Stanford Online High School
- REDWOOD CITY, CA
Online School
Stanford Online High School Reviews
Rating 4.66 out of 5 149 reviews
All Categories
Academics are good but social interaction is lacking. Our daughter made some friends this year. Grading is strict, families seek help with outside tutors. Overall B+.
While, overall, I felt challenged by the academics of Stanford Online High School, I feel that it was lacking in some regards. Because of it's online nature, it's difficult to have a social life. Though the school tries to combat this with online meetings and the occasional in-person meetup, it is simply not the same. I appreciated the English and Philosophy classes more than any others. While I was significantly ahead in English to begin with, I was always challenged to be better and better. However, the STEM courses were hit-and-miss. Some were amazing, but others were simply terrible.
My son attended for all four years of High School. I would say he is more than prepared for college. The core required courses are reason enough to attend the school. The teachers are excellent and the courses are rigorous. This is not for casual students. Fall behind and you may never catch up. The area where the school is lacking in college counseling. But most schools do an average job in this area. Kids get into the ivies but if that is your goal you could go to an easier school and have a higher probability of being at the top of your class. Any kid here would be at the top of their class else where. For the movivated intelectual student I don't know of a better place .
Instructors are passionate and content is wonderful. I feel like I could be myself in excellent classes, and peers are a great support. I highly recommend attending the school for the said purpose above.
However, I have a few complaints:
1. One of the counselors is absolutely terrible. My friend told me he said "I'm sorry you feel that way" when they talked about a personal experience. He did not empathize with them, and they expressed their dislike for him not empathizing for them, leading to the said comment. Seriously, counseling is needed for students to feel like they are being understood. I strongly do not recommend counseling.
2. A friend of mine got sexually harassed at a in-person event. The harasser is still getting an education.
3. Another friend got hurtful comments from a student. Counseling did not help my friend, instead trying to put them in a mental hospital. The school does not look after students (sexual/mental).
Other than that, I highly recommend attending.
However, I have a few complaints:
1. One of the counselors is absolutely terrible. My friend told me he said "I'm sorry you feel that way" when they talked about a personal experience. He did not empathize with them, and they expressed their dislike for him not empathizing for them, leading to the said comment. Seriously, counseling is needed for students to feel like they are being understood. I strongly do not recommend counseling.
2. A friend of mine got sexually harassed at a in-person event. The harasser is still getting an education.
3. Another friend got hurtful comments from a student. Counseling did not help my friend, instead trying to put them in a mental hospital. The school does not look after students (sexual/mental).
Other than that, I highly recommend attending.
I love Stanford OHS, from its academics, its faculty, to its wonderful community. It's an amazing school for those who love learning and love being challenged. Besides its rigorous courses and workload though, there are so many opportunities to reach out and meet new people. Despite it being an 'online' school, I've met my best friends at OHS, people who I've formed long term connections with and plan to stay in touch with throughout life.
I am a full time student at OHS and the one thing I think is the most impressive thing @ my school are my fellow students. The teachers are amazing but I get really motivated when I talk to my OHS friends. Everyone who gets in and, most importantly stays in, especially those who do full time, are smart. But it’s more than that - they are interesting! Everyone has a passion for something. Also, b/c everyone is so different, they are not easily intimidated by others success which breeds an atmosphere where they help each other. Some of the best feedback I get on my papers is from my friends who will proof drafts & offer suggestions. The only thing that is frustrating is there is NO grade inflation!! At some other top HS, I hear no one can get a C or D. (Saw friend’s school profile & only 1 C in the class is normal) At OHS, you work for every point. Hear it helps in college but it’s hard now when we are applying out to college!
Getting good grades at this school is hard. Though my daughter was ok, many can not achieve their college dreams because of the unfair and harsh grading policies of this school. Even if your daughter is the smartest and like us you are attracted to the brand name, watch out. Grades are very important to college admission and there is a risk. Also, this school is appropriate if you are extremely left wing.
Fantastic school and we couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Our child enrolled full time in their middle school program and we can only say great things about it. Teachers are caring, inspiring, and outstanding, most holding higher degrees in their fields. Program is challenging, but classes well organized and fun. Our child enjoys them all, is thriving, and has learned more this year than ever before. We picked this school in search of a better STEM program, but were impressed by their program in humanities as well (for example, they offer philosophy in middle school). Extracurriculars are great too and there are many clubs, activities, and opportunities to connect with other students from around the world.
There is no doubt that our child will get the best possible education here. (I work in a higher education, at one of the top universities, and have a good perspective on pre-college education).
There is no doubt that our child will get the best possible education here. (I work in a higher education, at one of the top universities, and have a good perspective on pre-college education).
This school is not for the faint of heart. Kids have to really work hard and push themselves if they want to do well here. My kid loves it here, some don't do too well but still try to stick it out because of the Stanford name, my advice is it's not worth the gpa drop as colleges look at grades. If your kid is real go-getter, this is the place for them.
Stanford OHS has been a lovely experience for me. I've met great friends and classmates who inspire me to push myself to the next level. The teachers are experts in their fields, and they're always willing to do whatever it takes to help you learn. However, the reason why I included 4 stars out of 5 is that I feel that because the academics are so rigorous, a lot of student's mental health has suffered because of this (myself included). There are also certain classes that are known because of the fact that it is nearly impossible to make an A in. This is quite frustrating since grades for certain colleges are so important. If I could tell the heads of OHS anything, it would be to please please please try and understand that your student are actual people. I've enjoyed my experience there, nonetheless, and I wouldn't trade attending this school for the world. :)
As a parent, I've observed an academic workload that is as intense as anything seen in Ivy League undergraduate or graduate coursework. The obligation to keep on top of schoolwork is not for the faint-hearted because once you're behind, you're going to scramble to keep your head above water. The school is ideal for the scholastically gifted who have good discipline. I really don't think you can get a better education. Many schools are excellent, but as far as academics is concerned, SOHS won't disappoint. I do wish the kids were encouraged more strongly, or mandated, to turn on their cameras during class to discourage multi-tasking on something else. The video conferencing technology is somewhat less attractive compared to Zoom, but maybe that will be upgraded soon. The parent community is supportive, from all sorts of interesting backgrounds. Passive procrastinators like the student I was would drown in the first month.
Stanford Online High School is a excellent school! My friends study there and always talk how they love the school.
Fantastic - more than meets expectations . It's for the highly gifted students. We joined part time and now are full time and will graduate from OHS. There is an active parent body, lots of clubs to choose from, lots of opportunities to socialize, curriculum is among the most challenging I have ever seen. Kids are happy and workload is manageable. Kids will find a walk in the park after this.
It’s an amazing school for our kids. Teachers teach kids not for grades but for knowledge. Our kids get to learn so much that it’s really hard for any school to provide such vast knowledge. Teachers are available during office hours and administrative staff is very quick and responds precisely.
We would rate it a perfect school for learning the subjects and getting the knowledge.
We would rate it a perfect school for learning the subjects and getting the knowledge.
OHS is truly a unique and incredible school. The culture sets it apart from other high schools--every student loves to learn, just for the joy of it. They are all academically curious, passionate, and dedicated. It is an environment where everyone lifts each other up and supports each other. The diversity and internationality bring wonderful perspectives and the ability to connect with and learn from people of all different backgrounds and perspectives. The academics are amazing, not only in terms of the level of rigor and preparedness (which is quite amazing), but the teachers' passion and the uniqueness of the courses is unparalleled. The classes here and my experiences with my professors have changed who I am as a person and who I want to be in the world. OHS has "taught me how to think" and opened doors I didn't even know where there. I am so very grateful for this amazing school, and endorse it 100%, in every possible way.
Go Pixels!!
Go Pixels!!
This school is a learning machine, no one cares about anyone else. Terrible community. Clubs are numerous but bad in quality, sports teams are nonexistent. No opportunity to try anything new. Everything is based on tests. 2 midterm, 2 finals, and diagnostic tests every year. If you don't get C or above, you fail. Average and medical grade are B-. Just incredible, incredibly horrifyingly bad.
Overpriced. i did not like the experience that the school offered. The books are out dated and not cool for my kids
It's been a wonderful experience, everything I wanted for my kids' education and the focus on their individual strengths make me so happy to see them grow and develop as I would want for them. Big difference from our public school experiences. They focus on writing and grammar in addition to core subjects that was the my dream come true as public really shifted away from that. Thankful for the love they show in their teaching.
The Stanford Online High School has been great for both of our kids (one all four years of HS full time, the other 8th grade + all four years of HS full time)! The environment is friendly for students. So they get interest in learning new things. The academics are second to none, and the ability to log into classes from anywhere in the world has been a huge help (they are both competitive athletes who travel a lot). Most of the instructors have masters or doctorates in their teaching field.
Incredible teachers that are invested in the students intellectual development. CORE curriculum is just one of the unique features of the school.