Choosing between online and in-person learning isn’t a matter of right or wrong—it’s about finding what best supports each student’s unique needs. For some families, online education offers the flexibility and independence they’re looking for, and it can be a good fit for students looking for a more independent setting.
But at Lutheran High School, in-person learning offers students an invaluable environment to grow academically, socially, and spiritually, helping them reach their full potential.
In-person learning enables our teachers to:
- build meaningful relationships with students,
- offer students a dynamic school community,
- and opens doors for engaging extracurricular activities
These elements not only improve students' academic performance but also strengthen their personal development.
Research on Post-Covid Impacts
Recent research shows the negative impact students experienced when traditional schools moved to an online option during Covid. Here are six ways students with schools that opted for online classes were affected:
- The learning deficit students suffered is comparable to students who experienced significant disruption in their schooling due to a major natural disaster (think Hurricane Katrina).1
- Students lost the most ground in math and science compared to other subjects.1
- 87% of public schools have reported that Covid negatively impacted student socio-emotional development.2
- 84% of public schools agree or strongly agree that students’ behavioral development has had a negative impact.2
- Affected students recovered 20–30% of the lost ground in the first year but made no further recovery in the subsequent years.3
- Schools that opted for online learning during Covid have to teach 150% of a typical year’s worth of material for three years in a row to get students up to speed.3
Even our campus has felt the academic fallout from students who started with us after 2021. We are still working to catch students up who attended middle schools and moved to an online option for a year or more.
Academic Engagement and Teacher Connections
The research above underscores that in-person education is generally more effective for most students. In a classroom setting, students benefit from direct, in-the-moment engagement with teachers.
Without the structure of a physical classroom, online learning can make it easy for students to become distracted or disconnected from their studies. At LuHi, we emphasize personal interaction in the classroom, where teachers have direct eye contact and can provide real-time guidance, encouragement, and support.
Our talented, highly relational teachers are a core part of what makes LuHi unique. They interact dynamically with students, adapting lessons to meet individual needs, answering questions immediately, and keeping students engaged through interactive discussions.
Bonds are formed with students who often get lost in virtual environments. Think one-on-one, informal interactions in hallways or check-ins after class. These small but impactful moments let students know they are valued and supported, building their confidence and ownership of their learning.
Social Connections and School Community
High school is more than just what happens in the classroom. Think back to your own high school years. You probably remember navigating friendships, cheering at Friday night football games, participating in Homecoming activities, and feeling nervous about asking a date to Prom. At LuHi, we take community seriously.
Besides all the typical high school experiences, we also offer students opportunities to grow in their faith. Here are a few ways:
- Chapel services 3 times a week
- Service opportunities such as mission work locally and abroad
- Sunday evening student-led worship
- Small group bible studies and prayer groups
- Leadership and team-building activities for student leaders across athletic and club groups
There is no denying it: these experiences just wouldn’t be the same if they happened virtually.
Studies show that social interaction plays a key role in mental and emotional development, particularly during the teenage years.4 Friendships and peer connections are essential for helping students navigate the complexities of adolescence and better understand their own identities. These connections support students in becoming well-rounded individuals who can relate to and collaborate with others.
The Impact of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurriculars are another way to build community and form those vital friendships. Clubs, athletics, performing arts, and other teams also give students opportunities to pursue their interests, develop talents, and build confidence through a sense of accomplishment.
Extracurricular activities build skills that benefit students well beyond high school. Participation in these activities also strengthens college and job applications, providing evidence of commitment, teamwork, accountability, and time management.
More importantly, extracurriculars help students find their “tribe”—a group of peers with shared passions and goals. This network of support encourages students to push themselves, try new things, and discover where their true interests lie, building confidence and a sense of purpose.
A Foundation of Faith and Hope
At LuHi, in-person learning allows us to fully integrate our mission to Nurture Academic excellence and Encourage growth in Christ daily. Our chapel services, daily theology classes, and mentorship opportunities are woven into students' lives, reminding them of their faith and helping them grow spiritually. As they face the challenges of high school and the world beyond, we want them to be grounded in the knowledge that God is with them.
We want what is best for students. For students who choose LuHi to be their home for four years, we believe in-person learning best supports their growth on an academic, social, emotional, and spiritual level. At LuHi, we’ve seen firsthand how these in-person experiences equip our students with the resilience, empathy, and faith needed to navigate life confidently.
Cited work:
1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10028259/
2: https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/07_06_2022.asp
4: Wentzel, K. R., & Muenks, K. (2016). Peer relationships and classroom engagement in adolescence. In Handbook of Social Influences in School Contexts (pp. 75-92).
