B-Dag

In earlier generations, home-schooling was seen as the most popular alternative to public school. This option was seen by some as isolating children from the traditional school experience, but it had its advantages for parents that wanted to keep their children close by during the day. A new trend is on the rise that also keeps children at home, but also makes them part of an online community. These communities are referred to as “virtual schools”.Recent statistics suggest that more than 2 million children between kindergarten and 12^th grade are enrolled in online schools, and that number has been growing by 20 percent in recent years. Online school programs may be supplemental to actual class-time experience, but more and more schools are offering full-time virtual options.Some education professionals believe that these programs can offer a more personalized and comprehensive education for students. They can work at their own pace in activities tailored around their own interests, and parents can pick the best school for their child without worrying about location. More importantly, while some schools are dropping higher level courses like language and Advanced Placement classes, virtual schools have less to worry about when it comes to budgets for these sorts of programs. It’s also helpful for parents without regular schedules, since families can decide together when these classes will take place.Given the number of institutions trying to capitalize on this growing trend, it’s important to do research before selecting a virtual school program. Accreditation organizations like AdvancED or the National Council of Education Providers will let you know whether or not a school’s reputation holds up. You should also be able to easily find teacher credentials and contact information online, since you should still be in touch with the people who are guiding your child’s future. Some accredited nationwide programs include Virtual High School, Inc., Olympus High School, and Park City Independent National High School.