Since before the invention of sliced bread, IU has offered learning at a distance for students of all ages and circumstances, leveraging the latest technologies and creating personal connections to help students learn effectively.
Here are some of the highlights of that history:
IU begins offering high school courses through correspondence. By 1924, IU offers courses in eight departments in addition to university courses, especially for "those who have been unable to finish their high school work and now wish to do so."
Associate Director E. M. Linton explains in a letter to a prospective student that “we offer practically a complete four-year high school course by correspondence" with final examinations conducted by school officials, who could travel to meet students.
Students from "practically every State in the Union" are enrolled in correspondence study, along with those from France, the Philippines, and Ireland. A prospective student in India expresses a desire to "share in the very spring of knowledge."
Director Henry A. Bern records excuses given by military students deployed on ships and in the Mekong delta in Vietnam. Due to long hours, unexpected frequency of combat, and a lack of paper in the right size, students ask for extended deadlines to complete their coursework.
Assistant Director William J. Driscoll writes to a U.S. Navy student a year and a half after his enrollment to assure "we have not forgotten about you." Over 7,500 students (housewives, retirees, teachers, disabled people, inmates) are enrolled in high school and college correspondence courses.
The Wide Area Telephone Service line goes into effect, allowing students to make long-distance calls to instructors for free. This prevents students from getting behind and losing interest while waiting for mail. Indiana prisoners are now able to enroll in any IU correspondence courses.
Now fully accredited as a "virtual" high school, IUHS offers over 100 courses, and anyone can apply for admission at any time of year. IUHS also expands instructional techniques to include innovative technologies like the World Wide Web, videotapes, audiotapes, and CD-ROMs.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, IUHS Online works alongside Indiana K-12 educators in April to create online versions of the 40 most enrolled courses in Indiana middle and high schools, with supplementary modifications for accessibility.
In 2024, IU High School is named a Cognia School of Distinction, recognizing growth in learning, a healthy culture for learning, engaging and high-quality instructional environments, and effective leadership for learning.
