For African-American high school seniors growing up in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, attending prom wasn't an option. At the time, civil rights issues were front and center and marches for desegregation and equal opportunities were happening often. In fact, a youth run protest against segregation that May is what many students believe to be the defining act that caused prom to be cancelled. Now, 50 years later, those students finally got their dance.

Getting their hair done, picking out a new outfit, and dancing to The Temptations and Etta James with the one they love finally became a reality for those senior students - who are now senior citizens. "It's really a much more pleasant event because we can afford the attire, we have no problem getting back and forth," former student Eugene Arms said. "It makes you appreciate everything when we were children. The sacrifices people made."

Although James Madison High School doesn't have a school organized prom, remember there is nothing to stop you from dressing up, grabbing your friends and loved ones and dancing the night away. Memories can be made wherever and however you want.

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While the television show Glee has often depicted controversial topics that high school students may deal with. From eating disorders to bullying, the issues that affect the students on the show aren't just felt by those in brick and mortar high schools. In fact, even students enrolled in online high school, like James Madison High School, can relate to the topics explored on the show. With that in mind, everyone, no matter what age or walk of life, could comprehend.

Last week's episode dealt with school shootings and although the episode didn't show any violence, it did remind viewers of a very real fear that is out there. Between Columbine, Virginia Tech and, most recently, Newtown, the reminder of guns in schools is present everywhere. Because of the recent events in Newtown, some people feel this episode was done in bad taste and not enough time has passed for it to be appropriate.

What do you think about this episode? Good conversation starter or too soon?

Many people feel pressure to look their best at all times, and for those at a Texas high school, this is no exception. Last Friday, a group of seniors undertook an initiative they called "Operation Beautiful" in an attempt to get female students to go makeup free for 24 hours. The senior high school, which boasts 2,500 students in just 11th and 12th grades, esitmates girls spend an hour and fifteen minutes primping in the morning.

Students are hoping that this program won't just save students time, but it'll teach them a lesson in self acceptance as well. “I think there’s pressure for girls to look a certain way, to meet a standard. The standard is being pushed through media and magazines and everything,” said senior Madeline Milby. “I’m really hoping it’ll make the girls at school feel more comfortable and see that they’re beautiful without makeup and they don’t need to use makeup to cover up themselves.”

Although those attending an accredited online high school, like James Madison High School, don't see their peers face to face and therefore may not feel those pressures during school hours, the thoughts about makeup and looking your best are universal.

What do you think about this program? Do you also feel pressure to always look your best?

How much money you make per paycheck is directly proportionate to how much education you have. It's been proven that the more education you have completed, the more money you're set to earn in your lifetime. If furthering your education, fulfilling a goal or making someone proud isn't a draw for you to complete your high school diploma program, perhaps the thought of earning more money is.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau Occupational Outlook Quarterly, those who have completed some high school but haven't earned their degree make an average of $1 million in their lifetime. Those who have earned their diploma make an estimated $1.2 million over time. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, someone without a US High School Diploma can make an average of $471 per week while someone who has earned an accredited high school diploma, like the one you can earn at James Madison High School, can earn an average of $652 per week. 

Does money play a factor in you deciding to continue your education?

To learn more about our high school program visit our JMHS site

Earning that high school diploma is an important stepping stone for anyone looking to get into their dream college or start that great career.  Even so, attending a traditional brick and mortar school isn’t for everyone and for those looking to enroll in high school online, it can seem confusing.  With so many reports floating around the internet about online high schools, it can make you question whether or not it’s the right choice for you. 

While it’s important to do your research and find out the truth about starting high school online, there are many conflicting reports out there.  After digging up some of the most prominent questions people have about online high school, it’s time to deliver the truth.  Here are some of the myths, and facts, about online high school.  

Myth 1:Colleges/Jobs won’t accept online high school diplomas

As long as the diploma comes from an accredited online high school, colleges and employers will look at your diploma the same as if it has come from a traditional brick and mortar school.  Accreditation simply means that the school has to pass a certain set of requirements that ensure the student is getting a quality education, no matter whether they attend their courses in person or on the computer.

Myth 2: I won’t be able to make friends attending high school online

While it’s true you won’t see your friends every day like you would in a classroom, going to online high school doesn’t mean you won’t make friends.  While each school is different, James Madison High School has a vibrant online community where you can start study groups, ask questions, form friendships, and start discussions.  In fact, some students have used this community to find other students in their area and meet in person thereby taking their online education and bringing it to a personal connection.

Myth 3: Online high school is expensive

In all actuality, online high school costs less than most brick and mortar private schools.  Students at James Madison High School can pay as little as $45 per month. By allowing monthly payments, most parents find enrolling their child in high school online costs less than if they were to pay for a brick and mortar private school.

Myth 4: Students in online high schools do less work than in traditional high school

As mentioned earlier in this blog, an accredited online high school has to meet the same requirements as a traditional brick and mortar school.  This means the same standards are applied and the same lessons are taught. Going to high school online doesn’t mean doing less work or easier work, but it does mean having the ability to do the work on your terms.

Myth 5: Online high school is just for teenagers

Attending high school online is a great way for anyone, of any background, to work towards that diploma. No matter what age, life story, or outside obligations you have, going to high school online gives you the freedom to work towards your goal.  In fact, many people with jobs and kids who choose to go back to school enjoy the flexibility of online high school because they can work it in around their busy schedules.

"Ashworth has been the best choice I have made in a long time. I started here to get my diploma for high school, and 1 month later I lost my dad..."

Finish reading her story here: http://community.ashworthcollege.edu/community/student-life/ashworth-college-reviews/blog/2012/09/06/james-madison-high-school-has-been-the-best-choice--ashworth-college-reviews

As a high school graduate, you have so many more opportunities for college or career possibilities.  You have worked hard to obtain your diploma and now all you need is that small piece of paper.  But for one Oklahoma teen, getting that diploma proved harder than she thought.  Kaitlin Nootbaar was involved in extra curricular activities and always excelled in academics.  She became class valedictorian and at her graduation, gave a commencement speech that left an impression on the students and the staff.

The problem was, that because her speech contained the "H" word, the school officials decided to withhold Kaitlin's diploma until she apologized.  Kaitlin said, in her speech, something about what she and her fellow graduates would be when they grew up.  "Who the hell knows," was the offensive phrase she uttered that caused her to get in trouble. 

Kaitlin refuses to issue an apology despite the fact that the school requested one.  As a student in online high school, what do you think should be done?  Do you think her word was offensive?

When you're an online high school student you can study where and when you want, but for students in a traditional brick and mortar school, attendance is something to be concerned with.  For one honor student, attendance didn't just cost her a grade or an award, but it landed her a night in jail.  17-year-old Diane Tran got in trouble with the Texas school board for having 10 unexcused absences in a six month period.  The judge sentenced the teen to spend one night in jail. 

Although many people agree that this punishment would be fair had Diane been getting into trouble when she missed school, the truth is Diane was doing something much more productive.  After her parents divorced, Diane's mother moved out of her state and her father began working very long hours.  This situation made Diane responsible for supporting her older brother and younger sister.  After going to school from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m., Diane worked full time at a dry cleaners and helped plan weddings on the weekend. 

In a show of support, those around town who did not think Diane was punished fairly raised more than $100,000 to help support her.  Diane refused to take the money saying there were people who were a lot worse off than herself.

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