Stanford University Online High School

Why did you choose OHS?

I joined the OHS in 2011 as a part time student looking for enriching academics to supplement the courses I was taking through the gifted program at a local school in Toronto. Prior to attending the OHS, I'd been part of the gifted program since fourth grade and soon found that I was learning more through the EPGY online programs I was taking and books than in class. Coupled with the possibility that my family and I would move to China in the foreseeable future where I wouldn't be able to read the language, let alone attend a Chinese school. I entered the OHS to find a thriving community of students like myself. My family and I were very impressed by the school's academic excellence and flexible schedule, which was key to integrating my OHS classes into my brick and mortar day school while still allowing me time to pursue piano and later, zebrafish research and a journey in China. This is my fourth year at the OHS--I am currently a full-time student and have found that my appreciation of the academic excellence and student community grows exponentially with each term.

What are classes like at OHS?

Classes at the OHS are the most rigorous that I've taken, but I wouldn't expect anything else from our wonderful teachers and curriculum. Most of the courses are discussion based. Students can expect twice-weekly discussions on everything from Aristotelian ideas and Aquinas's Proof of God to chemistry labs and frog dissections. In many of the English, history, and Core classes, we write papers of increasing length at least once every quarter. In the sciences, we conduct labs and see firsthand the magic behind the concept we read about. In mathematics, we have a combination of written and online assignments that often provide instant feedback.

After four years at the OHS, I've personally come to appreciate the vigor of in-class discussions facilitated by a teacher who, usually if not always, has a Ph.D. in his or her subject area. Teachers are very open to discussion outside of class as well. I remember walking into Dr. Dawkin's office hours to ask her about a paper when our discussion turned to the question of why feminism is important. And I remember entering Dr. Weil's office hours expecting to talk about our class schedule for Democracy, Freedom, and Rule of Law, and found myself in an intense discussion on metaphysics and time with three other students and Dr. Weil himself. It is these interactions that I enjoy the most at the OHS, both in class and outside.

What is student life like at OHS?

The OHS is truly a community, no matter how strange it seems that an online school can become one. There are a multitude of resources available to students, from office hours to student tutors to class Skype groups, that it's near to impossible for any of our peers to fall off the radar and become just a name on a computer screen. There are also a plethora of clubs for students to join I'm involved in History Club, lead Debate Club, and am Senior Class Vice President in Student Government. We have interactions through a variety of different mediums, and as a result there is a thriving student life. I, for one, can vouch for people who say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. We have to deal with clunky software and crazy time zones (throwback to a chat where I just woke up and my friend in Hong Kong was just heading to bed), but in the end it's all worth it because the people here are incredible. I've made some of my best friends at the OHS, some of whom are more akin to long-lost siblings, and will always cherish the virtual and in-person memories we have together. I think this experience I had with sums up life at the OHS fairly well: one Thursday I opened my computer to Critical Reading and Argumentation to find four of my close friends all on camera, harmonizing to Ye Jakobites, naturally, I joined in!

How has OHS helped you realize your goals?

The OHS has allowed me to pursue piano and research opportunities in laboratory settings that would have been possible in another environment. It's opened up doors to facilities such as the Toronto Zoo and the Geneva Centre for Autism, laid the foundation in the sciences, and helped me realize my interest in many subject areas I hadn't studied before. Prior to the OHS, I would have never imagined engaging in discussion about the existence of God, cre/lox techniques, or Early Medieval Ages Feminist Perspectives in the Canterbury Tales. I have grown intellectually and made friends across the globe. Not only has it been wonderfully eye opening, it has also given me the confidence to present my research to scientists, hold discussions with my mentors, and think critically about Beethoven's Concerto #3. I think that this in itself is wonderful and has allowed me to have an education that isn't just about getting grades and a diploma, but instead about learning from one another and applying the learning to life, which is going to enable me to thrive wherever I decide to head.

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