Why It’s Time to Rethink High School Education: How New High School Models Can Help Learners
Posted by Des Sinkevich on May 29, 2025
High school education is facing a pivotal moment. Traditional models, built around college prep and standardized testing, no longer meet the diverse and evolving needs of today’s learners. Students are grappling with post-pandemic learning loss, rising mental health challenges, uncertainty about the future, and a disconnect between schoolwork and real-world skills, leaving many struggling to grasp information and hit that important milestone – graduation. Guidance counselors and school districts, however, have an opportunity to adapt to a new generation of learners, supporting their growth and educational development through forward-thinking solutions and innovation.
Here’s what today’s students need most:
- Personalized Learning: Tailoring education with AI tools and flexible pacing ensures no student is left behind.
- Mental Health Support: With rising stress and anxiety levels, schools must prioritize wellness alongside academics.
- Career-Focused Skills: As more students seek alternatives to four-year degrees, skills-based learning and alternative credentials are becoming essential.
- Flexible, Tech-Enabled Models: Blended and online options empower students to learn in ways that work best for them—whether that’s credit recovery, full-time virtual school, or self-paced coursework.
By understanding and evolving with student needs, schools can not only boost engagement and academic performance—they can build a stronger future for learners.
Want to dive deeper into these trends and actionable solutions?
In our ebook, Secondary Education at a Crossroads: How New High School Models Can Meet the Needs of Learners, we take a deep dive into the current challenges of today’s high school students and offer effective solutions for school districts to innovate and adapt to a changing education landscape.
Why you can trust us
At Penn Foster, we’ve been rethinking education for over 125 years. Through our work with thousands of school districts, educators, and workforce partners nationwide, we’ve helped learners from all walks of life access flexible, affordable, and practical education. Our high school programs are regionally and nationally accredited, built with industry-recognized standards in mind, and designed to adapt to the evolving needs of students—especially those facing barriers to graduation.
Our teams include experienced educators, instructional designers, and student success advocates who understand the real-world challenges today’s learners face—from post-pandemic learning loss to the growing demand for career-connected learning. We draw on both internal data and external research to build solutions that work—and we’re proud to share those insights in this ebook.