Not all online schools are created equal. If you’ve ever worried about whether your child will feel connected, engaged and valued in an online classroom, you’re not alone. The good news is that the best online education has progressed dramatically, and when delivered with excellence, the learning experience can be just as rich—if not richer—than traditional schooling.
Before you choose an online school, here are five key questions to consider if you are looking for an education that is both academically rigorous and deeply engaging.
1. Does the school provide live, interactive instruction with engaged teachers and classmates?
Many online schools rely heavily on pre-recorded lessons, leaving students to learn in isolation. But education is meant to be a conversation, not a solitary endeavor. At Wilson Hill, every class is taught live by master-level teachers who don’t simply lecture—they engage. Students ask questions, participate in lively discussions and interact with their peers in ways that mirror the best aspects of a traditional classroom. Real-time engagement allows teachers to assess student understanding immediately—whether through verbal explanations, chat box responses, whiteboard work or polls—helping ensure students fully grasp concepts before moving forward.
2. Do students and teachers see each other throughout the entire class?
Imagine a classroom where no one ever turns on their camera. It’s hard to build relationships when you’re just a name on a screen. That’s why Wilson Hill requires webcam participation—but not in a rigid or impersonal way. Seeing one another allows students and teachers to connect on a deeper level, read facial expressions and engage in more natural, meaningful conversations.
It’s not solely about accountability; it’s about fostering authentic human connection in an online setting.
3. Is the school using advanced technology to enhance learning?
Technology should never be a barrier to learning—the right tools should make the educational experience more interactive and engaging. An excellent online school uses modern tools that encourage participation and creativity.
At Wilson Hill, students collaborate using live video conferencing, breakout rooms, interactive whiteboards, game-based learning platforms for review and more. Science classes aren’t just about a textbook or watching someone else do a science lab—students conduct labs together, guided by the teacher—turning their homes into real-life laboratories. Learning should be hands-on, even in a virtual world!
4. Do teachers truly see and respond to students as individuals?
In a traditional classroom, a discerning teacher picks up on subtle signs—confusion on a student’s face, an unasked question or a spark of excitement about a new topic. That kind of attentiveness shouldn’t be lost in an online setting.
Wilson Hill Academy teachers are trained to be highly responsive, ensuring that students feel heard, supported and challenged in all the right ways. They don’t simply grade assignments—they build relationships with students, creating an environment where curiosity thrives.
5. Do students interact and build friendships with one another?
Education isn’t primarily the transfer of knowledge; it’s a formative process that shapes not only what students know, but also what they love and who they become—fostering a deep sense of wonder for God and His creation, a spirit of inquiry and analysis, winsome communication and the ability to collaborate and solve problems effectively.
At Wilson Hill, students engage in Socratic discussions, solve problems together on whiteboards and collaborate in breakout rooms. They don’t passively consume information; they actively contemplate, discuss and debate, sharpening one another as they pursue Truth. Through these interactions, students not only deepen their understanding but also develop meaningful friendships that often last well beyond their years at Wilson Hill.
Outside the classroom, Wilson Hill students connect in meaningful ways through organizations like the House System and Junior Classical League (JCL). The House System cultivates a strong sense of belonging and mentorship, with students participating in friendly competitions, creative challenges and leadership opportunities. Similarly, JCL brings together students with a passion for Latin and Greek, allowing them to bond over shared interests, participate in national competitions and build friendships that extend beyond academics.
Not All Online Schools Are the Same
If you’ve heard concerns about “too much screen time” or had a negative online learning experience in the past, we understand. At Wilson Hill, we believe education is about relationships, so we use technology intentionally to foster real connection between teachers and students and bring learning to life.
Are you interested in giving your children a community where they can form deep, life-giving friendships? Download your free guide to Wilson Hill to discover the lifelong benefits of being part of a like-minded community that supports your family values and prepares your child for the future.