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How Online High School Helped Hunter Earn His Diploma and Build a Future 

Stories & Spotlights
Learn how two Ohio Digital Learning School educators visited the Ohio Statehouse to meet with lawmakers, explore Ohio's legislative process and advocate for the needs of virtual students.

From setback to success, Hunter found the flexibility and support he needed at Ohio Digital Learning School to earn his diploma and pursue a career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

“I’m interested in music and gaming, so talking about that and life in general made me feel really engaged,” he said. 

Hunter’s Plans for the Future 

Now that Hunter has graduated from ODLS, he plans to begin his career as a dispatcher with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). After gaining experience in that role over the next three years, he hopes to attend the OSHP Academy and become a state trooper. 

According to Hunter, he would have never planned to pursue a career in law enforcement during his “rebellious youth.” On the other hand, he has changed quite a bit since then. 

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I think this is a great step toward making up for those mistakes,” he said. 

Go Back to School at ODLS 

There was a time when Hunter thought earning a high school diploma wasn’t in his future. That changed when he enrolled in online high school classes at Ohio Digital Learning School (ODLS). 

Thanks to ODLS’ flexible learning option and support from his instructors, Hunter made the most of his second chance at a high school education. Now, the struggles he once faced are a thing of the past, and he has a clear path toward his future. 

How Hunter Returned to High School 

Hunter began high school at a traditional brick-and-mortar school. However, he wasn’t able to stay there for long. 

“I took a lot of time to grow up, so I ended up getting kicked out of my in-person school as a freshman,” he said. 

Instead of letting that setback define him, Hunter searched for another path to earning his diploma. He found it at ODLS, where he enrolled in 2022. 

The Advantages of Flexible Learning 

One of the biggest factors that made online learning an ideal fit for Hunter was the asynchronous scheduling options it provides. 

“ODLS gave me something in-person school didn’t: the freedom to learn on my own time. That made me want to succeed even more,” he said. 

By getting started with ODLS’ flexible learning program, students are able to: 

  • Go through classes at their own pace. Students can watch recorded lessons or attend live sessions that fit their schedules. 
  • Take the same courses as their peers. All ODLS high schoolers complete the same curriculum, including Flexible Learning students. 
  • Receive personalized support. Regular check-ins with homeroom teachers help students stay on track. 
  • Balance school with life’s demands. Flexible learning makes it easier to manage work, family responsibilities, medical needs, extracurricular activities and travel. 
  • Keep getting IEP – related services. Students with IEPs take online courses guided by  special education-certified teachers and all other services included in their programs. 

The Importance of Teachers Who Care 

In addition to the benefits of flexibility, the support Hunter received from his teachers allowed him to regain confidence, mature as a person and stay on track while he worked to earn his diploma. 

He said his science teacher, Eric VonGunten, was one of his favorite instructors at ODLS. Their conversations about science, music, gaming and everyday life helped Hunter stay interested and connected in school and motivated to keep working toward graduation. 

Whether you’ve been away from school for months or years, the thought of resuming your education may be daunting. But if you’re ready to try again, ODLS can provide a self-paced class schedule, supportive teachers and a learning environment designed to fit into students’ lives. 

Learn more about ODLS’ Flexible Learning program and discover why online high school is the right choice for any routine. 

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