Finding Success: Choosing a Virtual High School
Virtual high schools represent an excellent opportunity for continuous learning. They can bridge divides in education and keep teens and adults on track to reach their goals. If you aren’t yet familiar, learning through an accredited virtual high school is like learning through a regular day school; only every component is administered and completed virtually and on a flexible schedule that works for you.
Virtual high schools can be fantastic for a wide array of learners, including but not limited to:
- teens who need to complete courses to gain entry to a postsecondary institution, like a college or university;
- teens who’d like to upgrade course credits in a course they either missed or failed;
- teens who are struggling with their mental health at an in-person high school; and
- mature students who want to graduate high school or gain additional credits.
So whether you or your child is interested in virtual high school courses for the summer or you’d like to pursue online high school education in the future, there are several things to consider. The following basic points will help you ensure you attend a top-tier school and have a first-class experience.
Table of Contents
1. Check for Accreditation
First, confirm the virtual high school you’re interested in is accredited by your local Ministry of Education or other comparable government agency. Depending on your location, this means that they have met inspection requirements and have been granted the right to issue official credits. They should list a verifiable accreditation number on their website and be listed on your local government’s private schools’ webpage.
2. Read Reviews and Seek Out Testimonials
If a virtual high school has abundant positive (and recent!) online reviews from past students and their guardians, that’s a good indicator that they provide quality education and service. Take your time to read through Google and social media reviews to gauge students’ and families’ overall happiness and satisfaction.
Much like reviews, published testimonials from past students of all ages and backgrounds are positive signs that the virtual high school you’re investigating offers a reputable education that caters to a diverse group of people.
3. Look for Clear Certification of Their Teachers
While this may seem like an obvious step, it’s all too easy to assume that teachers are certified without seeing confirmation in print. Ensure teachers at your virtual school are recognized and have their teaching certificate through your provincial or state’s educational body, like the Ontario College of Teachers.
4. Prize Years of Experience
Years of experience are a great sign of growth, satisfied students, and good standing. It also means the school has had time to iron out course offerings and processes.
5. Research Acceptance History
Research the history of acceptances of past students into postsecondary institutions. Generally, a reputable virtual high school will embrace and celebrate these achievements on its website.
You may think this doesn’t apply to you, especially if you’re a mature student eager to graduate high school or your teen would like to revisit just one course. But learning that past students were able to gain entry to high-status colleges and universities following their online learning shows that the school was able to help them meet their goals.
6. Study Their Website
Review their websites thoroughly and compile a list of questions as they come to you. Having very few questions at the end of this process is likely a solid indicator of a virtual high school that operates with transparency and has taken the time to create a comprehensive guide to its operations and services.
Such clarity on their website may also foreshadow well-considered and thorough course content and structure.
The Takeaway
A top virtual high school will have years of experience offering unparalleled education to a diverse range of learners — and their online reviews and testimonials will reflect just that. Take your time and do your research, and you’re sure to find an excellent fit for you or your child.