time feedback throughout the school year. This includes special education curriculums for students with learning disabilities at every grade level.
Criteria for selecting the best online high schools
When considering the criteria for selecting the best online high schools, it is important to research factors such as accreditation, teaching methods, resources, student support services and more.
Accreditation and credibility
Accredited high school programs ensure your student is receiving a quality education and sets them up for any future pursuits in continuing education. To verify a school’s accreditation, check if it’s listed by recognized accrediting bodies like the U.S. Department of Education. Research reviews, confirm state approvals and ask for accreditation documentation to ensure the program meets academic standards and industry requirements.
Curriculum and course offerings
When evaluating courses, verify that they offer a diverse range of subjects that align with your students’ academic and career goals. Look for programs with comprehensive core subjects, specialized electives and advanced placement (AP) courses. This will ensure that your student gains the skills and knowledge needed for future higher education and professional success.
Student support and resources
For online high school students, access to academic advisors, tutors and technical support is crucial for success. These resources help them stay on track, clarify concepts and resolve technical issues, as well as help them through the enrollment process for high school and college applications. A strong support network fosters engagement, motivation and personalized guidance, promoting students to thrive academically and emotionally in a virtual environment.
Online high school
Global Academy at ASU Prep
A nationally accredited online private school offering flexible full-time and part-time programs for grades 6–12. Features personalized instruction from certified teachers as well as opportunities to earn college credit through Arizona State University.
K–12 Private Academy
Offers individualized learning with a wide curriculum, including AP and career electives, supported by academic counselors and socialization opportunities.
Connections Academy
Tuition-free public school with a diverse curriculum and personalized learning plans, certified teachers and a collaborative online community.
Stanford Online High School
Provides a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and advanced courses, fostering critical thinking and a vibrant community.
FlexPoint Virtual School
Online public school offering a comprehensive curriculum and student-centered learning, with honors and AP options and career readiness programs.
Spotlight on student success stories
Lex and Sami are two students who wanted to pursue their passions alongside their education. They were looking for flexibility with classes and coursework, AP courses and a more autonomous learning environment, all of which were hard to find in a traditional high school. After much consideration, they chose a virtual learning environment at ASU Prep to help them reach their personal and academic goals.
Alexander “Lex”
As a first-year student at Arizona State University (ASU), Alexander or “Lex” is focused on a long-term goal of becoming a judge advocate general (JAG) in the Navy. Majoring in public policy and part of Barrett, The Honors College, Lex is also enrolled in ASU’s Navy ROTC program. Lex prepared for ASU by taking courses via dual enrollment through ASU Prep, earning 24 college credits by the time that he received his high school diploma. His interests extend to volunteer work and he was a founding member of the Arizona State Board of Education’s student advisory panel. He also attended NROTC training in Chicago. Motivated and optimistic, Lex is excited about his academic journey, ROTC and making meaningful connections during his time at ASU, with hopes of balancing academics, volunteering and developing relationships in his field.
Sami
Sami is a talented young dancer from Scottsdale who is pursuing her dreams at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU). A passionate dancer since the age of two, Sami has excelled in ballet, contemporary dance and jazz. She has been recognized as a top 20 dancer at prestigious competitions like The Dance Awards and Radix Nationals. Sami graduated from ASU Prep as one of the top 5% of her class, using the flexibility of online schooling to balance her academics and rigorous dance training. She has also performed across the country, gravitating towards New York’s jazz and sophisticated dance scene. Sami is eager to explore her career opportunities, including Broadway or working with a traveling dance group. Excited to begin her journey at NYU, she looks forward to growing as an artist in the dynamic New York dance environment.
Tips for maximizing the online learning experience
Just like an in-person school, what you get out of online learning depends on what you give. By staying organized, actively participating and using the resources at hand, you can maximize your benefits from the get-go.
Creating an effective study environment
A dedicated, distraction-free study space is essential for focus and productivity. Combined with a consistent daily routine, it promotes productive time management and reduces procrastination. This structured environment encourages better concentration, reduces stress and enhances overall academic performance in online learning.
Staying motivated and engaged
To maintain focus and interest, students should set specific goals, take regular breaks and engage in active learning like note-taking or discussions. By balancing on-screen learning with offline activities such as exercise, reading or other hobbies, students can prevent burnout and promote mental well-being so they can stay refreshed and motivated.
Resources for further exploration
Online communities and forums
Connecting with other parents and students through shared experiences can help provide valuable support. Online discussion groups or specialized educational forums are a great place to exchange tips and advice and provide encouragement.
Educational consultations and webinars
Expert-led sessions are a great way to deepen your understanding of online education. Many organizations offer free webinars and informational sessions on topics like online learning strategies, technology and how to verify accreditation. Websites like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning may provide access to these valuable resources at no cost.
Conclusion
Online high schools are a great option for students who need a more tailored education based on their unique needs, learning styles and personal schedules. This blog provides great tips and resources to help you maximize your flexibility, but always do additional research to find a specific school or program that best aligns with their academic and career goals. Access expert webinars, visit parent/teacher forums and attend info sessions before making a final decision. With these tips, tools and thorough research in place, your student’s online high school journey can be flexible and rewarding.
Discover the flexibility of Global Academy at ASU Prep: Your top choice for online learning
In the quest to find the best flexible online high school, ASU Prep stands out as a leader in providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Our commitment to innovative online education ensures that each student can tailor their educational journey to fit their unique needs and goals.
Global Academy at ASU Prep, a nationally accredited 6–12 online private school, offers both full-time and part-time programs to accommodate students from around the globe and within Arizona. Our approach to learning prioritizes flexibility, with personalized instruction delivered by certified digital teachers through video chats, phone calls, texts and emails. This ensures that students receive the one-on-one attention they need to succeed.
Our goal is to enhance academic success through a diverse array of online courses, tailored for both digital and blended learning experiences. As an extension of Arizona State University, we offer high school students the unique opportunity to earn university credit, accelerating their paths to college and career success.
Join us for an upcoming online information session to explore how our programs offer the flexibility and support every student needs to thrive.
The best online high schools for flexible learning FAQs
What factors should I consider when researching online high schools?
A few factors to consider include:
- Accreditation and credibility
- Curriculum and course offerings
- Student support services
- Flexibility and personalization
- Technology and resources
- Real-world opportunities
How can I verify the accreditation of an online high school to ensure its credibility?
You can verify the school’s accreditation in one of the following ways:
- Check the school’s website for their accrediting agency and verify the legitimacy by visiting their website.
- Consult the U.S. Department of Education’s database.
What types of curriculum options should I look for to ensure a comprehensive and adaptable learning experience?
Accreditation, graduation rate, years of experience and qualified instructors, comprehensive curriculum (i.e., math, English, social studies and elective options), extracurricular activities and college prep options are all important factors when selecting an online school.
How do online high schools typically support students in terms of academic counseling and technical assistance?
Academic counselors are available to help students select courses, set goals, stay on track with their lessons and plan for college or careers. Many schools also offer peer or tutor support to further assist with academic needs. For technical support, online schools generally have dedicated tech teams available to troubleshoot issues.
What indicators can help me assess the flexibility of an online high school’s programs to accommodate my scheduling needs?
To assess an online high school’s flexibility, consider factors like customizable course schedules, asynchronous learning options, the ability to reschedule or make up missed work, teacher availability and support for extracurricular activities. Look for personalized academic plans and responsiveness to unique needs, such as frequent travel or auditions.
