Virtual High School

Virtual High School means freedom to collaborate in an online classroom with students from all over the country. Yet, so many students overlook the opportunity because it goes against tradition. Once students make the commitment, however, they realize just how much they may have missed out on if they did not experience at least one VHS class.

With only 25 slots to offer per semester, the classrooms fill up quick. But what is it that draws certain students to the ultramodern method of learning?

Sandwich High School student, Kelley Fitzgerald, elaborated on the personal benefits she received when she enrolled in VHS, “I wanted to take courses that weren’t available at SHS. Actually, I’ve taken a few; Intro to Italian, Screenwrite, History of Photography.” Virtual High School gives students a wider variety of classes.

Last semester, I took a Philosophy VHS course. I found it both intellectually stimulating and academically challenging. I found the course load to be highly manageable, and completing weekly assignments is easy as long as people can manage their time well.

Another great benefit was that the VHS semester ends slightly before the end of the actual semester at Sandwich High. This was a great way to finish work for other classes and feel satisfied with all the work I had accomplished throughout the VHS semester.

Ms. Klier also agrees the benefits are high with the program. “Colleges view it as a good thing, because you obtain good experience with course management and the actual system.”

Students still must be aware of the downsides of VHS, although slim. “Some of the worst parts were group projects, which are hard to do online.”

“There is no face to face time with the teachers,” says Ms. Klier, “ so that may be difficult when a student doesn’t understand the curriculum.” In an online classroom it can be hard to comprehend certain topics without the verbal communication with a teacher, so that can certainly be challenging to certain types of students.

Many students don’t know enough information about the VHS program and choose not to sign up simply because of a lack of awareness. Choosing to take a class will not only benefit their academic reputation as a high school student, but will also prepare them for college or other higher education purposes. Any student at SHS would benefit from the online classroom experience that VHS provides.