In the realm of education, online schooling has become a preferred choice for many families. For those curious about how life unfolds for students in such settings, Mountain Heights Academy provides a compelling picture.
This tuition-free online school has been serving Utah students from grades 7-12 since 2009, gaining admiration for its robust academic program and flexible learning environment.
Take the journey of Kayden, for instance, a recent graduate from Utah County, who discovered Mountain Heights during eighth grade.
Prior to joining the academy, Kayden faced significant difficulties with his schoolwork, feeling trapped in a routine that wasn’t conducive to his learning style.
Once he made the transition, however, everything changed. Kayden thrived in the academy’s adaptable setting, which catered to his individual needs and passions.
He noted that he feels most alert in the midmorning and early afternoon, so he strategically scheduled his live classes during those times.
The afternoons became his designated homework period, where he tackled assignments with heightened productivity.
“Being able to sleep in without worrying about getting behind is great,” Kayden remarked, appreciating the freedom the online setup provided.
Kayden actively organized his coursework using Google Calendar, which showcased not only his classes but also blocks of time filled with activities outside of academics.
These empty blocks were devoted to snowboarding, volunteering at a local animal sanctuary, working at See’s Candies, and caring for his pets.
Kayden expressed, “I definitely wouldn’t be able to do any of this if I was at my old school.” The newfound flexibility allowed him to delve into various hobbies and dive into research projects like crafting custom terrariums for his pets.
Now, as he prepares for his first year at Weber State University, Kayden has his sights set on a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, followed by plans to attend veterinary school to fulfill his dream of becoming a wildlife veterinarian.
Shifting gears, let’s meet Whitney. As a junior at Mountain Heights Academy for over three years, Whitney represents another success story from this online education model.
Similar to Kayden, Whitney capitalizes on her most productive hours in the morning, attending her live sessions, often never starting before 9 a.m.
When she’s not engaged in live classroom activities, Whitney enjoys a unique study approach that involves alternating between twenty-minute homework sessions and practicing her beloved violin.
A passionate violinist since the age of three, Whitney dedicates an impressive 2-3 hours daily to her practice, targeting a goal of 24 hours each week.
She has also earned a prestigious role as a concert master for the Lyceum Philharmonic, an audition-only youth orchestra that boasts collaborations with award-winning artists like Nathan Pacheco and Steven Sharp Nelson.
Whitney acknowledges that the flexibility of her online education has been instrumental in her musical advancement.
“There’s no way I would’ve gotten this far with my violin if I didn’t have this much flexibility,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of having time to cultivate her musical talents.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Whitney engages in recreational soccer, has recently taken up Krav Maga, and serves as the vice president of the student advisory board.
Additionally, she is a member of the National Honor Society and actively contributes to planning activities for Hope Squad, illustrating how online schooling nurtures well-rounded individuals.
For parents contemplating educational options for their children, Mountain Heights Academy embodies a path that allows for the pursuit of diverse interests alongside rigorous academic learning.
With enrollment still ongoing for the current school year, Mountain Heights Academy welcomes students in grades 7-12.
Full-time enrollment closes on Monday, August 25 at 3 p.m., and part-time registration will conclude on Thursday, August 21 at 11:59 p.m.
Mountain Heights Academy stands as an accredited, tuition-free educational institution dedicated to forming connected and successful learners in Utah since 2009.
Their curriculum is designed to encourage flexibility and accessibility, with a focus on college preparation.
To discover more about the opportunities available at Mountain Heights, visit https://mountainheightsacademy.org/.
In conclusion, with the right educational choices, children can find the time they need to pursue passions and thrive academically.
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