The MSON Difference
MSON is the premier online education program for independent schools
Real-Time Classes
Learning happens through relationships
We bring students together from across the United States into regular, bi-weekly seminars where everyone is seen and heard at all times. Students and teachers join class during their school days using the technology that best suits their needs, from individual laptops to video conferencing systems. Outside of class, students may watch their teachers’ instructional videos, perform lab experiments, read articles, or comment on one another’s discussion posts so that they join their seminar prepared to discuss, debate, and collaborate. Students forge real relationships with teachers and students in other schools and gain experiences that prepare them for college and the workplace.
The MSON program is such an amazing opportunity to connect with people across the country in a virtual classroom.
Advanced Electives
Capstone Experiences that Stand Apart
For many intellectually curious students, MSON courses present an opportunity to go beyond the AP curriculum or explore a new field of inquiry. A student might add a two-year MSON Arabic sequence as a third language. Another might advance to Multivariable Calculus or choose to explore the field of Comparative Film Studies. MSON schools are known for investing in offering their students a wide variety of exceptional learning opportunities.
Expert Teachers
Independent School Faculty Teach to Their Passions
MSON teachers demonstrate the best of independent school instruction; with class sizes averaging from 10-14 students, they value personal relationships, student collaboration, and critical thinking and analysis. All teachers are employed by our member schools and chosen to develop their own courses through a selective process. MSON teachers receive support from the Dean of Instruction in the spring before the year they start and attend the Annual Workshop at Stanford for training and preparation.
Consortium Model
Strong Ties Unite Our Schools
All MSON schools received funding from the Malone Family Foundation for scholarships because of their commitment to serving highly capable students. MSON draws on the resources of each member school, including leadership from Maret School, Hopkins School, and the Stanford Online High School. A true consortium, schools pay a yearly membership fee for course seats and may enroll more students if one of their faculty teaches a MSON course.
Exceptional Students
Courses Designed for Intellectually Curious Learners
MSON students must have demonstrated the academic drive, intellectual curiosity, independence, and time management to succeed in our college-style seminars. Our students choose to challenge themselves with an MSON course because they have exhausted the curricula at their schools or hold a passion for a subject area they wish to explore.
Thank you for showing me cool stuff about gravity and speed and particles and quantum mechanics, but most of all, thank you for keeping the nerd dream alive.