Has anyone ever take a virtual school? Is it hard to stick with?

Question

Has anyone ever take a virtual school? Is it hard to stick with?

Answer 1

I use a virtual school to home-school both of my kids. It works out great for me. They package up everything the kids are suppose to learn for a year and we tackle it when, where, and at the pace we want. Sometimes that means 5 subjects a day but usually we just do one subject a day but 5 of the lessons. The key is you have to do it---everyday and with a willing attitude.  

Personally I think that if a person is bound for college virtual schooling is a great prerequisite. College professors do not coddle students. Your degree of success at an university is based solely on you. You do the work or you don't. You go to class or you don't. No one is going to remind you of your assignments, help you with your readings,or listen to your excuses about why you failed the exam that was 40% of your overall grade for the class.

The same is true for virtual schooling. The teacher may check in on you from time to time but in the end it all falls on you. So if you have self- disipline and can go into it whole heartedly---go for it. You will amaze yourself when look back at what you can accomplish in a few hours a day.

Answer 2

I took it last year, it was hard for me to stick with... I actually wanted out of it before half the year was over. I thought it would be awesome, because I had sleeping problems and anxiety, therefore, I missed a lot of school. With virtual school, I didn't have to get up soooo early, and I didn't have to deal with the other 2,000 kids at the public school. I could just do it my way... In the end, that's what ended up s******g me up... :\ The flexible schedule made me think that I could let stuff slide and I'm the worst procrastinator ever... BAD, BAD, BAD. Not to mention, my parents weren't exactly strict with making sure I was doing everything. So, unless you've always been perfect with getting things done on time, and you're extremely independant/responsible on your own, AND have parents that will hound you (lol)... I wouldn't do it. I'm pretty independant in public school, like I don't need any extra help or anything. Although, after I had to basically "teach myself," it became really difficult. I mean, I'm not a teacher! I don't know this stuff, and just reading how to do it isn't the same. :[ You know when you have a textbook for say, math, it tells you how to do it and gives examples, etc. but you still need the teacher to um... teach it? Yeah... in virtual school... All you've got is the book and whatever "lesson" they might provide. Nobody to show you, nobody to translate that confusing textbook talk (we all know that textbooks make it harder than it needs to be sometimes)... Unless your parents can teach. Actually, there are always actual teachers available through e-mail, or sometimes phone calls, but it's just not the same...

The other big thing with virtual school is the social situation. I can tell you not being around many other people really does take a toll on you. With the one I was in, you could talk to the other students in a little forum thing, but that was pretty lame. If you're going to be in some activities at the public school or around friends a lot, it's fine... But I'll admit, I didn't have many friends to begin with... So, I was basically around my parents, and that's it. Extreme boredom (hence me finding Y!A haha), and I miss being around kids my age... a lot. DEFINITELY going back to public school next year.

Not trying to scare anyone out of it, because it can be a great thing, but I regret doing it. Like the first answer said; it takes a special type of person to succeed in a virtual school. Apparently I'm not one of them, even though I thought I absolutely was. Good luck.

P.S. I'm talking about high school.

Answer 3

I did and my husband was homeschooled through high school.  I am currently enrolled with US Career Institute for Medical Claims and Billing Specialist and that's via correspondence through mail and online.  I love(d) it and we're going to homeschool our kids as well.

With anything it depends on you.  I didn't like all of the distractions and I preferred to do things my own way so it was a great thing for me.

Answer 4

One thing for sure if you can do it. You have self discipline; a very good trait.

Answer 5

It got me through high school. Greatest thing ever, in my life.

You have to be a certain type of person to 'go' to a virtual school. Are you committed enough to do your work without your parents nagging you? Do you finish your homework on time at school?

It all depends.

If you get distracted at school, but you try to do the work, it'll be good for you. If you're really really chatty and you don't care much for your studies- then it could be a problem.

I wanted to do my homework when I wanted, and I had to fit it into a tight schedual. I finished high school early.

=)

Answer 6

It depends on the person.  If you are self disciplined and able to work independently, you should do just fine.

Here's some information about the pros and cons of computer based homeschooling:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Good luck!

Answer 7

I think it is important to know that not all virtual schools are the same.  Therefore, your question may not easily muster a fair rating from all, since they may not all have attended the same type of virtual school.  Some require all the work to be done online.  Some grade from that completed work.  Some do not give grades, but pass the child based on ability assessment tests.  Some supply the child with textbooks and all materials. A few even allow the family to use their own materials and simply check in on their computer to show they have been working on something for that subject on that day.  When the materials are hand picked for the student, staying with the program is likely to be easier.  That is due to the fact that not all programs appeal to all learners.  Look into the school of your choice and begin asking questions about what they will expect of you or your child.  Then ask yourself if those are requirements that you are willing to fullfill or that you feel will mesh with your child's dominant learning styles.  After all, the best place to get an answer about whether or not a child will stick with a certain program is from that child, himself.

Answer 8

Taken a virtual school where?  I don't understand your question.  Do you mean "Has anyone ever taken classes from a virtual school?"

I've never enrolled in one, but I worked for two as a parent liaison and trainer.

Virtual schools can be great for some students but not all.  You have to be highly dedicated, self-motivated, and willing to work on your own.  You also need a dedicated parent mentor in addition to your virtual school teachers.