✨ Dispelling the Myth
There’s a persistent myth about online school students: that they miss out on “real” friendships. That somehow, learning from home means growing up alone.
At Elea High, we knew this wasn’t true — but we also knew that seeing it could change minds.
🌍A Global Gathering
Recently, students from across the globe came together in Cyprus for Elea High’s first residential school trip. Many had only ever seen each other online. Some had never met any classmates in person.
Within hours, they were hiking rocky trails, undertaking environmental work, learning to rock climb and abseil, and supporting each other whilst kayaking amid plenty of laughter.
🤝 What Surprised Us Most
We set out to give our students an adventure; a week full of activities away from the screen. What they found was something even more powerful – friendship
Despite different continents, accents, and backgrounds, the most common reflection by the end of the week was this:
“The best part was the people we became friends with.”
The bonds formed during long hikes, evening meals and time spent under the stars were real and strong.
“I’ve known some of these people for months online, but now it feels completely different.”
🌐 The Truth About Online Students
Online students don’t lack social skills. They don’t lack empathy. What they need is opportunity to demonstrate them — and when given it, they thrive. They want learning and social opportunities on their terms. They’ve seen that obtaining a high-quality education can be achieved differently, in a way in which they can also pursue interests that matter to them.
That’s what we saw in Cyprus: global learners who are confident, kind, adaptable and deeply connected — not despite online learning, but alongside it.
🛡️ About Elea High
Elea High is a British online secondary school connecting students from around the world through innovative teaching and flexible learning. We believe community and curiosity go hand-in-hand — online and off.