#54 Online Education That Outperforms Traditional Schools—Here’s How with Heather Rhodes

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.

Creators & Guests

Host

Allyson Mitchell

SF

Host

Seth Fleischauer

TM

Host

Tami Moehring

What is Why Distance Learning??

The Why Distance Learning? Podcast explores the transformative power of live virtual learning and its role in shaping the future of education. Hosted by three seasoned distance learning experts, this podcast delivers insights, promising practices, and inspiration for educators, content providers, and education leaders integrating live virtual experiences into teaching and learning. Each episode features interviews with content creators, industry professionals, field experts, and innovative educators who are driving engagement, equity, and innovation through distance learning. By challenging common perceptions and uncovering the realities of live virtual education, Why Distance Learning highlights its true impact and explores how it continues to evolve in an ever-changing educational landscape.

Hosted by Seth Fleischauer of Banyan Global Learning and Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring of the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.