Increasing Retention in Online High Schools

In the U.S., K-12 students are increasingly enrolling in full-time online learning schools, which operate in 39 states. However, research shows that many online schools struggle to retain their students. This brief profiles retention strategies from five online schools that report retention and course completion rates above 80%.

In the U.S., K-12 students are increasingly enrolling in full-time online learning schools, which operate in 39 states. However, research shows that many online schools struggle to retain their students. This brief profiles retention strategies from five online schools that report retention and course completion rates above 80 percent. The brief explores how to measure retention and course completion rates, identify and support at-risk students, and cultivate a schoolwide culture that promotes student engagement and success.

High course completion and year-to-year retention rates at profiled schools

At School A—which established its full-time, high school program in the 2017-2018 year—contacts report a 95% retention rate of full-time students from 2017-2018 to 2018-2019. Contacts report a 100% retention rate of full-time online school students from 2018-2019 to 2019-2020.

When School C first enrolled students in the 2008-2009 school year, contacts report that course completion rates hovered in the low 80th percentile (e.g., 80.1% in the 2008-2009 year). Contacts report a 92-93% course completion rate during the 2018-2019 year. No profiled school currently sets a formal success benchmark for retention rate.

Regularly check in with students to monitor progress

At School A, School B, and School E, multiple staff members (e.g., counselors, advisors, director) conduct student engagement check-ins to identify potential challenges students face and propose appropriate supports and interventions. For example, counselors at School A and the program coordinator at School B provide structured study hall sessions via videoconference for students…