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When you ask your child what they're thankful for, school probably isn't at the top of the list — unless they're enrolled in Utah Online School. Nothing can beat free, flexible and convenient learning that allows students to work and learn at their preferred pace..
For more than 17 years, Utah Online School has helped thousands of students fall back in love with learning and take control of their own education. Children and parents alike are grateful for this valuable resource for several reasons, but here are three of the top reasons.
A variety of course offerings
Variety is the spice of life — and the key to a stellar education. Giving students options when it comes to both course offerings and the amount of work they want to take on sets them up for success.
With an ever-growing course list that currently includes well over 100 different classes, your student can enroll in virtual courses and work from the convenience of home. This includes math, language arts, financial strategies, social studies, science, physical education, world languages, electives and many other options.
By giving them a greater degree of control over their education, students thrive inside and outside of the classroom. For example, student Cece O'Brien is grateful that her Utah Online School classes allow her to make time for her family and social life.
"UOS has given me choices and options. I don't have to give up the things that bring me joy in life," she said.
Flexible learning environment
Several studies, including one from the National Institutes of Health, say that a flexible learning environment helps students become more engaged learners.
Sadie Beardall is one of many current students who's planning on graduating early, thanks to Utah Online School's flexible programs.
"I am able to do work on my own time and at my convenience," Sadie said.
Junior high student Stella Shiozawa says Utah Online School's courses are helping her get ahead of the game for high school
I am working on high school graduation credits now ... to accommodate the time I need to spend on the tennis court and travel to other tournaments. As long as I have my laptop and an internet connection I can do my schoolwork. My biggest challenge is I want to get it all done as fast as I can!
–Stella Shiozawa
"I am working on high school graduation credits now so that when I am actually in high school I will have the freedom to have an adjusted schedule to accommodate the time I need to spend on the tennis court and travel to other tournaments," she said. "As long as I have my laptop and an internet connection I can do my school work. My biggest challenge is I want to get it all done as fast as I can!"
Students who are involved in sports and extracurricular activities are especially appreciative of the freedom their UOS schedule provides. Just ask Adylee Bowen, Chase Bigelow and Daniela Jovanovic-Hacon.
"Being a competitive gymnast, I spend many hours training each day," Adylee said. "With my schedule in the gym, it is not possible to attend an in person school full time. When I was living and training in southern Utah, my schedule allowed me to attend half of the day in person at my local school and the other half online with UOS."
Adylee is now training in Texas with a more rigorous schedule that requires her to complete 100% of her schoolwork online.
"As I desire to compete collegiately, UOS is allowing me to receive an amazing education along with the ability to meet the demands of my sport," she said.
Chase tried for several years to play competitive hockey while attending a traditional school, but he said it "just wasn't working." He'd miss tests and teachers were unwilling to let him do his schoolwork on the road, so his grades began to fall. That's when his counselor recommended he try Utah Online School.
"It was perfect," Chase said. "I could learn at my own pace, work while traveling and still get the one-on-one attention I needed to be successful."
Not only are his grades up, but Chase was also drafted to a Tier 1 hockey team in Cape Cod.
"UOS has helped make this opportunity possible," he said. "It was the best choice I could have made academically and athletically."
Daniela's story is similar. Thanks to her flexible schedule with UOS, she's able to do her schoolwork in the morning while pursuing his passion for ballet in the afternoon. Because of the time she's been able to dedicate, Daniela progressed far enough to begin training with older students in the Ballet West Academy.
If I was attending a traditional (in-person) school, none of this would be possible and I would not be able to work towards my goal of becoming a professional ballet dancer.
–Daniela
"If I was attending a traditional (in-person) school, none of this would be possible and I would not be able to work towards my goal of becoming a professional ballet dancer," she said.
Outstanding and engaged teachers
At the heart of every Utah Online School success story is a team of dedicated teachers who help students achieve their academic and personal goals.
"I am truly grateful for the outstanding educators I am able to be taught and guided by, for their care and concern in what I am doing outside of school," Adylee said. "I am so thankful for their support."
"The lessons are great and very interactive," Daniela adds. "I learn a lot, and at the same time I feel that every minute I spend on my school work is very valuable. I truly appreciate everything that my teachers do for me and other students."
Utah Online School employs more than 150 teachers, counselors and staff to serve more than 10,000 students each year. Now in its 17th year of operation, UOS has an impressive course completion rate of 90% and a graduation rate of more than 95%.
Whether your student is seeking part-time or full-time enrollment, Utah Online School has the experience and expertise to help them reach their academic goals.
