Online Learning
Online learning made easy at The Elaine Sterling Institute! The goal of our programs is to qualify and equip students with the tools, experience and confidence necessary to pass the State of Georgia Licensing Examination and to assure students are the top candidates for future employers or business opportunities.

What sets ESI apart?
Our curriculums are on the same structure whether you attend online or at our location. Here is just a snippet of what makes us the premiere spa & beauty school in Atlanta:
- Students receive a Chromebook or tablet with their student kit equipped with everything you need to succeed
- Hybrid on-campus and online learning plus dedicated online instructors are ready to assist you with live lectures and learning modules
- Full-time day and part-time evening schedules available
Online Learning Testimonials

ESI offers a hybrid online theory and on-campus hands-on schedule.
Student Kits
Students will receive a tablet, laptop or Chromebook* with My ESI Connect student portal, an ESI T-shirt & Jacket, an equipment bag, makeup kit and an esthetician kit with all the necessary instruments and materials to perform the required services. For full kit list, click here.
Kits are provided to every student and are subject to change.
Technology
Each tablet, laptop or Chromebook* comes with the following applications:
- MyESIConnect
- Microsoft Applications, including Teams
For more information about the Esthetics Program, click here.
*Due to the high demand for online learning nationally technology is limited and students will receive the best available devices.
*State Board of Cosmetology requires all hands-on credits must be performed on campus with a licensed educator present.Due to the high demand for online learning nationally technology is limited and students will receive the best available devices.
ESI offers a hybrid online theory and on-campus hands-on schedule.
Student Kits
Students will receive a tablet, laptop or Chromebook* with My ESI Connect student portal, an ESI T-shirt & Jacket, an equipment bag, and a nail kit with all the necessary instruments and materials to perform the required services. For a complete kit list, click here.
Kits are provided to every student and are subject to change.
Technology
Each Chromebook comes with the following applications:
- MyESIConnect
- Microsoft Applications, including Teams
To learn more about the Nail Care program, click here.
*Due to the high demand for online learning nationally technology is limited and students will receive the best available devices.
*State Board of Cosmetology requires all hands-on credits must be performed on campus with a licensed educator present.Due to the high demand for online learning nationally technology is limited and students will receive the best available devices.
Benefits To Online Learning
Online learning can be easily incorporated into your life and schedule. This makes it easier to find work-life balance, especially since you will not have to worry about time commuting to campus. ESI will provide students with the technology needed to be successful while learning online. Our learning platform My ESI Connect allows students to complete your assignments on your time from any device. ESI will provide each student with a laptop, Chromebook or tablet to make the transition to online learning easy. Students will continue to use the same learning technology inside the classroom.
Our ESI App allows students to track attendance, grades, and credits all from a smart phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know is right here. If you have any additional questions, please contact our Admissions Director or to visit our FAQ page, click here.
When will I begin classes?
New students begin classes every 3 weeks.
How does the distance/online education work?
Students login daily to Microsoft Teams and My ESI Connect in order to review demonstrations, complete coursework and engage with their educator.
How long will I be online before returning to campus?
Depending on your schedule, you will begin to come on campus
Full- time day: starting at 80 hours 1-3 days per week and at 200 hours 5 days per week.
Part-time evening: starting at 80 hours 1-4 days a week.
Do I need my own laptop?
No, you will be provided a tablet, laptop or Chromebook equipped will all of the applications you need to be successful.
Our new students will be sent their distance education student kit before school starts, which includes a tablet, laptop or Chromebook and textbooks. Our innovative education will allow you to access our virtual education.
*Due to the high demand for online learning nationally technology is limited and students will receive the best available devices.
How long will it take to receive my tablet, laptop or Chromebook?
Generally, you will receive your tablet, laptop or Chromebook on your first day of school.
*Due to the high demand for online learning nationally technology is limited and may experience shipment delays
Is the tuition going to be reduced because of online courses?
The tuition remains the same as if you were on campus full time as you will be getting the same amount of clock hours, theory, and demos.
The programs are a hybrid format meaning all clinical and practical applications are on campus.
Can you give an example of some of the assignments?
Online assignments can include:
- Watching a video on our virtual library and sharing takeaways that you learned.
- Reading chapters and answering questions to show they know the material.
- Our educators are also doing look and learns over Teams, which is essentially live demos.
Can you think of any advantages to online education versus in-person?
The main advantage is that it’s much more intimate and allows the student to learn at their own pace. You can get through a lot of theory, giving you a very strong foundation. The educators are also very attentive. Of course another huge advantage is that you’re home. You don’t have to physically come to school, so working in your own environment at your own pace is a great benefit.