Wondering what online classrooms ‘look’ like? See here

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

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Introduction

If you’ve ever been talking to a friend whose child is enrolled in an online school, you’ve probably asked: What does it look like?  

While the answer may vary for everyone, we can tell you what life “looks” like for two students at Mountain Heights Academy: a tuition-free online school that’s been teaching Utahns in grades 7-12 since 2009. With nearly two decades of proven success, experienced online educators, and a nationally recognized, open-source curriculum used worldwide, Mountain Heights Academy offers students both flexibility and academic rigor.

Kayden’s experience in the online classroom

First up is Kayden: a recent graduate from Utah County. Kayden joined Mountain Heights during eighth grade and never looked back.  

“Before finding Mountain Heights, I was really struggling with my schoolwork and felt stuck in a hopeless routine,” Kayden said.  

After making the switch, he thrived with a flexible schedule that fit his needs and passions. Kayden said he’s most alert during the midmornings and early afternoons, so he chose live classroom sessions scheduled during those hours. Then, he did assignments in the afternoon, when he’s most productive.  

“Being able to sleep in without worrying about getting behind is great,” Kayden said. “Every week, I attend my virtual classes and then schedule my time to start with assignments or classes I know will be the most difficult.”  

Kayden liked to chart his schoolwork and classes in Google Calendar.  

Perhaps the most interesting part of Kayden’s Google Calendar were the empty blocks – those are the times he was snowboarding, volunteering at a local animal sanctuary, working at See’s Candies or taking care of his pets.  

“I definitely wouldn’t be able to do any of this if I was at my old school,” Kayden explained. “I’ve been able to spend way more time on my new hobbies, but also learn new things that take time and research, like building custom-made terrariums for my pets.”  

Kayden is just about to begin his first year at Weber State University. Once he finishes his Bachelor of Science in Zoology there, he’ll go to a vet school to become a wildlife veterinarian.  

Virtual schooling allows Whitney to practice violin more

Now, let’s meet Whitney: a junior in Utah County who’s been with Mountain Heights Academy for over three years.  

Like Kayden, Whitney finds that her morning hours are most productive, so that’s when she attends live classroom sessions.  

“It’s nice because I’ve never had to attend a live session earlier than 9 a.m.,” Whitney said. “If I’m not in a live class, then I like to switch off between twenty minutes of homework and twenty minutes of practicing my violin.” 

Whitney is an avid violinist who’s been playing since she was three. Now, she practices 2-3 hours per day (often shooting for 24 hours of practice per week) and is the concert master for the Lyceum Philharmonic — an audition-only youth orchestra that’s accompanied award-winning singers like Nathan Pacheco and Steven Sharp Nelson. 

“There’s no way I would’ve gotten this far with my violin if I didn’t have this much flexibility,” Whitney said. “There’s a quote that essentially says ‘Where words fail, music speaks.’ Having time to practice my violin is great, but sharing that inspiration and positive emotions with audiences is even better.”  

When Whitney isn’t practicing, she also enjoys playing recreational soccer and attending Krav Maga (a newer hobby) classes. She’s also the vice president of the student advisory board, a member of the National Honor Society and helps plan activities for Hope Squad.  

Online schooling gives your child more time to pursue other avenues

If your child is looking for more time to pursue hobbies, try new things or feel excited about learning, maybe it’s time to look into online school! Mountain Heights Academy is still accepting students in grades 7-12 for the new school year. Full-time enrollment closes on Monday, August 25 at 3 p.m., and part-time enrollment closes on Thursday, August 21 at 11:59 p.m.  

About Mountain Heights Academy

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/. 

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This is a sponsored article brought to you by KSL NewsRadio in conjunction with the advertiser. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of KSL NewsRadio, its parent company, or its staff.