One Family’s Perspective: Shifting to Online High School

Many parents are considering new ways to customize their teens’ education, with more high school students taking online courses. But uncertainties can make the choice a difficult one.

A few years ago, the Thompson family found themselves in this position, and they decided to research options and find a new school for their son, Trent. “We started to broaden our horizons and look at different programs,” explains Eric, his father.

In the end, the Thompsons chose BYU Online High School. “One important thing about BYU is its outstanding reputation. It’s competitive. It’s challenging. It prepares students. It’s tight. It’s been tested to be a good program,” says Dee, Trent’s mother.

“My favorite thing about the program is the custom classes,” Trent says. “I want to be a firefighter, so I can take classes to introduce myself to that. I’m taking an emergency medical responder course but could not do anything near that in my public school.”

In addition to career exploration and college preparation in their coursework, full-time students have scheduling flexibility to develop new talents. Trent prefers mountain biking. “I love being in nature, getting away from everything, and just giving your mind a break.”

Students like Trent serve as proof that personalized online learning can yield many positive benefits, such as critical thinking, organizational skills, and accountability.

“And that’s the kind of quality education we want for our son,” Dee says. “BYU has always been so warm and welcoming, wanting our whole family to succeed. Not just Algebra 2 to succeed, not just ‘trying’ to succeed. They see education as it impacts the entire family. And when you participate and are genuinely committed to it, thriving is natural.”

Watch Trent’s BYU Online High School Story