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Online High School as an Alternative for Michigan Students
Michigan Cyber Academy • May 29, 2024

Finding Hope and Success: Online High School as an Alternative for At-Risk Students

Is your child struggling in traditional high school? Have they expressed a desire to drop out, or are you worried they might not make it to graduation? If so, you're not alone. Many factors can put a student at risk of dropping out, from academic challenges to social anxieties. The good news is, there's a viable alternative: online high school for Michigan students.


For some parents, the concept of online education might be unfamiliar. However, online high schools offer a structured, accredited curriculum that can be a lifeline for at-risk students. This article will explore the benefits of online high school, address potential concerns, and demonstrate how it can be a successful path to graduation for your child.



Why Online High School Can Be a Gamechanger


Flexibility and Individualized Learning: One of the biggest advantages of online high school is the flexibility it offers. Students can learn at their own pace, accommodating work schedules, extracurricular activities, or even health concerns. This allows them to focus on areas where they excel while receiving additional support in challenging subjects.


Reduced Distractions and a Safe Learning Environment: Many students face social anxieties or bullying in traditional schools. Online high school provides a safe environment away from these distractions. This can be especially beneficial for at-risk students who may feel more comfortable learning from home.


Personalized Attention and Supportive Teachers: Don't be fooled by the "online" label. Quality online high schools offer dedicated teachers who provide personalized attention and support. Many programs offer live online classes, interactive exercises, and opportunities for one-on-one communication. Additionally, some programs assign a student success coach who can help with goal setting, time management, and staying motivated.


Successful Outcomes and College Acceptance: Don't let the stigma around online education fool you. Students who graduate from accredited online high schools earn diplomas that are recognized by colleges and universities nationwide. In fact, many colleges actively recruit students from online programs because they demonstrate strong self-discipline and time management skills.


Addressing Concerns About Online High School

While online high school offers many advantages, some parents have concerns. Here's how to address some of the most common ones:


Lack of Focus and Self-Discipline: This might be a valid concern, especially for students who struggle with focus in a traditional setting. However, parents play a vital role in online learning success. Working with teachers to create a dedicated learning space, establishing a daily routine, and providing encouragement can make a big difference. Many online schools also offer time management help and other support systems for students.


Technology Requirements and Cost: While an internet connection and a computer are essential, most households have these resources readily available. However, some online high schools in Michigan, in addition to free tuition offer assistance with computers. For example, Michigan Cyber Academy offers is a free online alternative high school that offers free computers to it's students.



Is Online High School Right for My Child?

Ultimately, the decision to pursue online high school is a personal one. However, if your child is struggling in a traditional setting, online school can be a transformative experience. Here are some signs that online high school might be a good fit:


  • Your child feels overwhelmed or anxious in a traditional school setting


  • They have a busy schedule with work or extracurricular activities


  • They face social difficulties or bullying in traditional schools


  • They have a strong desire to learn but struggle with specific learning styles



Making the Transition to Online High School:

If you're considering online high school for your child, here are some steps to take:


  • Talk to Your Child: Discuss their needs and preferences. Involve them in the research process.


  • Contact the School: Most online schools offer virtual tours and information sessions. Talk to teachers and counselors to learn more about their program and support systems.


  • Prepare for Success: Create a dedicated learning space at home, establish a consistent schedule, and discuss online learning expectations with your child.


A man is sitting in front of a laptop computer.
By Michigan Cyber Academy May 29, 2024
Stuck in high school? Feeling at risk? Alternative online high schools in Michigan offer flexibility & support to get you back on track & graduate.
A teen is sitting at a table writing in a notebook.
By Michigan Cyber Academy May 29, 2024
Michigan online high school benefits for students needing a flexible alternative. Get accredited diploma, personalized learning & overcome obstacles. #MI online school
September 9, 2021
Most teens and parents agree that high school is tough. This is the case even for those who excel academically and socially. For many who struggle with peers, or have special life circumstances, school can feel impossible to handle. Frequently, teens have social conflicts, mental health issues, or have become targets of bullying. Others have physical health concerns that affect learning. Fortunately, there are alternatives to the traditional high school model. Millions of students have found online school to be a great option. Here are some of the many benefits students experience when attending high school online. Some students find it difficult to concentrate in a traditional classroom. They may not relate to the teacher’s style, or may find peers pull attention away from the topic. Sitting in a classroom most of the day can also become tedious, leading to a wandering mind. In online classes, students can study at their own pace, in their own environment. This might be at a kitchen table or a quiet bedroom, in silence or with a favorite playlist in the background. They can take breaks, and return to their work when they’re ready. A common reason families choose online learning is due to a pattern of bullying . It can be impossible to learn and excel when peers are making life miserable. And, becoming an ongoing target can cause mental health issues such as anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While schools are trying to do better with bullying, it’s easy for it to fly below the radar. Online high school takes this complication out of learning. Students can focus on the main purpose of school -- to learn. Up to half of adolescents have some type of mental health disorder. That’s according to the National Institute of Mental Health , which notes that almost a quarter of those teens suffer severe impacts from a mental health diagnosis. These mental health issues range from severe anxiety to depression or PTSD. With any of these conditions, it can be hard to cope in a social setting, let alone focus on academics. Online learning is one solution for those who find it difficult just to leave the house in the morning. Many families are concerned about exposure to Covid-19 in public settings, which remains an ongoing risk. Recents reports suggest that kids and teens are at higher risk now than in the past. Other health concerns may also put teens at risk in public settings. There’s no safer way to prevent exposure to the virus than for students to stay home. This also helps decrease mental distractions by teens and parents who may otherwise worry about day-to-day risk, needing to quarantine, or school policies around the pandemic. Some adolescents have their own children to care for, and/or may prefer to work part time to full time. It can be unrealistic for a teen or their parents to pay for daycare while they’re in school 30 to 40 hours per week. For young adults who are trying to catch up at school, or have other special life circumstances, the flexibility of a self-paced online high school can be invaluable. If you or your teen is interested in online high school, there are great options. Michigan Cyber Academy is a fully accredited high school, and students who complete the requirements will receive a diploma. It provides for self-paced learning, and you can transfer your past credits into the program. Most students ages 14 to 21 who are Michigan residents are eligible to attend. Check here to learn more about requirements, or start pre-enrollment today.
August 25, 2021
Benefits of Attending an Online High School
August 23, 2021
Michigan Cyber Academy is helping Michigan residents earn their high school diploma online during the pandemic.

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