Connecting with Other Students as an Online High School Student
By: Katelyn Fahrenbruck Weston
Your high school years can be integral in finding friends, hobbies, and a community that you enjoy well into the future. Many students find it easy to find sports and clubs at their high school! However, it can be more challenging for students who aren’t in a traditional high school setting to find a community. Homeschool or online school is not uncommon, but how do these students find a way to connect with their peers if they aren’t in class with them every day?
Finding community is a proven stepping stone to a more successful future. Having peers who support and encourage you will inspire you to continue your journey to succeed - whether that is with receiving a high school diploma, passing a certification exam, or accomplishing any other goal.
Finding Your Community
Wondering how you can find a community when you (or a student you care about) is taking classes through an online high school? Here’s a few quick ways to seek out a community that will support nontraditional students!
- Join clubs or organizations with a common interest
- Attend specific homeschooling or school-from-home events
- Participate in your community activities
- Join online homeschooling groups or forums
- Take classes outside of your online school
Many homeschooling or online schooling communities will have resources or connections to groups and organizations you can join, depending on your special interests. These may include peer groups that get together to improve their artwork or their music, or other things like studying history or doing a sport.
These groups may also include group trips, like field trips, to museums, historical locations, or other places. Outings like those help solidify the things you’re learning!
Spending time among your community can also benefit you in your studies. If you’re a student of a nontraditional age finding time to go back to school and earn your high school diploma, community involvement can be critical! Your community will include people of all ages and walks of life pursuing their goals, so you can too! Try volunteering, spending time in a community center, or getting involved with community theater.
Connecting with Peers who Support Your Goals
It can feel isolating to be in high school online! Your friends may be in a very different place in their lives. That’s why finding online forums, social media groups, or connecting with other students completing your online program is critical.
Reach out to the instructors or administrators of your online program. Use them as a resource to get connected with other students! Engage in discussion boards, email threads, or question sessions (if your school program has them). Use social media to find students studying from home and encourage each other to practice good study habits.
It might seem tough to find a good community as an online high school student, but remember these tips and you’ll find peers to support your dreams in no time.
