Stanford University Online High School

Why did you choose OHS?

Prior to the OHS, I attended both public and private brick and mortar schools in Los Angeles. As is the case for most OHSers, the education I received from those schools was simply not sufficient for my interests and goals (although the lack of homework did give me plenty of time to read all sorts of books). Also, as a Type 1 Diabetic, issues on a daily basis were nearly impossible to avoid in that setting. I applied to the OHS for high school because I wanted the opportunity to truly pursue my interests, learn as much as possible from instructors who are passionate about the topics they teach, and be surrounded by highly motivated students who value this experience. From a medical standpoint, the online environment allows me to manage my blood sugar from my home, effectively taking in-class problems out of the equation. I am now a sophomore, having been full-time since my entrance to the OHS as a freshman, and am so incredibly happy to be here.

What are classes like at OHS?

Classes at the OHS are, above all else, uniquely interesting. Whether it be a Core class, AP Chemistry, Revolutions and Rebellions, or essentially any other class, the material will be engaging, challenging, and compelling. The online classroom provides us with a medium that allows us to communicate both on camera, where we can see and hear each other, and through a text chat, both in real-time. The online classroom features - such as a laser pointer, the ability to applaud each other, and breakout rooms for smaller discussions - play a significant part in enhancing the in-class experience. Discussion sections in the classroom are in essence seminars, as we watch recorded lectures and do the readings before class, and small class sizes (generally around 10 to 12 students for one section) encourage everyone to participate. Each professor also holds office hours, giving everyone an opportunity to ask questions, look deeper into class material, or explore topics that you specifically are interested in. OHS classes never limit you to the material being taught, and encourage you to continuing exploring. A personal favorite class experience so far has been the AP Chemistry final project, where I was able to create a presentation on CERN accelerator detectors, connecting to our chapter on nuclear chemistry.

What is student life like at OHS?

Student life at the OHS is dynamic and extremely active. On a day-to-day basis, OHSers are in constant communication through Skype chats and study groups, Facebook, and Google + Hangouts. One of the really amazing features of the OHS is that Fridays are devoted entirely to student activities, which on any given Friday may include assemblies, the leadership speaker series, research colloquia, and, of course, clubs. As a club leader, I know firsthand that OHS clubs are a central component of the school community, with a wide range of topics pursued that get just about everyone involved. I’ve learned that if you are passionate about something, there is someone here who shares that passion, bringing students from all over the globe together for not only Skype chats and clubs, but also for many of the more formal opportunities students are offered during the year, such as the High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling. This is, of course, all in addition to the time we spend in-person together at regional meetups, Graduation, and Summer Session, which are all are, without a doubt, highlights of my year. In fact, within one week of being at the new student orientation program at Summer Session, I had made an extremely close group of friends from all around the country and the world. These relationships were only strengthened once the school year began and our conversations changed from finding the best gelato on campus to studying together for finals and telling each other about our day on G+ Hangouts. At the same time, friends were made from classes and clubs that extend to all parts of the globe and to all different kinds of people. Ultimately, my favorite feature of the OHS community is that everyone, truly everyone, brings something unique and special to the table. The combination of so many fascinating people from so many different places is really the core of our community, and is what makes OHS student life so special both inside and outside the classroom.

How has OHS helped you realize your goals?

The OHS, through its remarkable breadth and quality of courses and excellence of instructors, embraces the insatiable appetite for learning that we as students have and creates a gateway for future endeavors that are a direct result of our experiences here. For me, that means learning statistics in Methodology of Science- Biology, and then using that knowledge to write an analytics article for the school newspaper on preseason NFL injuries. It means giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion in physics by creating the Theoretical and Competition Physics Club. Every single OHS course has played an integral part in my development academically, and I am confident that each and every experience from this adventure contributes to who I am. As I’m exposed to more and more, I find there’s so much more out there that I want to learn. The OHS has given me the opportunity and the framework to pursue these interests at the highest level.

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