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More than a dozen years before COVID-19 made remote learning a necessity, Utah Online School created a successful online learning model that served more than 110,000 students. And the flexibility of its program allows many students to pursue dreams that stretch well beyond high school.
One of these is Emmaleigh Miller, whose goal of becoming an elite gymnast conflicted with the rigid structure of regular high school.
"I chose UOS because of the flexibility it offers," Miller explains. "I'm able to do school at the gym, when I'm traveling for competitions, or at home whenever I want. Because of this flexibility, I'm able to put more time in at the gym without the stress of having to work around a traditional school schedule."
Miller says, "Even though I'm not going to do gymnastics in college, I was offered a Presidential Scholarship at SUU. I qualified for this by doing high-level gymnastics, accomplishing hard classes in school and other extracurricular activities. I never would have been able to accomplish it without the flexibility UOS offers."
Her story is similar to that of Real Salt Lake goalie Jeff Dewsnup, who was able to sign a professional soccer contract at 17 because of the flexible educational opportunities available at Utah Online School.
UOS flexibility allows young Real Salt Lake goalie to graduate: register now for free summer classes
UOS provides a lot of flexibility for when you complete your classes, (without the scheduling issues of attending school in-person.) It's a great way to prepare for higher education as well. For me, it has allowed me to fulfill a dream in soccer that I couldn't have done at such a young age.At UOS, students can start earning high school credit as early as seventh grade. Getting a head start on high school credits means increased flexibility in a future high school schedule. It can even make early graduation a possibility for students interested in that option.
UOS achieves student success by tailoring learning to student needs with the support of certified teachers, adult mentors, and counselors. Best of all, UOS is an accredited public school, free to Utah students.
Learn anywhere and get school credit
Utah Online School is currently enrolling for summer courses and fall. With classes ranging from art history to hospitality and tourism to wildlife biology and forestry, the summer course offerings at Utah Online School are more like the options at a fun summer camp than the old style of summer school. And in many instances, summer activities can be coordinated with classes at UOS so students can earn high school credit.
For example, a family that is planning a beach vacation during the summer could coordinate with a class on marine biology or environmental science. Or a family that spends lots of time outdoors could match that with classes on outdoor recreation, geology, astrology, photography, etc. With nearly 70 course options (and a list that is always growing), there is almost always an opportunity for individual flexibility. Likewise, a student who plays summer sports can earn PE credit. Summer music lessons can earn music credit.
In addition to traditional subjects like reading, art, history and math, UOS has classes like computer science, programming, coding, world languages (20-plus), music (guitar, ukulele, music theory and more), wildlife and marine biology, honors courses and ACT prep.
fI you have a student who will be old enough to drive UOS offers drivers education that includes the curriculum and simulator requirements.
Credit recovery courses are also available in summer
If a student is behind on credits or wants a better grade on a course they've already taken, Utah Online provides those opportunities.
UOS senior MyKinlee Brook says, "When my academic capabilities weren't at my max, I received a poor grade in my concurrent enrollment class, political science. This year UOS helped me recover that credit by taking a US Government class."
"It was extremely beneficial to take that class this semester because I have been also taking a US History concurrent enrollment course," Brook says. "The two have really gone hand in hand and have made each other much more bearable to take. US Government gave me the confidence I needed to successfully complete and pass the end-of-year Civics Test."
In addition to graduating from high school this month, Brook will also be receiving an associate's degree.
Utah Online helps students recover failed credit needed for graduation. Students may sign up for credit recovery during the school year or during summer.
A record of success
Utah Online School serves more than 10,000 students each year with more than 150 teachers, counselors and staff. In over 15 years, the cumulative total of students served has exceeded 110,000. Those numbers continue to rise as parents seek ways to provide their children with the best available education.
Over that time UOS has achieved a course completion rate exceeding 90% and a graduation rate of more than 95%.
Here are some other comments from students who found success at Utah Online School:
- "Utah Online School provided me with a wonderful support system and gave me the opportunity to work at my own pace so I could graduate a year early."
- "It has made it possible for me to have time and flexibility to start being an entrepreneur while still in school."
- "I loved being able to learn as much as I wanted with UOS, and take more courses than are provided in my local district. I also loved working on my schedule, and pace, which made learning easier, and more fun."
- "It has helped me so much with my GPA and being able to concentrate on the lesson not someone judging me because I have a resource teacher in class with me."
- "In the end, I was able to graduate early with nearly all my General Education college course credits."
Teachers and staff at Utah Online School are highly qualified, licensed and certified. They are also passionate about helping students. Whether your student is seeking part-time, full-time or concurrent enrollment, Utah Online School has the experience and expertise to help them find educational success.
