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Young guitarist focuses on music while earning high school credits online

Young guitarist focuses on music while earning high school credits online

(Flint Stephens)


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Each year, thousands of Utah students benefit from the individualized educational opportunities at Utah Online School. Whether your child wants to attend a traditional school part-time or to take all their classes online, UOS has a solution that will work.

For example, ninth-grade student Grey Nielson is taking classes at Utah Online School so he can devote more time to music. He started to play guitar three years ago and his parents and music teachers quickly discovered he is something of a phenom.

After six months, his guitar teacher (who had decades of experience) told Grey he needed to find a more advanced instructor. Today Grey plays in multiple bands and practices guitar several hours each day.

Young guitarist focuses on music while earning high school credits online
Photo: Cally Nielson

Grey's parents wanted to do everything they could to foster the growth of his musical talent. His mother, who happens to be a high school English teacher, recognized that a traditional school schedule was hindering rather than helping him.

Mother Cally Nielson said with two working parents and two sons attending different schools, it was impossible to coordinate blocks of time Grey needed for practice.

"The Utah Online School option means Grey can complete his classwork early, freeing up extended periods when Grey can practice his guitar without interruption," she said. "But we also wanted him to have some in-person learning, so we opted for a blended schedule."

Grey takes math and science classes two days a week at his boundary middle school, but he is also takes honors English, physical education, music and music theory courses at Utah Online School. That gives him the option of more practice time while allowing him to earn high school credits for his work at UOS.

"I really like my online classes," Grey said. "I can work at my own speed and I'm already have half my high school credits."

Flexibility for all Utah students

In 2011, 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.

Many parents and students don't realize that 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 as well as the opportunity to earn high school credits.

And as a Utah public school, UOS classes are free to Utah students.

With 17 years of experience providing online learning and serving more than 10,000 students annually, UOS plays a leading role in providing critical education to students throughout the state.

UOS is fully accredited, has NCAA approval and all teachers are certified and highly qualified educators.

Open enrollment for both summer and fall semesters is currently underway.

Even with the current school year underway, students have options for taking courses from UOS while still attending their local school. No matter the situation, UOS can support the needs of students through its expansive course offerings and supportive learning environment.

Grade replacement

Sometimes life brings unexpected events that interfere with students' learning and ability to maintain their GPA and academic goals. Luckily, Utah allows students to replace grades on their transcripts through the grade replacement program.

By enrolling with Utah Online School, students can replace courses when it works best for their schedule.

"My grades have suffered in a couple of classes and I was able to replace these grades taking Utah Online courses," said one student. "It felt so great to submit my transcript to colleges this year. It really showed who I am as a student."

To ensure your student follows the correct procedure for grade replacement at their boundary school, they will need to speak with their counselor.

Credit recovery

For students who struggle or fail classes in school, UOS offers credit recovery to help students across the state get back on track for graduation.

While it's available all year, summer is a great time to take advantage of the credit recovery program. For a flat $50 fee, students can recover as many courses as they can during a nine-week session. As soon as a course is complete, they can start a new one, which allows students the opportunity to complete courses as quickly as they master the concepts.

Schools across the state trust Utah Online School and routinely refer students seeking makeup or original credit.

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 has perfected the process.

UOS serves 10,000-plus students yearly with more than 150 teachers, counselors and staff. In more than 17 years, the cumulative total of students served has exceeded 120,000. Along the way, UOS has achieved a course completion rate exceeding 90% and a graduation rate of more than 95%.

Learn anywhere with UOS and get school credit

Utah Online School open enrollment is open now. 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 Utah Online School. In fact, Utah Online School offers far more courses than many boundary schools.

In addition to traditional subjects like reading, art, history and math, Utah Online School has classes like forensic science, computer programming, coding, world languages (20-plus), music; guitar, ukulele, music theory and more, wildlife and marine biology, fashion design, honors courses and ACT prep and drivers education.

Utah Online School achieves student success by tailoring learning to student needs with the support of certified teachers, adult mentors, and counselors.

Enroll today in Utah's premier online school, serving K12 students with both full and part-time options. Utah Online School is an accredited public school, free to Utah students.

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