How GWUOHS Supports Divya’s Academic Growth, Leadership, and Love of Learning 

For Divya, George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS) has been a place to grow not only as a student, but also as a leader, writer, and independent learner. A GWUOHS student since eighth grade, she describes the school’s combination of rigor, flexibility, and opportunity as a meaningful influence on her high school experience. 

Academic Momentum 

After earning a perfect score of 1520 on the PSAT, the highest score possible, Divya qualified for the National Merit recognition in her state, a result she attributes to dedicated preparation and strong study habits. At the same time, she says her broader academic and extracurricular accomplishments mean even more to her personally than test scores alone. 

That perspective comes through in the way she talks about learning. Rather than focusing only on outcomes, Divya emphasizes the habits, classes, and experiences that have helped her grow over time. 

Study Habits and Support 

One of Divya’s most important academic strategies is taking notes that not only help in the moment but also remain useful when she returns to them months or even years later. She has also found compartmentalizing her day has been especially helpful in an online environment, allowing her to separate different responsibilities and stay focused on what she is doing in each moment. 

Asking questions, attending teacher help desks, and building connections with instructors have also supported her success. At GWUOHS, she explains, teachers hold regular office hours, which students refer to as help desks, and Divya sees those sessions as an important way to stay on track and deepen understanding. 

Classes, Clubs, and Leadership 

When reflecting on the classes that have shaped her journey, Divya points to AP U.S. History as a standout experience, explaining that the course deepened both her content knowledge and her understanding of how historians interpret sources. She also credits teachers including Mr. Kelly, Ms. Cox, and Ms. Wiles for supporting her growth and helping bring passion and encouragement to her learning experience. 

Outside the classroom, clubs have played a key role in Divya’s development. She joined the GW Chronicle, GWUOHS’s school newspaper, in eighth grade, later became editor-in-chief, and has used the experience to explore journalism, mentor student writers, and help tell the stories of the school community. Her leadership also includes founding the school’s Girls Who Code club, serving as president of GWUOHS Model UN, and participating in clubs such as Debate to connect with students and teachers. 

Growing Through Online Learning 

One of Divya’s favorite parts of GWUOHS is the flexibility to work at her own pace while still learning within a clear and structured academic framework. That flexibility has allowed her to focus more intentionally on different subjects at different times while still staying on top of deadlines. 

Online learning has also pushed her to step outside her comfort zone and take on leadership opportunities early in her high school journey. At the same time, she acknowledges that staying connected in a virtual environment takes intention, and notes that students often overcome that challenge by forming relationships outside class and motivating one another to stay involved. 

A parent perspective 

From Divya’s parent’s perspective, GWUOHS has helped her grow in independence, confidence, and initiative. According to her parent, she has learned to manage her own schedule, prioritize responsibilities in and outside of school, and take ownership of her work in a highly self-directed way. 

Divya’s parent also points to her growth as a leader, including her work as editor-in-chief of the GW Chronicle, her role in revamping the website, and her efforts in starting clubs. He believes those experiences have led to opportunities beyond school, including a selective opportunity in Washington, D.C. through Freedom Forum’s Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, a five-day program that selects 51 high school juniors, one from each state and the District of Columbia. 

In her parents’ view, that growth reflects the kind of environment GWUOHS provides. Her father points to the school’s combination of structured academics, flexibility, supportive teachers, and access to meaningful opportunities as factors that have helped her flourish both in school and beyond it. 

Looking Ahead 

Outside academics, writing and journalism remain central interests for Divya. She is editor-in-chief of the Sammamish Independent, her city’s local newspaper, and has recently begun doing paid freelance writing. Her interest in languages includes French and Sanskrit, and she has recently begun helping teach Sanskrit. 

Looking ahead, Divya says she hopes to continue exploring opportunities in high school and college while figuring out the career path that fits her best. What she knows for certain, she says, is that she wants to bring together her interests in STEM, research, writing, and storytelling in whatever she does next. 

Learn More About GWUOHS  

At GWUOHS, students have the flexibility and support to grow academically while pursuing the opportunities that matter most to them. Families can learn more about the program and begin the process on the Admissions page.