Choosing an International Online High School
What is an international online high school? What should a family consider when selecting such a school?
While there are many types of online schools, an international online high school is especially suited for students worldwide who seek a high quality education and yet are limited by geography or other restrictions, including the financial aspects of moving from one country to another.
Enrolling in an American-run online school, particularly a highly respected, accredited one like Dwight Global Online School, part of the Dwight network of schools worldwide, gives international students a unique education that positions them for a successful future.
Why choose an international online high school?
A top international online high school expands a student’s global view and provides exposure to a diverse, intercultural group of faculty and classmates.
An international online high school also offers an outstanding way for students to improve English language skills, and it prepares the groundwork for future undergraduate or graduate study at colleges and universities in the United States.
A top online high school also offers flexibility for students pursuing pre-professional performing arts or athletic careers, and allows those students to train, compete, travel, and perform while simultaneously receiving a high school diploma.
Importantly, students attending a highly respected international online high school earn academic achievements that are recognized around the world, including by world-renowned international universities. Dwight School is a pioneer in the International Baccalaureate curriculum offered at its five campuses worldwide, and the IB Diploma program is now possible online for students in Grades 11 and 12 through Dwight Global Online School.
How to Choose the Right School
When searching for the right international online high school, look for the following:
- accreditation
- a strong school community
- a global view
- college preparatory curriculum offerings, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate
- a wide array of clubs and extracurricular activities
- experienced college counseling
- integrated residential and in-person opportunities
- live class experiences
- responsive and experienced expert online teachers
The best online schools make it a priority to create a strong sense of community – no matter the distance between students. Dwight Global students take part in the school’s long-standing traditions, and they form meaningful, life-long friendships. Parents of Dwight Global students also have their own community. They build relationships with fellow parents as they support their children’s education.
Families searching for an international online high school should also take the reputation of a program into consideration. Dwight Global is accredited by the Council of International Schools, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Cognia, and the Athlete-Friendly Education Center. In 2021, the school was ranked by Newsweek as the #2 online high school in the United States. The school’s founding father and namesake, Timothy Dwight V, was once the president of Yale University, and the school’s rich legacy dates to 1872. Since its founding, the New York-based institution has been preparing students for admission to prestigious colleges and universities.
Setting itself apart from other online programs, Dwight Global students also have the opportunity to meet in-person, as there are five Dwight campuses worldwide: London, Shanghai, Dubai, Seoul, and New York City.
Students often gather in-person for the following:
- Orientation at the NYC main campus
- STEAM conferences
- Theater productions
- Prom
- Graduation and reunions
When considering an international online high school, compare school websites to get an idea of what each offers, and then reach out to the school’s leadership or admissions team to learn more.
Click here to find out more about what makes Dwight Global Online School special.