What Learning Looks Like in Upper School

Education is no longer confined to the walls of a traditional classroom. In the Upper School, that reality is embraced through multiple learning pathways. Whether students opt for in-person classes, fully online coursework, or a hybrid approach, the goal remains the same: to provide a flexible, meaningful education that caters to the unique needs and interests of each learner.

Mount Vernon is structured with three distinct units—our main campus in Atlanta, Mount Vernon School Online (MVSO), and Mount Vernon Ventures, an educational research consultancy. Together, these entities form a learning ecosystem that extends beyond conventional models, offering students the freedom to choose a path that suits their life circumstances while still delivering a high-quality education.

For those opting for online learning, MVSO offers over 160 courses in an asynchronous format. Designed with adolescent well-being in mind, the program allows students to complete their work at their own pace, with the added benefit of regular opportunities to connect with faculty during scheduled office hours. This creates a balance between independence and guidance, ensuring students can manage their schedules while still receiving help when needed.

“Education should be adaptive, not rigid,” says Ben Potter, MVSO Dean of Students. “By offering multiple learning models, we’re acknowledging that students learn in different ways and have different needs. Some thrive in a traditional classroom, while others need the flexibility to pursue their passions or manage other commitments.”

Hybrid Learning: The Best of Both Worlds

One of the standout options for Upper School students is the hybrid model, which blends online and in-person classes. This approach offers flexibility without sacrificing the in-person experience, making it ideal for students with busy extracurricular schedules or other time commitments.

For Sam Koontz, Class of 2025, the hybrid model has been a game-changer. As a state champion golfer, Sam needed more time to train and compete. By taking part of his coursework online through MVSO, he was able to strike a balance between academics and athletics, ultimately securing a spot on the golf team at Georgia College & State University (GCSU), where he will attend next year.

“Sam’s journey highlights the value of hybrid learning, especially for students who want to pursue high-level extracurriculars without compromising their education,” says David Paperno, Director of MVSO. “The flexibility of this model supports students in achieving both academic and personal goals.”

Fully Online Pathway

Not every student fits within the framework of a traditional school schedule, and Mount Vernon recognizes that. The fully online pathway through MVSO is designed for students who need a more flexible structure, whether due to work, travel, or personal circumstances.

Charlie Morris, Class of 2025, found that attending school in person no longer worked for her by junior year. Moving to a fully online model gave her the ability to maintain her studies while working a full-time job. This flexible approach allowed Charlie to stay on track for graduation while gaining valuable real-world experience—something that has already translated into a full-time job offer waiting for her after she receives her diploma.

A Global Learning Community

The flexibility of Upper School isn’t limited to local students. MVSO extends across borders, offering international students access to an American curriculum from anywhere in the world.

For Binh Minh, Class of 2025, who returned to Vietnam after studying in New York, MVSO was the perfect fit. It allowed him to continue his education within a familiar framework while preparing for future opportunities on a global scale. His experience demonstrates how online learning can connect students with the academic systems they value, even when life circumstances change.

“We’ve built MVSO with a global mindset,” explains Paperno. “For students like Binh, it’s not just about completing courses—it’s about staying connected to a curriculum that will prepare them for life beyond high school, no matter where they are in the world.”

Learning Without Limits

At Mount Vernon, learning is a fluid, personalized experience. Whether students are in a physical classroom, engaging through an online platform, or blending the two in a hybrid model, they are equipped to carve out their own paths. This approach isn’t just about flexibility for flexibility’s sake; it’s about recognizing that each student’s journey is different and that education should adapt to meet those differences.

“Ultimately, it’s about giving students the tools and the freedom to explore who they are and what they want to achieve,” says Potter. “Mount Vernon’s approach ensures that no matter the learning model, every student is equipped to pursue their goals—whether that’s in the classroom, on the field, or beyond.”