Back-to-school time can be much different for online school students
Back to school looks a little different for online students. For Julie, a 9th grade student at the George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS), it means diving into a new year of classes, clubs, and opportunities for success.
The Beginning
Julie’s path to online education started early. She transitioned to virtual learning in second grade before eventually finding GWUOHS in her 8th grade year. Part of her decision came from watching her older brother thrive at the school.
“My brother came to GW in eighth grade and now he’s going into college,” Julie said. “So, I was able to see how he liked it, and it really worked for him. I think that’s kind of why we decided to come.”
Now entering her second year at GWUOHS, Julie has discovered an environment that supports both her academic interests and personal growth.
Academics and Clubs
GWUOHS offers a wide range of student-led clubs where learners connect over shared passions -something Julie has eagerly embraced. She especially enjoys it when clubs collaborate on creative events.
“They partner with other clubs, like a collaboration,” she said. “One day they had baking club and book club together and made Harry Potter cookies.”
So far, Julie has participated in the Baking Club and the National Junior Honor Society. This year, she plans to continue baking and explore new opportunities.
“They have a lot of options, so I have to look into that,” she added.
Technology also plays a big role in her academic success. Thanks to Microsoft Teams, staying in touch with teachers is seamless.
“They all reply within at least a couple of hours,” she noted.
From Mentee to Mentor
One of the programs Julie values most is the Peer Mentor Program, which connects new students with experienced peers to help them adjust to online school life.
Last year, Julie was a mentee.
“My mentor was really nice,” she shared. “If I ever had a question, I could always just send her a message, and she would get back to me easily. I think in some ways it’s better than asking a teacher because another student has gone through this already, so they know what they’re doing.”
This year, Julie is excited to step into the role of mentor herself.
“I’m looking forward to the mentor program because last year I was being mentored and I really liked it,” she said. “This year, I’m going to be a mentor and I’m going to do what my mentor did for me for new students.”
Her journey from mentee to mentor highlights how GWUOHS fosters leadership and builds a supportive community among students.
Tips for Online Learning Success
As a long-time online student, Julie has developed helpful strategies for staying organized and productive in a virtual environment. Here are some of her tips:
1. Stay prepared.
Make sure you have plenty of supplies—pencils, paper, notebooks, or anything else you may need. Even though learning is online, Julie reminds students that it’s important to use whatever tools help you succeed.
“I’m definitely going to buy some new notebooks,” she said. “Even though it’s online, I still have to take notes and stuff.”
2. Have a dedicated learning space.
It’s helpful to have a quiet space free from distractions. Julie shares a room with her sister, but they both have their own desks.
“I have my laptop and a big monitor,” she explained. “So, I have a pretty big space to do work.”
3. Be ready for a different style of communication
While online students still have plenty of opportunities to socialize, communication looks a little different.
“You don’t get to talk in classes,” Julie explained. “More people use the chat than talking on the microphone, so you should prepare to do that more.”
Through resources like K12 Zone—an interactive virtual campus where K12 students nationwide can connect, join activities, and participate in clubs—Julie stays engaged with peers.
“All the classes usually make group chats so that you can talk to all your classmates,” she said. “And they have the K12 Zone, so I can see everyone. They make it easy to connect with people.”
Looking Ahead
As she begins her second year at GWUOHS, Julie is eager to keep learning, join new clubs, and give back to the community as a peer mentor. Her story shows how the George Washington University Online High School offers both structure and flexibility, empowering students to succeed academically while fostering connection, leadership, and growth.
