Stanford Online High School, provided by Stanford University, is an independent online school for intellectually adventurous students in grades 7–12. Established in 2006, the school fosters a worldwide community of highly motivated students and teachers, aiming to create an innovative online study program that reflects the University's dynamism and the interactive discourse of traditional classrooms. Its mission is to challenge students at every level through individualized coursework, placing students based on ability and skills. The curriculum, crafted and taught by specialists in their academic fields, emphasizes critical thinking and depth of knowledge, and holds verbal and written communication to university-level standards. The school offers advanced middle-school classes through 32 post-AP and university-level courses. Students are engaged and challenged in an environment where they continuously develop and test their own views as they integrate knowledge across disciplines. Stanford Online High School's courses are delivered online through live, interactive seminars that adhere to a college-style schedule. The small class sizes and synchronous class meetings create a meaningful and social learning experience. The school's global reach includes students from 48 U.S. states and 42 countries worldwide, fostering a diverse and intellectually stimulating learning environment. The instructors, many of whom hold Ph.D.'s in their academic fields, are chosen for their expertise and their passion for teaching highly talented students in an advanced online environment. The school also has a dedicated student-support program that includes academic advisors, wellness counselors, and college counselors. The school does not specify any prerequisites or eligibility criteria for participation. However, through careful assessment, students are placed into courses by their readiness, not solely by their age or grade level. This ensures that each student is appropriately challenged. Upon completion, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the subjects studied, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for future academic pursuits.