5 Tips for Success in Online High School

Whether you’re just starting out in online high school or are in the middle of your studies, it’s important to create good habits to help you succeed at achieving your goalsy. Check out these five simple tips from James Madison High School to help you do well academically.

Create a schedule for online studying

Online high schools and traditional high schools differ in many ways, but one of the most notable is that James Madison High School affords you the ability to study on your own time, whenever is best for you. While that offers much -needed flexibility if you have other responsibilities in your life such as work or family commitments, it can be a little stressful if you aren’t disciplined. The best way to make sure you stay on track and make the most of your time is by creating a schedule. Reserving a set time and specific hours to dedicate to your schoolwork will ensure the work gets done and you don’t fall behind. It will eliminate the need for cramming last minute, which isn’t productive or the best way to learn material. Having a set schedule can also help you mentally prepare for learning. Studying at the same time regularly can train your brain to expect that this is a regular habit, almost like organizing your mind.

Make a study space

Another way to keep yourself organized is by preparing a study space. We all have a lot going on in our lives and it’s easy for clutter to build up. If you set aside one specific space for your studying, you’re less likely to misplace important things or get distracted. It also helps you focus by making your brain associate that area with schoolwork and studying. This study space can act as a signal to help let others in your household know that you’re busy with school, so you shouldn’t be disturbed. It doesn’t need to be a large or fancy area, either. Just a distraction-free space that can be all your own.

Get ready for class

Once you’ve determined when and where to study, it’s time to prepare for class. Since classes are online, you’ll want to make sure you have all the right equipment needed, including a reliable internet connection. You’ll find digital textbooks upon enrollment, but if you prefer to have a printed textbook, they are available for some courses. It’s also a good idea to keep pens or pencils and notebooks around. Though your coursework is online, including quizzes, taking notes can help you later on when reviewing what you learned.

Another great way to help get ready is by silencing phones, putting tablets you’re not using for class away, turning off TVs, and limiting other distractions. Eat a healthy snack to give your body and brain energy, and make sure you’re well rested so you can put in your best effort.

Be an active participant in your learning

A key part of learning is actively participating in your education. It’s necessary to pay attention to coursework, lectures, and reading, but you also should take it a step further. Don’t just listen to lectures, take notes. Don’t rely on watching a video or reading a text one time. Watch and read them multiple times to be sure you got all the information. Create quizzes for yourself and take the initiative to look further into different ideas or subjects you’re learning about through resources like JMHS’s online Learning Resource Center.

Study in groups

Another great way to take a more active approach with your education is by engaging with students in the Student Community. You’ll meet your peers, get to know them, and have the opportunity to work together through studying and encouraging one another. You’ll be able to form study groups which can help you stay on track, stick with your schedule, and help you out with subjects you might find difficult. You can give back, too, by helping others with subjects you find easier. Not only does a group make studying more fun, it has other benefits, like helping you retain information.

Set yourself up for success with James Madison

Give yourself the tools to succeed with JMHS. Our affordable payments plans and credit recovery help make sure a high school diploma is a possibility for all learners. Call our Admissions Team at to learn more or enroll online to get started today.