Stanford University Online High School

Why did you choose OHS?

Before the OHS, I attended a public junior high that did not challenge me academically. I decided my high school should expose me to more rigorous coursework. Fortunately, I stumbled upon the OHS, a unique school leading the way in online schooling for students looking for a challenge. However, OHS's challenging courses weren't the only quality that drew me to the school. The talented faculty, active student body, and the flexibility OHS offered was the well-rounded high school I wanted. Currently, I am a full-time OHS student, fully immersed in the activities of the OHS and enjoying the numerous opportunities afforded to me due to the unique online aspect of the school.

What are classes like at OHS?

Simply put, classes at the OHS are difficult. Teachers don't just want their students to learn the material for the upcoming midterm; they want students to gain a deep understanding of the conceptual and practical course material. Students are required to think, not just memorize facts. At the end of many courses, instructors will assign final projects, allowing the students to demonstrate their academic skill and creativity with the concepts learned throughout the course. That being said, teachers have always been willing to help me when I'm struggling with Aristotle's De Anima or with taking limits of complicated functions. Fellow students are also a great resource for those seeking help. Student tutors at the OHS are friendly and extremely helpful, and my friends at the OHS have always been happy to lend a helping hand.

The online classroom adds to the learning experience. There is no need to worry about the teacher's head blocking the whiteboard, sitting in the back of the class, or noisy classmates that disrupt the lesson. OHS students can re-watch a class session and pause lectures to take notes. In class, we can have interesting debates in text chat or on mic (using your computer's webcam and microphone, so that everyone in the class can see and hear you). Class sizes at the OHS are small, 10-17 students per class session, which facilitates the active participation of all students in discussions or problem solving. Other features of the online classroom include the ability to write on the virtual whiteboard, demonstrate agreement or amusement with the applause or laughing icon, and for the teacher to send students into breakout rooms in the blink of eye to carry on discussions with a smaller group of classmates.

What is student life like at OHS?

My main concern about the OHS initially was the ability to interact with other students. However, my hesitation was soon washed away at Summer Session before starting my first year at the OHS. Within the span of two weeks at Stanford, I created numerous friendships that have persisted despite living in different states or countries. While students are separated physically, the shared experience of attending the OHS connects the entire student body. There are a number of ways to interact with other students outside the classroom, including clubs and Skype groups. Many OHS students make the effort to meet up in physical settings by attending Summer Session, Graduation weekend, or by getting together with other OHS students nearby. My favorite part of the student community is the ability to overcome distance and create long lasting bonds. The diversity of places OHS students come from adds to the global aspect of the school, bringing a wider range of perspectives to the community and the classroom. I treasure my relationships with other students because I know they will be there to encourage me to continue challenging myself in school and other endeavors.

How has OHS helped you realize your goals?

I love to travel. In junior high, the farthest I went on vacations was to see my family for the holidays. However, I always wanted to venture into far away countries, to walk around unfamiliar cities, and learn about new cultures. The online aspect of the OHS allows me to travel without having to worry about missing school. My classroom is portable: now I could be taking classes in the comfort of my room or from a coffee shop in the heart of Sydney. Recently, I was able to do just that. My family and I are traveling around Asia for my senior year of high school. As we take in the sights and enjoy the local cuisine, I am also able to work as a museum curator for a cultural center in California--gathering different objects of significance to tribal peoples in the countries we visit.

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