A Personalized Path to College and Beyond at GWUOHS
When families think about college preparation, they are often thinking about more than applications and deadlines. They want to know whether their student will be supported, challenged, and guided toward a future that fits who they are.
Building Early
At George Washington University Online High School, that preparation is built into the student experience over time. Lisa Bell, the school’s lead college counselor, says this is her 10th year with the school and her 14th year with K-12, and she describes a program designed to help students not only succeed during high school, but to prepare for after through study guidance, structured planning, and ongoing support.
One of the clearest examples is the school’s Journeys Symposium program, which begins in eighth grade. Journeys Symposium is a required, college and life preparatory elective that is built into the students schedule annually. Lisa explains that students who start at GWUOHS in eighth grade begin learning early about key topics such as ending middle school on a strong note, understanding GPA, considering honors classes, and building a high school portfolio. That early start gives students and families more time to understand the road ahead before high school decisions begin to carry more weight.
From there, the guidance continues year by year. In ninth grade, students focus on career planning and fit. Guided lessons and activities allow them to determine how their strengths and interests connect to various career paths, as well as how their career goals align with college majors. In tenth grade, the major theme is community service and volunteerism, while eleventh grade centers more directly on what students plan to do after high school, including four-year college, community college, gap years, and joining the military or workforce. Guidance is provide to aid students in determining which path is best for them, and how to pursue that path successfully. By twelfth grade, the process becomes even more structured, with step-by-step guidance on college applications, the Common Application, and college application essays. Finally, twelfth grade Journeys Symposium culminates in a semester long Capstone Project.
Ongoing Support
That structure is important because students do not all need the same kind of help at the same time. Lisa says that the school’s model is built to support students no matter where they are in their journey. Students receive regular instruction and have multiple chances to ask questions, adjust plans, and get help when they need it.
According to Lisa, students receive weekly instruction through the Journeys class, and the school also holds assemblies on various topics to help students think through different ideas and options. She adds that she works alongside two other college counselors, each serving different grade levels, and that students can meet one-on-one with counselors as needed. Students also meet every semester to talk about course plans for the next term, and Lisa meets with each senior in the fall to discuss future plans in more detail.
For parents, one of the most reassuring parts of Lisa’s description may be how much communication and support are built into the experience. She says advisors check in with students every week and with parents every month, creating what she describes as a very high-touch model of support. She also points to flexible, available teachers, a weekly college prep class, and counselor meetings as part of what makes students and families feel well supported in the GWUOHS environment.
That support also extends to scholarships and financial aid, which are top concerns for many families. Lisa explains that GWUOHS advises students on where to find scholarships, helps them understand how merit awards work, and reminds them that some colleges require extra steps beyond simply applying. She says this information is covered in the Journeys class, shared in newsletters, and reinforced through an updated padlet of scholarship opportunities that students can use as a resource.
Outcomes That Reflect Preparation
This year’s outcomes help show what that kind of preparation can lead to. Lisa says the Class of 2026 earned $13,647,796 in validated scholarship offers, with many awards based on merit and some tied to athletics, including several students heading to Division I schools to continue playing sports.
As with every graduating class, multiple students received acceptances to top-tier colleges and universities. Notable acceptances include: Harvard University, George Washington University, Yale University, New York University, Georgetown University, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Berkeley, Rhode Island School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, and many others.
At the same time, Lisa makes clear that success is not limited to one type of college outcome. She says that while the majority of GWUOHS students go on to four-year colleges, others choose community college, gap years, or other postsecondary plans, showing that GWUOHS supports students as they pursue the path that fits their goals.
Why Families Consider GWUOHS
Families considering online school may also have questions about rigor. Lisa says one of the most common misconceptions is that online education is less rigorous than in-person learning. In her experience, students often find the program more rigorous than they expected, and she says graduates have shared that they felt well prepared for college classes.
Parents may also wonder about community and social connection in an online setting. Lisa says GWUOHS has more than 40 clubs, offers in-person meetups when possible, and has a very active school community. She adds that the program can be a strong fit for students who want a rigorous education with flexibility to pursue other interests, as well as for students who come to online school for health reasons, social reasons, or other personal circumstances.
When asked what makes her most proud of the Class of 2026, Lisa points not only to outcomes, but to growth. She talks about seeing students work through essays, recommendation letters, applications, and capstone projects, then watching them present what they created by the end of the year. She also says the vast majority of students and families who come to the school are successful, have positive experiences, and leave feeling prepared for life after high school.
Learn More About GWUOHS
For families interested in learning more about GWUOHS, the school offers a combination of structure, flexibility, and ongoing support for students and families as they plan for success during high school and beyond. Additional information about admissions and next steps is available here.
