A group of teachers decided to bring in eight new online classes in the spring of 2026, due to more students wanting it as an option. Their main goal is to advance students’ education and reduce the stress of fulfilling credit requirements, clearly responding to student needs.
As technology advances and offers new opportunities worldwide, online learning has become a major development, especially since the pandemic. Recently, the demand for online learning at Stillwater Area High School has increased, prompting the discussion of whether to add more online classes. Social studies teacher Michael Weiss highlights the need to adapt education to these changes in society.
“It’s important to bring in more online classes as society has changed, and it gives us another opportunity to make connections with students,” Weiss said.
As more students become more interested in online learning, a group of teachers, including English teacher Rachel Steil and administration, came to the decision to bring in eight new online classes in the spring of 2026.
Steil thought it was important to bring in more online classes. “Last year we had over 400 students register for online classes outside of our school, doubling the second semester. Making us lose $750,000, not including PSEO,” Steil said.
When students take online classes elsewhere, the district loses funding. This raises an important question: Are more online classes being added mainly to benefit student education or to recover lost revenue? As the school considers this change, it faces both potential benefits and valid concerns from students like sophomore Audrey Banna.
“Having questions and not being able to ask the teacher, not being sure about an assignment, or not finishing something by the due date,” Banna said.
While Banna and other students have concerns about online classes, they can be beneficial. Most people who are currently taking online classes like what it can offer, like sophomore Sienna Cruz.
“I like the flexibility that it gives. It allows me to learn at my own pace,” Cruz said.
Not having the ability to have the same connections and being able to ask teachers questions face to face, Weiss has a solution for that, and how SAHS will make online learning better.
“Giving students an opportunity to not only have the flexibility of online scheduling, but also allow them to have that touch point with an actual teacher at the school,” Weiss said.
Students can be stressed out due to being worried about not being able to fit in all the credits to graduate, while still wanting to take classes that interest them or that will help them in the future. It is important not to stress out students because it can easily lead to mental problems like anxiety, depression, sleeping disorders or just giving up on school altogether. Not only is this bad for students, but it is bad for the community. As students are still young adults, we want them to feel like they can accomplish things in this world while still having options to do what they like. Offering more online classes will be a change for the district, and some people may like it. It is important for schools to change with society, because it will help keep students engaged and more willing to learn.
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