Why do virtual schools, like Florida Virtual School, seem to get such a bad rap?

Question

Hello all ~

I am looking into Florida Virtual School which uses K12 as a curriculum. As a resident of FL I can utilize this for free. This is my 2nd year homeschooling and I am enjoying it, but I am looking for more structure. I believe I have found this with FLVS.

I have done some web searches and I am curious why virtual schools seem to have such a bad rap. I know that if my sons did this then "technically” they would be enrolled as public school students. But as I would be doing the work at home, I am still their teacher.

It just seems like all the answers I see about virtual schools come from traditional homeschoolers who use the term “real”. As in “I am a real homeschooler, and I would never do that, but if it works for you…” It just seems like there is such a negativity towards it.

Thoughts anyone?

God bless ~

Suzanne

Answer 1

It is primarily a political thing.  Many homeschoolers see it as a threat to homeschool freedom, since there have already been efforts in some states to say that since the schools offer that option, there is no reason for any OTHER form of homeschool to be allowed.  Most homeschoolers value their freedom and independence.

The curriculum itself is not the issue, in fact K12 is a very solid curriculum... I don't like the idea of Public School involvement in my homeschool decisions, that is why I would never use a Public Virtual school, however I do support everyone's right to choose the method of schooling that is best for them.

In fact, I would love to see Public School ran more like a Public Library is, where parents could enroll their kids in the courses they want, and go elsewhere if they want for other courses.  Of course, I am dreaming.... I know.

Answer 2

I second HS Mom's answer.  And only add that HSLDA came out against Virtual Schools because of their fear of losing members.

If a homeschool family joined a virtual academy they could no longer be part of HSLDA.

While HSLDA on the outside says it is fear over the perceived threat to homeschool (which has not been demonstrated yet), I believe it was fear of losing money that prompted HSLDA to take the stance they did.  

Unfortunately, in doing so, they put out information that was inaccurate but has become accepted in many hs communities.

In reality, virtual schools are simply another choice for a family to make.  Families can enroll in a virtual school and receive the K12 curriculum or they can purchase it out of their own pocket and remain a homeschooler.

My belief is that families deserve choices and, when they have enough information, they are able to make an informed decision about their child's education.  I would rather not have HSLDA dictate to me out of guilt and fear messages what I should do or not do with my children.

While HSLDA does serve a purpose, it doesn't mean they are always right.

Answer 3

For some reason, K12 schools receive the brunt of that negativity.  No one seems to go after Calvert and their Connections Academies.  As a long-term K12 user, I find it very frustrating.  K12 has been shut out of *many* curriculum fairs/conventions because they supply curriculum, and manage [some] K12 virtual schools.

K12 is a *high* quality, intensive curriculum.  It can be purchased *just like* any other curriculum such as Abeka, Alpha Omega, Bob Jones, etc. (this is how I use it), OR it can be used through a virtual charter public school.  By not allowing K12 into HS'ing conventions, they are keeping a LOT of HS'ers from knowing how great the curriculum really is.  I should mention, the conventions where K12 has been banned, have allowed Calvert to participate.  It makes NO SENSE!

Others go "after" K12 because it's a secular curriculum.  I'm a Christian, but I prefer K12 because I cannot find it's equal in depth, or breadth, in the Christian market.  We find very little objectionable in the lessons, and if/when we do, my son gets to see "both sides".

There are many "purists" out there in the HS'ing community and they think *any* "intrusion" by the government, such as virtual public schools, will erode HS'ing rights.  Well, they're going to have to show some proof.  K12 has had their curriculum, and virtual schools, since Fall of 2001 and I've yet to read *anything* about the virtual schools eroding HS'ers rights and laws.  If you read those sites online, note that most are a few years old.

One other reason the bias continues is because HSLDA has outright said they are not good options.  It's more of HSLDA's "fear mongering" (JMO) and one reason I refuse to join their organization.  They do not see the good that a virtual school can do.  The schools are a wonderful gap between "true/pure" HS'ing and public schooling.  I know many people, personal friends included, who used K12 though a virtual school for a year or two, then felt confident enough to step out "on their own" to HS'ing "independently".

Many people do not want to "submit" to the rules and regulations of a virtual schoool.  That is fine, they don't have to join one, but don't say that everyone should stay away.  If I had a virtual school option available, I would consider it.  There would be plenty of pros, and very little cons.

Virtual schooling can also be a great option if one parent objects to HS'ing.  It can be a way to "pacify" that parent into allowing "school at home".

K12 is a very good fit for my son since it teaches in several learning styles and he's a global learner.  I love their planning and progress tools and their scope & sequence.  While we had to stray away for K12 for Algebra, we loved the elementary math - the middle school math just didn't work for my son since he started it at age 7.  We now use Teaching Textbooks.

So don't believe everything you hear (*especially* if Susan O'Hanion's name is attached!) and do what you feel is correct for your family.  If you try FLVS and it doesn't work, you can always go back to "private" HS'ing.

Sorry for going on, this is a subject that has "pulled my chain" ever since I started using K12 over five years ago.  :-)

EDITED TO ADD, after htc's answer -

HSLDA *is* only worried about membership.  That's why they are "Chicken Little'ing" about the CA court case.  Here is a great site to see the "other side" of HSLDA:

http://hsislegal.com/

I don't know if they talk about the anti-virtual school stance or not.