We've had good and bad experiences with online science classes. I think that an important part of the equation is your individual student (and for those who don't know me, I'm a scientist who loves science with a science degree.. so that's my background fwiw). My ds is also very scientifically inclined - science is his thing. The class he had success in was very hands-off - he had an accessible and wonderful instructor but he didn't really need her either - he cruised through the class material independently and did very well in the class as well as the labs (which he did independently at home). The second online class he took, from the same institution, was a complete bust for him. I think he found the information not terribly exciting, and given that situation, not having the presence of other students and live discussion was a real issue for him.
DS is also an extroverted personality, so he likes to work with other students - and he's loved the labs he does at school because of the group dynamics. OTOH, he's bored to tears with the actual material presented in school, which is the reason he's wanted to take online courses. We gave up the last course and he just read a textbook instead and found that to be more "fun". I couldn't pinpoint exactly why he found the class so hopelessly boring because he does like the subject and he has enjoyed reading the textbook.
Ultimately what our ds has enjoyed the most have been summer science camps where he's in with a group of students. Last summer he had a camp at a university that was led by grad students and that's been his favorite so far.
Not sure that was much help - let us know what you decide to do!
polarbear
