Virtual home school? GOOD or NOT?

Question

My mom is thinking of doing somethin called virtual homeschooling. It's where you do your school work through computers. If your answer is, no socialization... don't put an answer at all. I have county sports and socialization events, which will give me plenty of that. I just want to know if it's a good program. Any of yall that have any info or websites please post as much as possible! Thanks a ton and God bless!

Answer 1

It can be good or bad, depending on the academy as well as on how you learn.

Obviously, you want to take a good look at the academy and make sure they have what you're looking for - a good range of classes, teachers that are on call to help you when you need it, and whatever accreditation you might need.  If they don't, it's probably not worth the money; there are curricula (A Beka, BJU, for example) that will either teach you by DVD or even send you a hard drive with your year's curriculum already on it.

Also, you need to make sure that your learning style corresponds with online learning.  If you like being on the computer, and things make sense to you on the screen, then it may be a good choice.  However, if you're more comfortable working with textbooks and workbooks, or you need hands-on type things, it might not be the best bet.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

My boys are enrolled in a K12 virtual academy.  I did a lot of research and this seemed like the right fit for us.  They still do most of their work on paper and in workbooks and then take most assessments online (until high school, then it's mostly computer work).  I didn't want my boys to be on the computer all day long either.  At our virtual academy, there is a tremendous amount of support, from both teachers and other parents.  I think it's about finding what works good for you.  The education you get, as long as you're willing to do the work, will still be a good, solid education.

Answer 3

I did the virtual homeschooling for a year and I didn't like it because the teachers almost never contact you, and getting in contact with them isn't easy (mine never replied to any of my questions in the entire year)

I would highly recommend independent homeschooling rather than virtual..

But if you find a really good program, then I guess it would be pretty good, just stay away from "Keystone National High School"

Answer 4

Here is what I posted about another question that was almost identical to this one, except it was asked by a parent:

"Now, I have a very strong preference for independent homeschooling over virtual school... but since you are getting the same "socialization" responses all homeschoolers get, I thought I'd answer and tell you not to worry about the social aspects. The people who think that kids studying at home don't have friends and spend all their time sheltered from the world don't have a clue what they are talking about.

As virtual schools go, I have heard that Connections Academy is a good one. Like I said, I prefer homeschooling independently, but if used correctly virtual school can give your child a very solid education."

Of course the above was actually in reference to another question, and so far you haven't gotten the "socialization" responses, I'm sure they will arrive soon though...

I also happen to know that students who enroll with A Beka often get into colleges without any problems at all.  It is an accredited school with a very strong track record of turning out advanced and capable students.  Bob Jones I don't know about, but most colleges don't discriminate based on religion, instead they look at SAT scores and other things like that.

Answer 5

I can be good.

It's just like the books only on the internet.

I've seen the Florida sample ones and they are interesting.

I am taking Organic Chemistry from a major Professor on my own via Virtual and it is good.  Once you get past his bow tie and funny way of talking.

But he's written books and white papers.

He teaches a good brick and mortar school and this is his brick and mortar school course.

Answer 6

Depends on who you talk to, we used a virtual school last year for our son, Calvert (suppose to be the best) HA, thats a hugh laugh, my son hated it, it was wanting more of the students then there ready for. Theres only so much time in a day, & they had over 8 hours of studies to do, when they wanted it done in 5 or less hours, to then post back on the web.  

were now doing our own curriculiam. Look up your homeschool laws in your state, find the loop hole that allows you to pick your own circculiam.  We did for Kansas we just started to this year, its so much easier on you, the student espescially.

Answer 7

thejubileeacademy.com. Hope you like it! I'm taking it this year. Let me know if you decide to, too.

Answer 8

Well I'm homeschooled but over the last two years I've done virtual school. And like everything else in this world it had its pros and cons. But over all I think it was a great experience and liked it a lot.

And as for having no social life...psh you can still be friends with other kids and meet other home schoolers! Get involved with sports.

I'm home schooled and it never stopped me from doing what I love or hanging out with friends and it has most definitely not impaired my social life.

Answer 9

We looked into it for my kids, ages 6 and 9. It was not a good fit for us. Much more structure and sitting at a computer for more hours a day than I wanted for them.

It can be a useful program, and the computer stuff would have been nice, but I worry that with government funding-the one we looked at was considered a public charter school that you do online- comes more and more government control. I'd rather pay my own way in addition to taxes that pay for the public schools and have complete say in what my kids are learning than have to jump thru the schools hoops. If I wanted to jump thru the schools hoops, my kids would be there instead of home educating. These programs, the Virtual Academies, many of which are part of the K12 program, have good ciriculums. They just aren't what I want for my kids.

Oh and to the person who suggested Abeka and Bob Jones, if you use Bob Jones for jr high and high school, most colleges will not even consider you. They teach only the extreme right Christian view of science and history. Abeka is iffy on those subjects as well. If you are planning on going to an extremely right winged doctrined Christian college or university, then it won't be an issue, but it's something you need to know before spending the cash on something that will hinder you from getting a college education at most universities.

Answer 10

Well I can tell you that the private well known college that I worked for did not discriminate against homeschooling. In fact they generally have higher ACT/SAT scores and are more likely to be genuinely involved in their community.  The virtual school that I am enrolling my children in is K12 based and I believe that they have a solid program.  Teachers love to throw in the socialization issue because it tends to scare parents.  Just think about the motivation they have to keep kids in their schools.