What led you to choose an online school?

For some parents, it’s a student who learns in a different way or struggles in a classroom setting. For others, it’s the need for a safer environment or a more personalized learning experience. Some choose an online school right from the start of their child’s education; others come to it after the traditional options have failed.

For the Hostetler family, the journey to K¹² began 14 years ago, before their children were even born. Tennille, a mom of two, shared that she was a senior in college when she made the decision to give her future children a different kind of school experience. While still in college, Tennille taught biology (her major) to an extraordinary group of homeschooled students. She observed their eagerness to learn, their maturity, and their kindness towards one another, and decided she wanted the same for her own children someday.

Years later, despite a background in teaching and a Master’s degree in Education, Tennille found that homeschooling on her own was not working for her family. The expense and time-commitment involved in choosing and purchasing curriculum and lesson-planning for multiple grade levels was taking its toll. That’s when she found K¹², and our partner school, Oregon Virtual Academy.

In our interview, Tennille shares her thoughts on the K¹² program, and offers some advice for other parents on transitioning from homeschooling to an online school.

Students ready to embark on their online high school experience have both exciting opportunities and new challenges to look forward to.

High school means higher level courses, more teachers, more independence and more responsibility for coursework. It’s also a time when parents’ roles change from direct academic involvement to providing moral support and advice. The most successful students develop strong relationships with dedicated teachers for each subject, as well as advisors and counselors, said Patricia Gagnon, vice president of K12’s high schools.

Meet George Washington University Online High School student Amanda R.

Welcome to the latest installment of our series highlighting the students and teachers that make George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS) so unique.

As a premier, fully accredited online private high school, The George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS) is a unique partnership between the renowned George Washington University and K¹². Both organizations share a commitment to deliver a world-class, individualized education by leveraging outstanding instruction, curriculum, and technology. Admission for motivated, high-achieving students is selective; they can apply for a fall or spring semester start date. Visit the school's website for in-depth information.

Recently, I sat down with Amanda R., a sophomore from Tennessee. She’s actively involved in student life at GWUOHS and is passionate about writing and music. Last April, she traveled to Europe with other GW students, including her best friend, Carly, whose interview we published last month. I talked with Amanda about school, life, and her unique experience traveling to Europe with her classmates.

Engaging and Passionate Teachers Make All the Difference

Recently, when I spoke to Carly, a junior attending George Washington University Online High School, she shared with me that her absolute favorite thing about her school was the staff and teachers. Time and again, the students I have spoken with at GWUOHS share with me stories about what makes their school unique, and about the dedicated teachers and administrators who go above and beyond to engage their students, to help them focus and achieve their educational goals.

Cassi Brownlow is one such teacher. Cassi is an English teacher at GWUOHS who is passionate about American Literature, but more passionate about engaging her students in exciting projects, sharing her love of literature and writing, and showing her students that English is “more than just grammar.”