The Morningstar Academy, and other Virtual High Schools.?

Question

What are your experiences with virtual schools? I'm just curious. I'm going to be homeschooling through the Morningstar Academy.. Annyone have any tips or pointers? Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm fifteen and a Junior - I've done a year and a half total in Richard Mckenna, an online high school, and am currently enrolled in IDVA, another online high school.

I find it's quite a bit easier than regular homeschooling or public school, both of which I've tried. With online school your assignments are 'set in stone,' which isn't something you get quite as much with homeschooling, and they're also much faster to complete, which isn't something you get in public school. You can work ahead and sort through information quickly, and check previous assignments to review new elements.

It's also much easier to work on your own time. You read through the instructions, skip the parts that are unnecessary or apply to other people, and then immediately get to work writing or researching - both things done on the computer. It's extremely convenient and it eliminates the time it takes for your teacher to explain, re-explain, shush the class clowns, pass out the paperwork, etc.

But there are negative aspects as well. If there is a technical problem you can easily fall behind. Depending on which system you're using, it might take a while to figure it out. There might be aspects of the school program that you don't understand or that you figure out when it's too late. Also, on the computer you can easily get distracted by games or friends.

But overall I would say the good greatly outweighs the bad, and I would recommend it as the best form of education.

Answer 2

The only tip I have is just be aware that you absolutely do not have to go with a "school" for High School, or any grade.  Independent homeschooling is still fine.  However, if you do go with them, just be sure to carefully read their policies to insure that you get all the credit you should get.