5 Tips to Succeed in Online High School as an Adult
Written By: Megan Bowen
Updated November 2024
Completing your high school education is a great achievement at any age. Yet there are many individuals who have yet to earn this educational milestone. Studies show the graduation rate for public high school students during the 2021-2022 school year ranged from 76% to 91%, depending on the state.
The good news is a high school education isn’t just for teenagers or those taking the traditional path. Online high school programs offer an alternative path to high school education, at any age.
As an adult learner, you are likely already juggling a full schedule with work and family priorities, as well as managing finances, dealing with health issues, keeping up with your home, and trying to find time for yourself. It may feel overwhelming to consider adding another priority to your list, but you’re actually in a great position with life skills that will help you achieve your goal of a high school education.
With an online high school, you have greater flexibility to fit your studies into your life. But as with most things in life, there are certain tips and tricks that will make the process much easier. For adult learners on a quest to earn their high school diploma, these five tips and tricks can make a big difference.
- Embrace your "why”
- Get organized and hold yourself accountable
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Create a study space
- Create a designated study area within your home. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate office set up. It can be as a table, chair, and lamp in an area where you can keep your study materials and find peace and quiet in your studies.
- Identify alternative study spaces. Sometimes you need another study space option when you’re on the go. For example, you may need to study in your car during a break from work or during a child’s practice time. Or, you may find studying at the park on a nice day to be a great location. Be prepared by packing an extra bag with study essentials.
- Eliminate distractions. Try to remove as many distractions as possible during your study times. Put your phone on silent, turn off the TV, and let others in the home know that you’re studying.
- Personalize your space. Regardless of where you choose to study, make that space your own. Bring your favorite pens, a fun notebook, and other study aids. You also may personalize your space with a comfortable chair or blanket, photos or other decorations, and even music to help you focus.
- Leverage your life skills and experience
Why do you want to get your high school diploma? Did you make a promise to yourself or a loved one that you would one day achieve this goal? Are you exploring a new career that requires a high school education? Are you hoping to improve your career mobility with your existing employer? Could a high school diploma improve your financial situation?
Your “why” is unique to you. It reflects your personal goals and has driven you to take the next step in making those goals a reality. Let your “why” fuel you in your studies. Keep it visible as a reminder of why you started down this path in the first place. Write it in bold letters on a sticky note and place it at your desk, on your computer monitor or laptop, or on your bathroom mirror. When you feel tired or overwhelmed, take a moment to remember your “why” and let it fill you with renewed energy.
Excitement may fade, but your “why” will not. You’ve got this!
An online high school gives you greater flexibility to fit your studies into your life, but you still need to take an active role in your own success.
Review your course outline and make a plan to work through your assignments and prepare for tests. You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Break up the learning materials into manageable chunks.
Schedule time into your week to study and complete your assignments or tests. Use a physical or digital planner or calendar to schedule study appointments for yourself. Set reminders and hold yourself accountable to those times.
Use this time to prioritize yourself and your growth. And don’t forget to celebrate the smaller wins, like completing an assignment or earning a good grade on a test. Don't wait to celebrate yourself and your commitment to the program. Remember your “why” … now hold yourself accountable to that goal with self-discipline.
We all need help sometimes. During your online high school journey, you may find that you need additional support in your studies. Whether you are unsure about an assignment, need further clarification on a topic in your coursework or something else, there is a community of people to support you. From online instructors to student services and fellow students, you are never alone.
Studies show that a strong support network has the potential to boost academic performance, create a sense of community, and support mental health. Additionally, researchers found that
“There is a positive correlation between students’ academic motivation and the support they receive from their parents, teachers, and friends. The sense of social support received from teacher-student and family relationships compensates for students’ daily low moods and thus positively affects their internal motivation to learn.”
Seek out the communication channels available through your chosen institution. For example, you may be able to reach out via phone, email, or online chat or forum. In whichever method you choose, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek support.
Your support network should consist not only of your instructors and online peers, but the people in your daily life who want to see you succeed. Share your goals, your successes, and even your struggles in online learning with those who will support you and cheer you on.
Believe it or not, where you study makes a difference. Creating a study space or multiple study spaces is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. What works for one person may not work for another. Keep that in mind as we share some study space ideas.
By creating a study space (or spaces) that reflect who you are and where you need to be in that moment, you’ll set yourself up for success. Each study space is a reflection of your commitment to your education. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. But it’s a great way to create space in your life for your studies.
You are the sum of your experiences. Each success and failure have taught you valuable life lessons that you use today, whether you realize it or not. From scheduling your time so you’re not late to an appointment or miss an important event, to preparing shopping lists or caring for a pet or child, you have developed a system to keep your life running as smoothly as possible.
You can transfer many of those skills to your online high school program. They can help you schedule your studies into your week, ensure you meet your deadlines, and help you reach your goal.
You're One Step Away From Starting Your Online High School Journey
Change is scary, but it’s also necessary for growth. Think about what you would say to a friend or family member who told you they wanted to get their high school diploma but were scared to take that first step. You’d likely encourage them to go for it, right? So why not take that same advice for yourself?
Your goal of a high school education is within reach. You have what it takes to be successful. You just have to take that first step to get more information and enroll in an online high school diploma program.
