Online High School : A Viable Alternative

Most teens and parents agree that high school is tough. This is the case even for those who excel academically and socially. For many who struggle with peers, or have special life circumstances, school can feel impossible to handle. 

Frequently, teens have social conflicts, mental health issues, or have become targets of bullying. Others have physical health concerns that affect learning. Fortunately, there are alternatives to the traditional high school model. Millions of students have found online school to be a great option. 

Here are some of the many benefits students experience when attending high school online. 

Some students find it difficult to concentrate in a traditional classroom. They may not relate to the teacher’s style, or may find peers pull attention away from the topic. Sitting in a classroom most of the day can also become tedious, leading to a wandering mind. 

In online classes, students can study at their own pace, in their own environment. This might be at a kitchen table or a quiet bedroom, in silence or with a favorite playlist in the background. They can take breaks, and return to their work when they’re ready. 

A common reason families choose online learning is due to a pattern of bullying. It can be impossible to learn and excel when peers are making life miserable. And, becoming an ongoing target can cause mental health issues such as anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

While schools are trying to do better with bullying, it’s easy for it to fly below the radar. Online high school takes this complication out of learning. Students can focus on the main purpose of school -- to learn.

Up to half of adolescents have some type of mental health disorder. That’s according to the National Institute of Mental Health, which notes that almost a quarter of those teens suffer severe impacts from a mental health diagnosis. 

These mental health issues range from severe anxiety to depression or PTSD. With any of these conditions, it can be hard to cope in a social setting, let alone focus on academics. Online learning is one solution for those who find it difficult just to leave the house in the morning. 

Many families are concerned about exposure to Covid-19 in public settings, which remains an ongoing risk. Recents reports suggest that kids and teens are at higher risk now than in the past. Other health concerns may also put teens at risk in public settings. 

There’s no safer way to prevent exposure to the virus than for students to stay home. This also helps decrease mental distractions by teens and parents who may otherwise worry about day-to-day risk, needing to quarantine, or school policies around the pandemic.

Some adolescents have their own children to care for, and/or may prefer to work part time to full time. It can be unrealistic for a teen or their parents to pay for daycare while they’re in school 30 to 40 hours per week. 

For young adults who are trying to catch up at school, or have other special life circumstances, the flexibility of a self-paced online high school can be invaluable. 

If you or your teen is interested in online high school, there are great options. Michigan Cyber Academy is a fully accredited high school, and students who complete the requirements will receive a diploma. It provides for self-paced learning, and you can transfer your past credits into the program. 

Most students ages 14 to 21 who are Michigan residents are eligible to attend. Check here to learn more about requirements, or start pre-enrollment today.