Is it worth applying to Stanford University Online High School?

I've been looking into different high school options and came across Stanford University Online High School. For anyone who’s attended, is it a worthwhile experience? How does it compare to attending a traditional high school?

Stanford Online High School (OHS) can indeed be a worthwhile experience for many students, though it must suit your individual style of learning and academic goals.

Primarily, it offers an academically rigorous curriculum and gives students a chance to interact with similarly intellectually curious peers from around the world. The adjustable pace and flexible schedule could be a great fit if you're pursuing extensive extracurricular activities needing more flexible learning hours.

The school is unique because it gives exposure to a college-like environment in terms of learning style and rigor. Instructors at Stanford OHS often teach college-level material, which can prepare you for undergraduate studies at high-ranking universities if that is your goal.

There are also opportunities for advanced study, including an extensive list of AP classes and unique electives that may not be available in traditional high schools. Access to Stanford resources, like the university library system, is another plus.

However, there are some potential downsides. First and foremost, because all classes are online, the experience can be isolating for some students. You won't have the same day-to-day contact with peers as you would in a traditional high school, which can make forming close friendships more difficult. Also, there aren't the traditional high school experiences like prom and homecoming.

In terms of college admissions, attending Stanford OHS won't give you a direct leg up for Stanford University, or any other university for that matter - that's a common misconception. Universities will still primarily base your admission on your academic performance (GPA), test scores if applicable, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular involvement, etc., not the name of your high school.

Finally, Stanford OHS is quite expensive compared to public schools, with tuition running into tens of thousands of dollars per year. Be sure to consider whether this financial commitment makes sense for your family.

In summary, whether Stanford OHS is the right choice for you depends on your learning style, academic goals, future aspirations, and of course, financial situation. It's best to conduct thorough research and discuss it with your parents or caregivers before making a decision.