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 

Audrey from Arizona: 

A Sophomore’s Perspective on BYU Online High School 

At just 16, Audrey from Show Low, Arizona, is already planning for college and thinking seriously about her future. This academic year, she made a bold move by switching to BYU Online High School (OHS), and she’s never looked back.

“I’ve definitely learned more than in a public-school setting,” she says. “The curriculum seems stronger, and I’ve found the teachers in this private school are more supportive, and there are a lot more resources to help you.”

A Better Academic Experience

Audrey was seeking a more rigorous and supportive learning environment, and she found it. Involved with engaging coursework and learning from teachers who are invested in student success, she’s thriving academically and gaining confidence as a student.

One of her favorite resources is the BYU Student Success Center, where student employees from Brigham Young University offer free tutoring sessions to OHS participants. Audrey regularly schedules appointments when she needs help and says the support has made a huge difference.

“It’s been a game-changer,” she explains. “I can receive support for an assignment, get help with exam preparation, and even discuss goal-setting and time management tips.”

Freedom to Learn at Her Own Pace

As a student-athlete who runs cross-country and plays soccer, flexibility matters. With OHS, Audrey can learn at her desired pace and build a schedule around practices and competitions.

“I can choose to complete schoolwork on a Thursday or a Monday—whenever I have time or can focus better,” she says. That flexibility has helped Audrey maintain balance, avoid burnout, and stay on track academically. She also values the live teacher instruction courses and virtual labs, where she can ask questions in real time and collaborate with classmates in discussion-based settings—especially for subjects that require deeper understanding.

Focusing on the Future

Audrey is already thinking ahead. She hopes to study marine biology at BYU-Hawaii or explore a career in the medical field. Recently, she met with her OHS counselor to map out the courses she’ll need to take over the next few years to stay on track.

“It’s helped me stay focused on my goals,” she says. “I know what I need to do to get where I want to go.”

Making It Possible with ESA Support

A key part of making OHS a reality for Audrey’s family has been Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. The ESA helps cover the cost of private school tuition and essential supplies.

“It helps pay for my tuition at BYU,” Audrey shares. “I’ve also obtained a laptop, headphones, and school supplies through the program.” This support has made it easier for her family to access a high-quality, college-prep education without the financial burden.

Advice for Other Students

The OHS academic expectations are higher than what she experienced at her local public high school and Audrey sees that as a strength. She’s proud of how much she’s grown. “Use your resources well. If you do, you’ll succeed,” she says.

For other students who are considering the switch to OHS, Audrey believes it’s a smart step, especially for those thinking about attending BYU in the future.

Audrey’s journey shows how the right learning environment can inspire, challenge, and empower students to take control of their education and prepare for what comes next. To learn more, visit OHS's website or explore Arizona’s ESA program.

From the Field to the Classroom: 

How BYU Online High School Helps a Student Athlete Succeed

For Arizona sophomore Cole Tate, balancing academics and athletics once seemed impossible—until he discovered BYU Online High School (OHS). After facing challenges in traditional public schools, Cole found a learning environment that matched his goals and schedule.

Finding the Right Fit

Cole struggled to thrive in local schools, citing issues that didn’t align with his values or learning methods. “The schools didn’t meet my needs,” Cole explains. “I wanted more from my education.”

His family discovered the private online school sponsored by Brigham Young University during the recent pandemic and chose it for its strong academic and college prep focus. “While the curriculum seems harder, I’ve learned a lot more—especially how to manage my own time,” he explains.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Cole now balances rigorous academics with an active sports schedule, competing in soccer, football, and baseball. The flexibility of OHS allows him to travel for games without falling behind in school. “I leave town for games a lot, but my OHS teachers are great about working with me,” he says.

In addition, all of his courses, lectures, and homework are online. He can accomplish any assignment while traveling to a game or practice. In contrast, he describes, “many of my teammates miss their in-person classes and struggle to stay caught-up with homework or test preparation.”

The online format has empowered Cole to take control of his learning—something he believes is preparing him well for the future.

Preparing for College and Beyond

Cole’s favorite subject is English. “Both semesters, English has been my favorite because of the teacher,” he says. Though balancing everything isn’t always easy, he values independence. “You have to figure out how to advocate for yourself and manage your schedule, which I think helps prepare you for college.”

Through OHS, Cole has developed independence and confidence. He’s learned how to advocate for himself, manage deadlines, and stay motivated without the structure of a traditional classroom.

He plans to attend BYU in Provo and pursue a medical career. Cole feels ready for what’s next. His advice? “Change. Even if your local schools are good, OHS gives you a head start on learning how to handle college life.”

Making It Possible Through Arizona’s ESA Program

Cole’s family takes advantage of private school options thanks to Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which provides funding for private education, books, and even sports fees. “The state awards scholarship money each quarter. It made it so my parents didn’t have to pay out of pocket,” he explains.

Cole’s story is just one example of how BYU Online High School empowers students to succeed on their own terms. To learn more, visit OHS's website or explore Arizona’s ESA program.