Online High School Classes: The Experience

July 14, 2026

by Caroline Crosson Gilpin

Genette Imoudu ‘29, a Dwight Global Online School ninth grader from North Carolina, has characteristics that lead to success in an online high school environment: she is self-initiating, intellectually curious, independently motivated, happy about learning, and fully engaged in her classes, extracurriculars, and school community. 

Genette came to Dwight Global in eighth grade, after she and her siblings were homeschooled by Genette’s mother, a professional educator, during 4-7th grades. Earlier, she attended a Spanish immersion school from kindergarten through third grade. 

“I came to Dwight Global because I wanted flexibility to control my own schedule, and be able to attend school while also engaging in sports,” said Genette, who says she has always participated in athletics. “After homeschooling, my parents and I wanted a space to place all my academics for college.  My spark is taekwondo and I also enjoy competitive engineering and occasional crochet markets!” 

As the number one ranked private online school in the United States, Dwight Global Online School provides students the freedom to take classes from anywhere in the world, the freedom to pursue their passions, the freedom to chart their own course of study, and the benefit of connecting with a global community. 

At Dwight Global, classes are centered around the student. From Monday through Thursday, students have live or "synchronous" classes where students and faculty meet in real-time, in a virtual classroom.  Live classes are designated for collaborative exploration, active discussions, and hands-on projects. Students log on to learn at the same time, from all over the globe. 

Students have the scheduling flexibility to register for an early morning or an evening class. This allows students in different time zones to select their preferred time, and also allows students involved in competitive sports or performing arts to work around their training or practice times. 

In addition to live classes, students have a full complement of off-line work, including readings, writing papers, problem sets, and completing labs and projects. Synchronous seminars are recorded and can be viewed later. Students are expected to watch the lectures and complete interactive activities before they come to class.

“I start my mornings with either math or English, and finish with history or biology. I have two classes each day and no asynchronous classes,” said Genette, who spends every Friday participating in a STEM enrichment program and in club meetings. 

“When a student submits an assignment, the teacher can leave comments and suggestions, and students can set up meetings to meet for extra support, if needed,” Genette said. “We have a variety of important projects that keep us engaged, like the Camerer Essay and even a long research paper! 

Genette has taken advantage of Dwight Global’s in-person events, as well, such as orientation and STEAM weekend in NYC, and said she has made wonderful friends through clubs, classes, and collaborating during class through breakout rooms. 

“Online school has deepened my appreciation for my relationships,” said Genette, noting that one of her best friends lives in Dubai, and surprised her by attending orientation, where they roomed together. “It was an incredible feeling to see her in person after we had become friends at school!” she said.

Genette’s fond memories of her online school also include going with her classmates and some of the faculty to sing karaoke in New York City during eighth grade graduation. “It was so much fun, and a great opportunity to bond with my teachers and classmates. I still keep in contact with some of my middle school teachers as well! 

For more information about Dwight Global Online School and its curriculum, get in touch with the Admissions Team, or attend a  Virtual Open House.