A Day in the Life at an Online Christian School

As a parent, the idea of a tailored high school experience within a distinctly Christian context for your child is appealing.

Your child is self-motivated. Your child can manage time and take ownership of a schedule. Your son or daughter even has that adventurous, growth-oriented mindset perfect for the online school model.

But you might be wondering if an online Christian high school is right for you and your family.

Learn more about a typical day at The Crest Online, and discover how you can join other families currently taking charge of the high school experience.

Contact us with questions about our flexible, Christ-centered college prep program.

High School on Your Terms  

The beauty of attending online Christian schools is that you can customize their daily routines. You get to decide when and where you do your studies. 

The asynchronous class schedule accommodates all student types and family situations. You might break up your studies evenly throughout the week or have heavier academic days to free up time for other activities or responsibilities. Take classes whenever and wherever you want. 

TCO serves homeschooled families, fast-track students, missionaries, military families, and international students. Online Christian high school is perfect for athletes, artists, and young entrepreneurs with more demanding schedules.

Some students prefer an early start to classes, while others work better later in the day. Regardless of the start time, the online format allows you to build a personalized class schedule that fits your lifestyle. 

A Typical Schedule at TCO

A typical day might start with the usual morning routine (waking up, eating breakfast, and preparing for the school day). With virtual Christian schools, the schedule is entirely up to you.

In ninth grade, courses at TCO include:

Students can take as few as one course or as many as four at a time. With access to your classes 24/7, you can work at the pace and the order that works best for you.

Throughout the day, you might read assigned materials, watch an online lecture, participate in a midweek discussion thread, or complete a weekly assignment. In addition, some courses might have a larger project that spans the entire semester.

You will enjoy the flexibility to organize your schedules to accommodate personal interests, extracurricular activities, or even part-time jobs. This flexibility allows you to pursue your passions, build character, and develop skills beyond the classroom.

What to Expect in a Typical Class at TCO

English is a core subject in the ninth-grade curriculum at TCO. Expect to spend 1 to 1 1/2 hours daily in English classwork on a typical day. You also have the flexibility to work ahead if you prefer.

Students who manage their time well and look ahead are particularly successful in English and all other online classes. In English class, students should expect to read ahead to prepare for upcoming discussions.

English class goes beyond traditional textbooks. Content includes:

• Interactive classroom discussions
• Analyzation of stories and poems
• Identification of story elements in various genres

Students with initiative will thrive in Old Testament Survey as well. You’ll be encouraged to budget time wisely and map out your work Monday through Friday so you can have weekends off. Students are encouraged to keep Sundays open for worship.

In Old Testament Survey, you can expect 3-4 hours of class work each week, which could include any of the following:

• Video lectures
• Assigned reading (relevant articles and Bible passages)
• Interacting with student posts on discussion boards
• Engaging projects with spiritual and practical application

There’s no hand-holding at TCO. Our challenging high school curriculum prepares students for success in college and beyond.  Plan to review your work each week to stay on top of all assignments and communication with teachers.

While the physical presence of teachers may be absent, students in online Christian high schools benefit from regular interaction with their instructors. You can reach out for guidance, clarification, or additional support through various communication channels, including phone, email, discussion boards, or scheduled video conferences.

These virtual connections foster community and enable you to receive individualized attention and personalized feedback.

Spiritual & Character Growth at TCO

Self-motivated students thrive at the best online Christian high schools. TCO encourages students to take responsibility for their education. Self-discipline becomes crucial as you navigate your coursework independently. You will learn to manage your time effectively, set goals, and prioritize tasks. It’s a valuable skill that will prepare you well for college and a career.

At TCO, students engage in a learning environment emphasizing a biblical worldview. You will experience remarkable spiritual growth as you become part of a global community and build lifelong friendships.

The curriculum at TCO integrates foundational Christian principles into various subjects, providing a faith-based perspective on learning. It’s a learning approach modeled after Ben Lippen School.

“In the online format, like the in-person classroom, assignments will focus on analysis, synthesis, evaluation, problem-solving, and higher-level thinking skills. We will be training students to think biblically and examine what they believe in light of the Scriptures and the realities of the various disciplines, so they ‘own’ their faith in an informed and intelligent manner.”

-Dale Angstadt, Old Testament teacher at TCO

You will have the freedom to collaborate and develop a strong sense of camaraderie among your classmates. And the flexible online model allows you plenty of time to serve and engage in your own communities.

Practical Considerations for Parents

It is important for parents to be involved in the online school experience. Families searching for accredited online high schools that teach from a Christian worldview appreciate all that TCO has to offer.

Intentional Tech Use: Online students will need to take brain breaks throughout the day to avoid screen time overload. You can balance the more considerable amount of screen time with a healthy, active lifestyle. Health and Physical Education is an eight-week course at TCO where you can track activity levels.

Family Involvement: Parents can communicate scheduling concerns, sick days, and other important details with the teacher. Of course, online high school provides the flexibility to live life outside of the courses.

Independence in Learning: While TCO’s teachers are accessible and committed to supporting each student, there is less hand-holding and more opportunity for you to feel empowered and in the driver’s seat of your education. Professors find that students who have taken online classes at the high school level thrive in college and are well-equipped for the real world.

To learn more about TCO’s flexible, Christ-centered, college-prep program, please contact us at admissions@thecrestonline.org or (803) 807-4600.