What exactly is a virtual school?

Question

What is it like? I really dont know what people mean when they say that. Does this mean your parent doesn't have to teach you? If so, what is the difference between virtual school and independent study?

Answer 1

Virtual is an online school... my mom is thinking about doing one next year for me. I'm not really sure how they work, but I think they have programs where they teach you the information and you do activities until you have the lesson down. Independent study is what I do....well independent study could be online or in books...so who knows about that one

Answer 2

A *public* virtual school is run by a school district and the lessons are delivered online.  A certified teacher either teaches you online, or you log in and read lessons, and you have a teacher check on you every couple of weeks, and s/he is available for help.  Your parents act as a mentor and make sure you stay on track, and of course can also help you with work.  Most of the lessons are online, but you do a mix of online and offline work.  With some schools, you have to turn in a certain percentage of work and/or exams.  Most virtual public schools are free, or cost the same as a B&M public school with fees.

*Private* virtual schools are school programs where you pay a tuition, just as you would any private school.  They work pretty much the same as a public school as far as lesson delivery and teacher support.

With both options, you typically have to follow the school's schedule, but with some you are more independent with the work and the completion dates and percentages.  Most high school programs start at ~$350/0.5/credit (one semester), plus enrollment and materials fees.

With either option, you earn credits.

Independent Study typically means there is *no* teacher to teach you - you are self-taught with the materials.  You may have a help service for when you get stuck, but you don't have daily teacher input.  Usually you work via correspondance - mailing items back and forth to the school/program.  This is a much cheaper way to do education than virtual schools because of the lack of a constant teacher.

HTH!

Answer 3

State by State evaluation of Virtual Schools

http://mb2.ecs.org/reports/Report.aspx?i...

This is a list and comparison, state by state, of those states that claim that they have a statewide virtual school.  It includes a lot of information that might be of interest to your parents when you approach them with you interest.  

If you do not see your state, don't give up.  Ohio for example isn't on the list, but we do have ECOT which is online, and serves the whole state.  I've just now written them an inquiry as to why we're not included.  Obviously some of the states not listed, do provide online services.  When making an inquiry, it is easier to provide information, if you list a specific state, so that we can provide an appropriate recommendation for you area.

Answer 4

You are considered a "public school student" only you are learning from the comfort of home. A portion is on-line. Is state run and approved. You will meet with a certified teacher periodically and have to test. All the curriculum and materials are free, plus you get a loaner computer and printer. You also get a portion of reimbursement of internet services. Here is a great place to start. K12.com. You can do either a Virtual School or Home School. If you home school, then you have to buy all the curriculum and you are on your own as a parent/teacher.

http://www.k12.com/

Another site is Connections Academy

http://www.connectionsacademy.com/

Answer 5

it online. lol

hope this helped good luck