Starting something new can be overwhelming. Before you decide whether online school is right for you, we encourage you to read more about what to expect and what not to expect out of your IU High School experience.
What to expect as an IU High School student
Taking responsibility
As an IU High School student, you will be responsible for scheduling your own time rather than following a bell schedule, like you would at a traditional high school. You'll be responsible for staying caught up with assignments and staying on-track to complete each course within its time limit.
If you don't understand something, you'll need to reach out to your teacher and ask for an explanation or a phone call or Zoom meeting to discuss your questions.
Developing this responsibility can be hard work, but it is also great preparation for college or your career.
All students are encouraged to self-enroll in our free Prep for Success course. This is an excellent introduction to the learning system in use at IU High School and provides numerous tips and helpful strategies.
Planning your school year
Courses correspond with one semester length courses in a brick and mortar school. If you are taking a year long course (say, Algebra II or English 9), you will take two separate courses at IUHS (Algebra II semester 1 and Algebra II semester 2). Students must take at least six weeks to complete an IUHS course. A course must be completed within 6 months of registering for the course. Because you can register for a course at any time, you may want to only take three courses at a time, get them done, and then register for three more, for example.
Common misconceptions about online high school
There are a few common misconceptions students and parents often have as students begin taking online courses. Every student's experience with online courses is different, but the information below will help you know what to really expect as you begin.
It depends on what you mean by easier. Some students find learning online more challenging than attending a brick and mortar school because they have to schedule their own time rather than following a bell schedule. Students are responsible for staying caught up with their work. Students have to ask questions if they don't understand something. However, some students find the flexibility really important to meeting their needs given health, activities, or other considerations.
Courses correspond with one semester length course in a brick and mortar school. If you are taking a year long course (say, Algebra II or English 9), you will take two separate courses at IUHS (Algebra II semester 1 and Algebra II semester 2).
Students must take at least six weeks to complete an IUHS course. A course must be completed within 6 months of registering for the course.
Because you can register for a course at any time, you may want to only take three courses at a time, get them done, and then register for three more, for example.
IUHS teachers are actual humans who hold valid teaching licenses with the state of Indiana (some teachers have licenses from more than one state).
Your assignments and exams will be reviewed by your teachers and they will give you feedback to let you know what you are doing well and where you can improve. This is why you won't get your work returned immediately after you submit it. It may take a few days depending on how many other students are in that course and the teacher's schedule.
Your teachers are also available to answer questions by email, phone, and Zoom videoconference.
While this may technically be possible, it is highly recommended that IUHS students use a laptop or desktop computer for most of their coursework. You may also consider using a desktop computer at your local public library.
The Canvas app for iOS and Android can be a helpful tool for looking up assignment details and grades or sending and receiving messages, but the Canvas mobile app will not allow you to complete all of the tasks your course requires.
IU High School is an accredited school and its diploma program is recognized by the NCAA. Our graduates do many things after graduation, including attending top colleges including Columbia, Harvard, and Indiana University.