Schedule and Workload

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Schedule

Classes at the Online High School meet in real-time discussion seminars typically twice a week on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule for 60-75 minute sessions. There are no regularly scheduled classes on Fridays to allow for extra-curricular group meetings.To accommodate students from all over the world, living in various time zones, the school day at the Online High School extends from 6 am to 10:15 pm Pacific Time.

The academic year runs from September until June, and with the exception of some semester-long advanced-level courses, most OHS courses run the duration of the academic year. The master class schedule for the academic year is created every summer. Students who enroll in the school by spring have their scheduling constraints taken into consideration in the building of the schedule for the following academic year. Multiple sections of most courses are offered at a variety of times, and the vast majority of students are able to find section times that work with their other commitments. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply by the February 1 application deadline if they would like to have their scheduling constraints considered in the building of the master schedule for the following academic year.

Workload

Online High School courses are rigorous and demand a significant time commitment on the part of students.  Students in high-school courses typically spend 8-10 hours per week on each course, including time spent in discussions, viewing lectures, and completing assignments outside of formal class time. Students in middle-school courses spend 6-8 hours per week per course. Of course, some variability among students and among a single student's courses is to be expected. Due to the amount of time students spend working on assignments outside of formal class time, students who possess self-initiative, independence, and a strong ability to effectively manage time are most likely to succeed at the Online High School. Outside of formal class time, instructors are available to support students in weekly office hours and over the phone and email.

A typical full-time course of study at the Online High School typically comprises five academic courses per year. Students enrolled part-time in the Online High School and currently in another school are encouraged to seriously consider the workload of OHS courses in creating their academic programs. OHS academic counselors work with all students enrolled in the Online High School to help them craft a manageable academic program that will fulfill their individual needs and goals.