(BPT) - Over the past decade, online high schools have moved from the margins to the mainstream of American education. Families across the country are increasingly considering virtual learning as a serious option. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 700 fully online schools now serve about 294,000 students nationwide.

As enrollment grows, so does curiosity about what life is like for students who learn entirely online. From classroom dynamics to community life, here's a closer look at what students can expect at an elite online high school.

1. Online high schools have been around for a while

While virtual learning has gained widespread attention in recent years, online high schools are far from a new phenomenon. The first programs emerged in the mid-1990s alongside the rise of the internet, and several of those pioneering schools continue to thrive today.

One standout example is Stanford Online High School (Stanford OHS), an independent school within Stanford University and one of the nation's first fully synchronous online high schools. Founded in 2006 with support from the Malone Family Foundation, Stanford OHS has been at the forefront of online education for nearly two decades.

2. Online schools offer distinctive courses

While many online high schools offer flexible academic options, Stanford OHS stands out for its rigorous, college-style curriculum. Its hallmark Core Sequence, a series of interdisciplinary courses in philosophy, literature, and the history of ideas, encourages students to think critically across disciplines. Students can choose from more than 40 advanced and university-level classes, including Latin Prose & Poetry, Multivariable Calculus, Analytical & Organic Chemistry, and Quantum Computing. Unlike most virtual programs, which emphasize flexibility over depth, Stanford OHS models the intellectual rigor of a university seminar, setting it apart from other online schools.

3. Students are prepared for college life

Elite online high schools can offer students a college-like academic experience from the comfort of home. At Stanford OHS, students follow a university-style block schedule, with most classes meeting twice a week in real time. The school uses a flipped classroom model, where students engage with readings, lectures, and problem sets before class, allowing live sessions to focus on discussion, analysis, and collaboration.

This structure helps students develop independence and time-management skills while balancing academics with extracurricular and social activities. Stanford OHS graduates feel very well-prepared for college. "I felt that Stanford OHS prepared me to produce high-quality work as my normal standard, rather than having to stretch to meet the expectations of my professors," said one Stanford OHS alum.

4. Online high schools foster a sense of community

In the online era, young adults are used to forging friendships online. Beyond messaging or video calling peers from class, students are also given opportunities to create and take part in a community online by participating in student-led clubs, student government and other extracurricular activities. Some virtual schools even offer in-person social opportunities, like Stanford OHS, where students can meet up with nearby peers at regional meet-up gatherings, and school-sponsored dances, game nights, and events.

5. Students study with peers from around the world

The virtual format of online high schools allows them to bring together students from around the world. Learning alongside peers from different countries and cultures exposes students to a wide range of perspectives, fostering global awareness and a broader worldview than many traditional high school settings can offer. Stanford OHS students study with peers from 48 U.S. states and 47 countries around the world.

One Stanford OHS student shared, "I have friends from all around the world … and being able to connect to these amazing people has been life-changing. I have gotten to learn about so many different locations, worldviews, and experiences, as well as getting to share my own with my peers. Having these geographical limits broken down is one of my favorite things about Stanford OHS; I don't have to be in the same room or even the same country to connect with someone."

6. Online schools offer students support

Online institutions can offer small class sizes and individualized attention. Students at a school like Stanford OHS can expect a class average of about 13 students, with a cap of 16 students per class to foster strong instructor-student and peer interactions. Instructors are chosen for their experience in their academic disciplines, with 64% holding Ph.D.s from universities around the world.

"The instructors at Stanford OHS are phenomenal." said one student. "The teachers' own passions for the subjects they teach shine through and make me all the more excited to go to class everyday. Even beyond class, they were available to answer questions in weekly office hours, engage in conversations, and provide support."

Many online high schools also offer student support services like academic advising, college counseling, tutoring, and wellness coaching to provide students with what they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

If you are still curious about what online high schools offer, visit https://ohs.stanford.edu/2025 to learn more.