Stanford University endorses online high school

In June, about 30 seniors will graduate from a little-known online high school, currently called the Education Programme for Gifted Youth, Ocala.com reports. But their diplomas will bear a different name: Stanford Online High School.

Yes, that Stanford - the elite research university known for producing graduates who win Nobels. Five years after the opening of the experimental program, some education experts consider Stanford's decision to attach its name to the effort a milestone for online education.

“This is significant,” said Bill Tucker, MD of Education Sector, a non-partisan policy institute, The New York Times says. “One of our country's most prestigious universities feels comfortable putting its considerable prestige and brand behind it.”

As the line between virtual and classroom-based learning continues to blur, some see Stanford's move as a sign that so, too, will the line between secondary and higher education. Several other universities - though none with the pedigree of Stanford - already operate online high schools, a development that has raised some questions about expertise and motives.

Stanford Online High School aims to be the destination for the most talented students, Timesunion.com notes. About 20% of the 120 students receive financial aid to offset the $14 800 tuition, half the average private-school tuition nationwide, but far more than the University of Nebraska programme's $2 500.