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#54 Online Education That Outperforms Traditional Schools—Here’s How with Heather Rhodes
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This is a special crosspost episode of host Seth Fleischauer's other podcast, Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning.
In this episode of Why Distance Learning?, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Heather Rhodes, founder of Highgrove Education and former leader of Harrow School Online. Together, they explore how international online schools can foster academic excellence, cultural competence, and learner autonomy—challenging the perception that online learning lacks rigor, community, or real-world readiness.
Heather shares how her journey began with a desire to support English learners beyond summer programs, and evolved into leading some of the most academically successful online schools in the UK. She explains how Highgrove Education builds a vibrant online culture, prioritizes independent learning, and prepares students not just for exams—but for adulthood.
Key Topics Discussed:
• Why international community building is at the heart of online learning
• How online education reduces prejudice and creates a more inclusive environment
• Practical ways to build belonging, including student-led clubs, house systems, and real-time feedback
• The flipped classroom model and the secret to student agency and academic success
• How conflict is addressed through cultural awareness and shared expectations
• What kind of young adult emerges from this model—and why they thrive at university and beyond
Guest Bio:
Heather Rhodes is the founder of Highgrove Education, an academically rigorous international online school. With over a decade of experience in online education, she previously led Harrow School Online and continues to redefine what’s possible in virtual learning. Heather’s mission is to develop globally minded leaders through inclusive, high-impact education.
Episode Links:
1. Highgrove Education
2. Highgrove Speaker Series – A public-facing program of expert-led talks that anyone can attend, not just enrolled students.
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