Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
The Markhams have three students enrolled at Utah Online School as well as their local boundary schools.
London, a 7th grader, is taking advantage of the option to earn high school credit even though she is just starting middle school.
"London took three courses this summer…The best part is that they are activities she would have done over the summer anyway so why not get credit for activities like drawing and dance," mother Leslie Markham explains. "This is such an amazing opportunity. Once in high school, she will have a more flexible school schedule and can decide if she wants to work or begin taking college courses like her siblings."
In addition to school, Claire, a 9th grader, devotes about 20 hours a week to dance. She takes UOS summer courses and extra classes throughout the year to get ahead so her schedule is more manageable throughout the year.
"Claire wants to push herself to learn and grow in every area of life, her mother explains. This year, she will be taking advantage of the concurrent enrollment offerings through UOS. "The local school doesn't allow her to take these courses yet, so we're so grateful she can continue to challenge herself academically through UOS."
Lincoln, an 11th grader, is an avid golfer. To put in the time he needs to perfect his game, he must spend several hours each day on the course. "He finishes high school in the morning and we see him before he heads out to the golf course to practice until it gets dark," Leslie Markham says.
"With UOS, he can focus on classes at his own pace, plus take courses that are not available at his local high school. Summer UOS offerings have also helped him stay ahead of his grade level so he can have the ideal schedule throughout the year. He still pushes himself academically by taking college-level courses and still has the time to do what he loves outside of school."
A jump start for learning
Because UOS students can start earning high school credit as early as seventh grade, they have increased flexibility later on with an in-person high school schedule. Mrs. Markham explains that UOS gives her children the flexibility to graduate from high school one year early or to complete at least one year of college before graduating high school.
"We want our children to love learning and find their unique skills and passions that will help them in the future. Blending UOS with their traditional school broadens their education and growth opportunities," Leslie Markham says. "They push themselves by working smart and doing more throughout the year, including summers. We see them spending more time on their personal interests and goals and will encourage them to choose high school internship opportunities that will benefit their long-term career goals."
Flexibility for all Utah students
It's been more than a decade since the Utah Legislature approved a Statewide Online Education Program that allows "eligible students to earn middle school and high school graduation credit through the completion of publicly funded online courses."
What many parents and students don't realize is the program allows students in any district in the state to create a personalized education plan that combines in-person and online courses. Taking advantage of this option provides families flexibility in scheduling and curriculum.
A tried-and-true option for online education
If the idea of online and in-person blended education is appealing, but you don't know where to start, Utah Online School (UOS) has perfected the process.
UOS serves 10,000-plus students yearly with more than 150 teachers, counselors and staff. In more than 15 years, the cumulative total of students served has exceeded 110,000. Along the way, UOS has achieved a course completion rate exceeding 90% and a graduation rate of more than 95%.
Learn anywhere with Utah Online School and get school credit
Utah Online School is currently enrolling for fall courses. With nearly 70 course options (and a list that is always growing), there is almost always an opportunity for individual flexibility.
At many Utah high schools, popular elective courses are often restricted to seniors or are filled by random selection because demand far exceeds available slots. That's not a problem at UOS. In fact, UOS offers far more courses than many boundary schools.
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 and drivers education.
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.
Enroll today in Utah's premier online school, serving K12 students with both full or part-time options.
