Quiz: Would online school be a good fit for your teen?

Mar 24, 2025, 3:38 PM

Photo: Mountain Heights Academy

KSLNewsRadio

The following article is sponsored by Mountain Heights Academy: Leaders in Digital Education.

Each child is unique and learns differently. While traditional in-person learning works for some, there are many Utah students and families who find themselves wanting more. More flexibility, more control or more hands-on learning.

It turns out the solution might be online school. That phrase may cause some concern or skepticism. And we get that. But that’s why we put together this quick self-reflection. Mountain Heights Academy is an accredited, tuition-free online school for Utah students in grades 7-12, and we want to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your child.

Does your child like their teachers?

Not every child will want a personal relationship with their teacher, but learning is facilitated by a teacher who is inspiring, knowledgeable and accessible. Half of Mountain Heights Academy’s teachers, counselors, and administrators hold master’s degrees, and every teacher dedicates at least 50 hours annually to professional learning opportunities, ensuring they stay at the forefront of education.

Across review sites and on annual parent and student surveys, Mountain Heights Academy consistently receives high praise for its teachers.

Wish you could talk to your child’s teacher outside of parent-teacher conferences? Great – Mountain Heights Academy teachers are accessible to parents (and students) by video conference, phone or email.

Worried that your child isn’t getting the one-on-one time that they need? No problem! Each teacher at Mountains Heights Academy is available for four office hours each school day, where their only focus is helping individuals and small groups of students understand the material. We also offer 504 and IEP accommodations for qualifying students who require a more customized educational experience.

Is your teen struggling with rigid classroom hours?

Eight hours of classes with only a 30-minute lunch break?! No thanks. Perhaps your teen enjoys some of their daily classes, but in others, they may be…

Wishing they were at home, practicing their instrument
Dreaming of playing their favorite team sport
Thinking through the next step of the video game they’re writing and coding
Choreographing a solo dance routine
Being bored, distracted or uninterested due to stress, health conditions or personal struggles

At Mountain Heights Academy, students can choose when and where they complete their courses. Like a traditional school, students sign up for classes that have teachers, tests, assignments and due dates. But, at Mountain Heights, they can log in and access the learning environment – including lessons, assignments and teachers – at their convenience. This allows all students – from the early bird to night owl – to create a schedule that works for them. And then, they get to fill their free time with whatever they want – naps, long lunch breaks, social events, hobbies, performances, family vacations, doctor’s appointments – you name it! If your teen is struggling with regimented school days, Mountain Heights Academy may be a good fit!

Does your teen struggle socially?

Tween and teen drama is the worst. If you’re agonizing over the social challenges your teenager is experiencing, maybe it’s time for a switch! Mountain Heights Academy is an online school, but we know that teens need to spend time with their peers face-to-face, sharing positive experiences. That’s why we have so many extracurricular opportunities, including:

Service-learning activities, like serving meals at The Road Home and volunteering at elementary schools on National Reading Day
Regular field trips, such as visits to the Loveland Aquarium, The Leonardo, Lagoon and Capitol Reef
Reoccurring school-sponsored activities, like the back-to-school carnival, orientation, formal dances, spirit week and graduation
Connection groups and clubs, such as Girl Talk, Anxiety Skillbuilding, the Gaming Guild, Robotics Team and more!
Leadership teams, like student body leadership, Honor Society and the Student Advisory Board

Whether your teen wants a fresh start or just needs a break from the hallway drama, Mountain Heights Academy is a great way to meet and make new friends!

Are you worried about life after high school for your teen?

Parents in the smartphone era often express worry that their child doesn’t seem passionate or have a post-graduation plan.

While Mountain Heights Academy gives students the time to explore interests and transform them into passions, they also have robust resources to encourage students to think about life after high school. This includes internship opportunities, fun electives, honors classes, concurrent enrollment, a free ACT bootcamp, annual college tours around the state, college admission advice, a Washington D.C. seminar and a free, week-long domestic exchange upon graduation with the American Exchange Project (AEP). We have pathways toward careers, trade schools, colleges and more!

Are your child’s needs being met in their current educational setting?

If you made it to the end of this article, it sounds like you may be considering a change. And that’s okay!

The good news is that there are options out there. Mountain Heights Academy accepts students each quarter and part-time enrollment is open until March 21 if you’re ready to give it a try!

You can also learn more at an information session or talk to our enrollment counselor today.

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Mountain Heights Academy is an accredited, tuition-free online school for Utah students in grades 7-12. With its flexible curriculum, accessible teachers and college-preparatory classes, Mountain Heights Academy has been developing connected and successful learners since 2009. Learn more at https://mountainheightsacademy.org/