Powered by The Barstow School

Founded in 1884, The Barstow School is widely recognized as an educational innovator. We've earned an international reputation for academic excellence and quality curriculum. Barstow Global Online reimagines our school for a new generation of learners.
Barstow is a fully accredited independent school for preschool-grade 12 in Kansas City, Missouri, with campuses and partner schools around the world. We were among the first schools to launch online classes in 2012. We continue to develop and expand those offerings through Barstow Global Online.

Contact Us

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  • Email

    info@barstowglobalonline.org
  • Phone

    1-816-277-0382
  • Fax

    1-816-942-3227
  • Address

    11511 State Line Road
    Kansas City, MO 64114

Why Barstow Global Online?

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  • Flexibility

    21st century education created for students who need or want new ways to learn.
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  • Focus

    Focus on your individual needs and goals from dedicated faculty and advisors.


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  • Freedom

    BGO can go anywhere your student does with the technology in place to support it.
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Our Students

Barstow Global Online is ideal for students who want a challenging lower and middle school environment, and a college or career prep upper school experience without the constraints of a traditional calendar or commute. Our campus is wherever you need it to be. 

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  • Math Acceleration

    High math achievers can take accelerated courses, often during the summer, so they can enroll in advanced math offerings during the school year.
  • The Student Learning from Home

    Barstow Global Online is available to you anytime and anywhere you have internet access.
  • The Unconventional Learner

    You embrace new technologies and trends. You want courses on demand, self-paced progress and individualized instruction.
  • The High Achiever

    Your abilities exceed the scope of traditional schools. You learn fast and are self-motivated. High standards of scholarship and our AP® and Honors courses keep you engaged.

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  • Young Professionals & Athletes

    Athletes, actors and performers can pursue their passions and their education simultaneously. We work with parents, guardians, managers and coaches to accommodate multiple commitments.
  • The Student on The Move

    An excellent option for military families or students whose parents travel or relocate frequently. You’ll find consistency and connection at Barstow Global Online.
  • The International Student

    Developing global citizens is part of our culture. That makes us uniquely qualified to welcome international students to our virtual campus, where they can earn a recognized degree without leaving home.

Our Team

Our school leaders brings decades of forward-thinking leadership and school management to Barstow Global Online. They embrace new technologies and innovative ideas to support student success.

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  • Shane Foster, President

    Shane Foster has been an educator, school leader and advocate for innovative learning for more than 35 years.
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  • Minka Rudman, Director of Barstow Global Online & International Programs

  • Annie Fairchild, Assistant Director for International Programs

  • Tammy Adams, Associate Director of BGO

    Contact Tammy Adams.
  • Rebecca Green Garry, Vice President Admission

Accreditations & Associations

Powered by The Barstow School, an accredited K-12 independent school in Kansas City, Missouri, our curriculum meets a high standard of excellence. Accreditation is awarded through self-study and data, feedback from the school community and independent evaluation. Barstow is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS).

FAQ

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

  • What is Barstow Global Online?

    Barstow Global Online is an independent, accredited online school. Courses are taught by certified educators. Students take between four to eight courses per school year, though that term is determined by the student rather than defined as a specific nine-month period.
    Course requirements vary with each grade level and division. Lower school students take language arts, social studies, science, math and physical education. Middle school students take these classes, plus electives. Upper school students have a wide array of required coursework, electives and independent study choices and will work with an advisor to chart their course through graduation.
    Courses are delivered online in an asynchronous learning environment that fits the student’s schedule, rather than the student fitting school in between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • What does my child’s day look like?

    If this is your student’s first foray into online learning, there will be an adjustment period. As a student develops new study methods and habits, their time spent online will change. One of the many advantages to online learning is self-direction, so a student may choose to be in class early in the morning, break at midday for outside activities, then return to school in the evening. A student might also attend classes three or four days a week, then have three to four days off. As long as class requirements are met, scheduling is flexible for every schedule.
    In order to meet class requirements, students should plan to spend two hours per day per course (including homework assignments). This varies from subject to subject, so it’s up to students, parents and teachers to find the right pace. Flexible scheduling allows students to balance learning with physical activity, sports practices, rehearsals and performances, doctor’s appointments, travel and other commitments.
  • How much teacher interaction can we expect?

    BGO offers asynchronous instruction. When a student has questions, our teachers have a 48 hour response rate requirement. Our teachers have a minimum of two office hours a week when they are available online for troubleshooting, advising and assistance. Students can also reach teachers via email, and while waiting for a response, work on other subjects and assignments. 
  • What is tuition and how is payment handled?

    You can find basic tuition and affordability information here. Payment in full is required prior to the course start date. Payment can be made by e-check with no additional fee. Payments made by credit card may include a small processing fee.
  • Do I have to live in the U.S. to attend Barstow Global Online?

    No, we welcome students from anywhere in the world. As long as you have internet access and you can read, write and speak English, you can participate in our online courses.
  • Do you offer PE, art and music courses?

    Yes. In upper school, these courses are part of the BGO curriculum. Upper school options for art, music and other electives are listed in our course catalog. Regarding PE, upper school can design their own activities to meet the curriculum requirement. This can include individual and team sports, dance or a demonstrated course of exercise and physical activity. Students will work on the plan with a BGO faculty member.
  • Can a student enroll at mid-year or start classes during the summer?

    Yes. BGO is designed so that there is no set school year. We offer rolling admissions and enrollments, so that a student may choose to attend school when it’s convenient for them, especially in regard to competition seasons, performance schedules, medical treatments and travel.
  • What is Barstow Global Online’s grading scale?

    Grade point averages are computed cumulatively from all courses at the conclusion of each class. Grades are weighted. In AP®/HC courses, grades are increased by two-thirds of a point; in honors courses, grades are increased by one-third of a point.

    Grading Scale

    A90–100 — Outstanding
    B80-89 — Above average
    C70-79 — Satisfactory
    D60-69 — Passing
    F59 and below — Failing

     
  • Will Barstow Global Online give me credit for outside activities and experiences?

    Yes. BGO students often have a variety of outside interests and activities that qualify them for credit and special certifications on their high school transcripts. Your academic advisor can assist you in determining which activities and experiences qualify.
  • Can I receive upper school credit while I’m in middle school?

    Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 can receive high school credit for Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II after demonstrating mastery of prerequisites. All other core courses and electives taken in middle school will not be considered for high school credit in accordance with college entrance requirements.
  • Can a student be enrolled at Barstow Global Online and a regular school at the same time?

    Every situation is different so BGO staff can work with you to formulate an approved dual enrollment plan.

What Parents & Teachers Say

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  • Middle School Parent

    "Our children benefit from the structure and expectations of online learning. It feels like a true college prep experience as they practice independence and time management and experience personal growth."
  • Upper school parent

    “Our return on investment is far greater than the expense.”
  • Middle school parent

    “Thank you for making sure our children are ready to continue to learn at a high level!”
  • Educator

    “These classes are of such quality and caliber of content, it’s like having a private tutor.”