Is an Online High School the Right Choice for Your Teen?
As the end of another school year approaches, many families start thinking about whether their student’s current school environment is still the right fit. While many high school students do well in a traditional classroom, others may need something different. Some students struggle with anxiety, distractions, large class sizes, lack of flexibility, or the feeling that they simply do not belong.
That often leaves parents asking an important question: Is online school right for my student?
Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) has helped many families navigate this important question. A transfer to online school is not a quick fix, and online learning is not the right choice for every student. But for some teens, an online public high school like ORCA can foster independence while still providing support. Here are a few things parents should consider when deciding whether an online high school is the right fit for your teen.
How Does an Online High School Actually Work?
Before deciding whether a virtual high school is right for your teen, it helps to understand how it works. Oregon Charter Academy is a tuition-free online public high school serving Oregon students statewide. Our teachers are licensed by the state, and our school goes through an accreditation process every five years.
Students attending a virtual high school typically study both independently and collaboratively, checking in with their instructors when they need additional help and attending live virtual classes. ORCA combines asynchronous and synchronous learning opportunities, giving students freedom without sacrificing support.
A typical ORCA high school student will attend 2-4 teacher-led live classes a day, complete assignments through Canvas, our online learning platform, and study asynchronously on a schedule that works for them. ORCA teachers and support staff are readily available via email, Canvas, or phone to provide ongoing support to all our students.
Which Students Tend to Thrive in Online High School?
Once a parent understands what makes an online public high school different, they should ask whether their teen is suited to this style of learning. Students who adapt best to a flexible high school option tend to share a few traits or goals.
Some students have trouble focusing in large in-person classrooms and need individualized instruction. Others are searching for stronger support for an IEP or 504 plan. Many students feel bored in traditional classrooms and want to accelerate their learning in a more independent environment. Some need flexibility in school because they’re athletes, performers, or travelers. Students in all these situations could find exactly what they’re looking for in a virtual high school.
An online public high school is probably not the right fit for students who need constant structure to stay on task, or who enjoy the daily routine of a physical campus. Being honest about how your teen learns now can spare them a tough transition into a setting that was never the right fit.
Online Students Are Not Learning Alone
One common concern parents have about virtual high school is whether their teen will feel isolated. That is an understandable question, especially during the high school years when connection and belonging matter.
At ORCA, students learn online, but they are still part of a school community. Students attend live classes, interact with teachers, ask questions, participate in discussions and connect with classmates. They also have access to school counselors and staff members who can help with academic planning, personal support and preparation for life after graduation.
Outside the classroom, ORCA students have abundant opportunities for social interaction with friends and peers through our more than 50 student-led clubs and frequent in-person field trips.
For parents considering an Oregon online high school, it is important to ask what kind of student support and connection the school provides. A strong online public high school should offer more than coursework. It should offer relationships, resources and a sense of belonging.
The Life Skills Online High School Builds
A virtual high school can help the right students build life skills that will serve them long after graduation. Asynchronous, self-paced learning promotes independence, time management, and personal responsibility. These are the exact skills colleges and employers look for.
But Oregon online high school students still need opportunities to channel their newfound independence. That’s why ORCA offers special programs designed to help our students move on to college or a career.
ASCEND, our career and technical education program, enables students to earn hands-on experience, industry certifications, and college-level coursework in five career pathways: Business + Management, Computer Science, Hospitality + Tourism Management, Medical Science, and Ag/Veterinary Science.
ORCA students can also get a jump on their post-secondary education by earning college credit while attending high school. Our AP/Honors courses and College Now program are designed to challenge students with college-level coursework and enable them to enter college with credits already earned.
Taken together, these opportunities can give motivated students a real head start as they transition into life after high school.
Questions to Ask Before Transferring to an Oregon Online High School
ORCA isn’t the only online high school in Oregon. Some school districts offer online options, but they often don’t have the resources a dedicated virtual high school like ORCA provides. Others may be for-profit organizations or private schools that charge tuition or lack accreditation. It’s important for parents to understand these details before making an enrollment decision.
Once you’ve identified a potential school, there are a few other critical questions remaining:
Is my teen self-motivated enough to work without constant monitoring?
Can I, or another adult, regularly check in with teachers and review my teen's Canvas account?
How does my teen feel about the change? Will they welcome it, or am I deciding for them?
The answers will give you the information you need to take the next step.
Join Us for a Virtual Information Session
If you believe an online public high school is the right fit for your family, and that ORCA is the best Oregon online high school for your student, join us for a virtual information session, during which you'll preview our platform and online curriculum and hear directly from ORCA teachers and staff.
Making the move to an online school is a significant decision that deserves careful consideration. We’re available to answer questions and help you make the best choice for your student.