Utah Online School is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, and today it continues to offer tuition-free, comprehensive and flexible childcare options for students from preschool through high school.
With the traditional 2024-25 school year beginning for most Utah children, more families are considering schools that offer more flexibility to meet their children’s needs.
From elementary school to high school and college to becoming a professional educator
Sailor Mylroie is an exceptional example of a student who excelled at Utah Online School (UOS). Sailor was one of the first students at Utah Online School when it was founded many years ago.
Sailor was comfortable with the online environment from the start. “My courses were exciting and fun for a young learner and instilled a lifelong love of learning,” Sailor said. “I was encouraged to build and practice my technology skills while connecting with other learners in my community.” Sailor maintained a friendship circle with other Utah online students while attending the many in-person activities across the state.
A smooth transition from primary to secondary school
When Sailor moved to school for grades 6-12, she was initially a little worried.
“I was nervous about leaving my elementary school teachers behind. Even before my first semester began, I again received nothing but encouragement and support as teachers, counselors, and mentors helped me define my goals and develop a plan to achieve them.”
Utah Online continued to help Sailor achieve her educational goals with more flexibility and choice.
With more than 70 courses available, Utah Online School’s offering is impressive.
“(They) offer students a huge range of courses,” Sailor said. “The entire staff works together to make sure you can learn not only the courses you need, but the courses that interest you.”
Some of the exciting course options offered by Utah Online include the following, but there are many more!
- Chinese I & 2.
- Chinese dual immersion secondary courses.
- American Sign Language.
- World religions.
- Literature, poetry, Shakespeare.
- Career orientation and exploration.
- Independent music study program in which students can earn high school credits by taking private music lessons.
- Core courses.
Flexible living for families
Sailor’s mother, Erin Mylroie, is thrilled with the progress Sailor and her other children have made despite their individual schedules.
“Enrolling my children in Utah Online School was one of the best decisions I ever made,” said Erin. “Some years we spent a lot of time traveling, (and) UOS traveled with us. Other times we spent more time at home while my children worked hard on musical instruments, sports and extracurricular activities. Online classes meant we had time in the schedule to tailor (their) education to our family’s needs.”
Sailor thrived in her learning at Utah Online School, and that passion has stayed with her even in the years since she graduated. Read on to learn how Sailor is sharing her passion with others.
Statistics speak for themselves
Sailor is not the only one with his success story at Utah Online.
- UOS now serves over 20,000 students every year.
- There are more than 200 teachers, counselors and staff.
- The total number of students served is over 120,000.
- Their course completion rate is over 90%.
- The completion rate is over 95%.
The possibilities are truly endless, as all students can spend part of their day at a neighboring school, pursue other interests, or gain work experience, depending on their needs and interests.
All Utah students are eligible for this flexible online education. In 2010, the Utah Legislature approved a statewide online education program that allows students to earn credits toward middle and high school graduation by completing publicly funded online courses.
The sailor’s story continues
Sailor’s love of learning that began at Utah Online School has blossomed into a career in education. Sailor is now a high school teacher who shares her passion with her Honor’s World Civilization students. Sailor also continues to learn and grow in her teaching career by pursuing a master’s degree in educational technology. “My goal is to share the love of learning I gained at Utah Online School with my students across the state of Utah.”
Enroll today at Utah’s leading online school, providing full-time and part-time education to K12 students for 20 years. Utah Online School is an accredited public school that is free for Utah students.
