Global Student Network has been helping families worldwide transition to homeschooling for years. The outstanding online curriculum is approved in all 50 states for homeschoolers.

Families can start homeschooling any time of the year. Depending on the state you live in, there may be reporting requirements to comply with. GSN will guide you through the process. Home schooling is legal in all 50 states, and you can begin homeschooling at any time. Many families choose to begin home schooling mid-year due to problems at the school, kids falling behind, illnesses, or just feeling that it’s time. The semester break is a perfect time to make the change; however, you can take them out at any time.
If you are considering taking your child out of public or private school during the school year, be sure to do your homework and follow the laws and requirements of your state.

10 Things to Consider in Making Your Decision 

Making the decision to home school is usually very difficult and not one to be taken lightly. It is a personal decision that I can’t make for you, but maybe I can help you think it through.

Consider these things:

1. Time Commitment… Home schooling tends to take up a lot of time in your day. It is more than just sitting down with books for a couple of hours. There are experiments and projects to be done, lessons to prepare, papers to grade, field trips, park days, music lessons, and the list goes on.

2. Personal Sacrifice… The home school parent has little personal time or time alone. If care is not taken to set aside time for yourself, it is easy to never have time alone. Parent and child are basically together 24/7.

3. Financial Strain… Home school can be accomplished very inexpensively; however, it usually requires that the teaching parent will not be working out of the home. Some sacrifices will need to be made if the family used to two incomes.

4. Socialization … More attention will need to be given to getting your children together with others. The beauty of home schooling is being able to have more control of the social contacts your child makes.  

5. Household Organization ... Housework and laundry still have to be done, but it probably won’t get done first thing in the morning. If you’re a stickler for a spotless house, you might be in for a surprise. Not only does housework need to be let go at times, but home schooling creates messes and clutter in itself.  

6. Both Parents in Agreement… It is important that both parents agree to try home schooling. It is very difficult to home school if one parent is against it. If your spouse is against it at this time, you might need to do more research and talk to more people.  

7. Is Your Child Willing?… A willing student is always helpful. Ultimately, the decision is the parents to make, but if your child is dead against it, you might have a hard time of it.

8. One Year At A Time… It isn’t a lifetime commitment – most home schoolers take one year at a time.  

9. Intimidated By the Teaching? … If you can read and write, you should be able to teach your children. The curriculum and teacher materials will help through the planning and teaching. You can get help from others if you get stuck or hire tutors for the difficult subjects.

10. Why Others Began… It might be helpful to hear why other families chose homeschooling. Can you relate with some of them?  

Steps to take:  

• Check out your state laws. It is important to follow the laws and take the appropriate steps required by your state.

• Your statewide home schooling association can offer advice on the steps to take to remove your child from school.

• Your local home school support group can also help with the specifics and can usually assist with the procedure by providing forms, requesting the school records, helping with curriculum advice, etc.

Submit enrollment for GSN’s online homeschool curriculum.

An online education can be acquired with much more ease and comfort now than was possible in the past. There are many educational programs available online, which can be chosen according to ones personal lifestyle. This is one of the major reasons why online education has become so popular these days.  However, like in any kind of education option, online education has its share of pros and cons. Therefore, before making a choice, it is a good idea to find out all about the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining an online diploma. This will help you to decide whether an online education is the right choice for you.
One of the biggest drawbacks of getting a diploma is the negative connotation that is attached to it by employers. Many employers, particularly belonging to the older generations, do not completely comprehend online education. They are of the opinion that a real education is only acquired by attending an actual four-year course in a high school.. They may imagine that people can just print out a degree from the Internet. But, this problem can be overcome by choosing an accredited online high school. In any case, getting enrolled into an un-accredited educational program is just a waste of money and time.
By getting an accredited diploma, your employer will be able to check out the details of the course that you undertook and see that it comprises of the proper educational requirements. Another method of convincing your employer about the bona fides of an online diploma is to explain and discuss about what an online diploma and online education are. By explaining what it is really about, you will be able to convince him or her that you are as qualified as anybody who has attended a regular high school.
Even though an online education has its disadvantages, there are some significant benefits of acquiring an online diploma. One of the biggest advantages of pursuing an online education is the freedom it entails. You can set your own schedule for learning with online education. For example, people who have full time careers, and still want to acquire a high school diploma, can schedule their study time according to their convenience. In a traditional study course, taking time off from classroom sessions is unfeasible and can result in losing out on quality lectures. This is one of the main reasons why online education is gaining so much in popularity these days.

People who have hitherto been unable to pursue a traditional course of study, because of their other priorities, now have the choice of getting the diploma that they always wanted. Besides, many online schools believe in searching for talent by providing tutorials and lessons online.

Many online schools offer an open book examination system that can be undertaken with the help of textbooks, research papers, and guidance from mentors. People can use this luxury to take these online courses at the time and place most suitable for them. All they would need is a computer, a good communication device (either online or offline), and a good Internet service. Also, people looking to pursue a rare or specific degree can opt for the online diploma offered by various schools.
This convenience makes earning a high-school diploma affordable and less time-consuming. Besides, most online educational institutions provide their long distance students the same standard of education, curriculum, faculty and resources, as offered on their campuses.

By Jamie Littlefield, About.com Guide

Choosing an online high school is a challenge. Parents need to find a virtual program that offers an accredited diploma and provides academic support for students, all without breaking the bank. Asking the right questions will help you find the online high school that best meets your needs. Here are twelve of the most important questions to consider:

1.  What type of online high school is this? There are four types of online high schools: private schools, public schools, charter schools, and university-sponsored schools. Being familiar with these school types will help you sort through your options.

2.  Who accredits this school? An online high school that is regionally accredited will have the widest acceptance. Diplomas and credits from regionally accredited schools are generally accepted by colleges and secondary schools. Some colleges and high schools may also accept national accreditation. Keep an eye out for unaccredited and diploma mill schools – these programs will take your money, leaving you with an inferior education and a worthless diploma.

3.  What curriculum is used? Your online high school should have a time-tested curriculum that meets your child’s academic needs (remedial, gifted, etc). Ask about additional programs such as special education, college prep, or advanced placement.

4.  What training and qualifications do the teachers have? Be wary of online high schools that hire teachers without a college diploma or teaching experience. Teachers should be credentialed, know how to work with teenagers, and be comfortable with computers.

5.  How long has this online school existed? Online schools come and go. Choosing a school that has been around for longer can help you avoid the trouble of trying to transfer schools at a later date.

6.  What percent of students graduate? You can learn a lot by an online high school’s graduation track record. If a large percentage of students drop out, you may want to reconsider. Be aware that certain types of schools (such as academic recovery programs) will always have a smaller number of graduates.

7.  How many students go on to college? If college is important to you, choose an online high school that sends a lot of its graduates to college. Be sure to ask about services such as college counseling, SAT preparation, and admissions essay assistance.

8.  What expenses can be expected? Most private schools charge tuition by the semester. Public programs may provide classes free of charge, but require parents to pay for expenses such as computers, software, and internet connections. Ask about additional charges for curriculum, technology fees, graduation fees, and all other expenses. Also, ask about discounts, scholarships, and payment programs.

9.  How many students does each teacher work with? If a teacher is assigned too many students, he may not have time for one-on-one help. Find out what the student-teacher ratio is for most classes and ask if there is a better ratio for essential subject such as math and English.

10.  What additional help is available for struggling students? If your child is struggling, you need to know that help is available. Ask about tutoring and individual assistance. Is there any extra charge for additional help?

11.  What distance learning format is used? Some online high schools require students to work independently and turn in assignments by email. Other programs have virtual “classrooms” that allow students to interact with teachers and peers.

12.  Are any extracurricular activities offered? Find out if there are any clubs or social events available to students. Some schools offer extracurricular virtual programs that engage students and look good on a resume.

In addition to these twelve basic questions, be sure to ask about any further concerns you may have. If your child has special needs or an unusual schedule, ask how the school will be able to accommodate these issues. Taking the time to interview online high schools can be a hassle. But, enrolling your child in the best possible program is always worth it.

International Virtual Learning Academy (IVLA) is a private, accredited online school serving students world-wide. IVLA is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. For more information on IVLA, CLICK HERE.

Written by Jamie Littlefield, About.com Guide

A growing number of students are earning online high school diplomas. Online high school diploma programs certainly offer convenience and flexibility. But, many families have concerns. How do these virtual programs compare to traditional schools? And, how do employers and colleges feel about online high school diplomas? Read on for ten must-know facts about online high school diplomas.

1. Most online high school diploma programs are accredited.
In fact, many online programs have the same accreditation as brick-and-mortar schools. The most widely accepted online high school diploma programs are recognized by one of the four regional accreditors. Accreditation from the DETC is also held in high regard.

2. There are four types of online high school diploma programs.
Public online high schools are run by local school districts or states. Online charter schools are government funded but run by private parties. Online private schools receive no government funding and are not bound to the same state-wide curriculum requirements. College-sponsored online high schools are overseen by university administrators.

3. Online high school diplomas can be used for college admission.
As long as the school is properly accredited, online high school diplomas are no different from those offered by traditional schools.

4. Online high school diplomas can be used for employment.
Online high school grads do not need to specify that they attended school though the internet. Online diplomas are equal to traditional diplomas when it comes to employment.

5. Teenagers in almost all states can earn an online high school diploma for free.
By attending an online public school, students can get a no-cost education paid for by the state. Some public programs will also pay for curriculum, computer rentals, and internet connection.

6. There are online high school diploma programs for every academic level.
With hundreds of online high school diploma programs to choose from, students can easily find one that meets their needs. Some programs are focused on remedial coursework and job preparation. Others are designed for gifted students, on the college track and bored with the traditional classroom.

7. Online high schools can be used to help students make up credits.
Not all online high school students study exclusively through the internet. Many traditional students take a few online courses to make up credits, improve their GPAs, or get ahead.

8. Adults can also enroll in online high school diploma programs.
Adult online high school diploma programs are available to help grown-ups qualify for employment or college. Several private online high schools now provide fast-track options for adult students that need to earn a diploma.

9. Student loans are available to help families pay private tuition.
Costs for online private schools can add up quickly. Families can avoid paying in one lump sum by taking out a K-12 education loan.

10. Online students can work during set hours or at their own pace.
Some online high schools require students to log in during school hours and “chat” with instructors online. Others allow students to complete work whenever they please. Whatever your learning preference, there’s an online high school that meets your needs.

Global Student Network provides online curriculum to public and private schools throughout the United States and Internationally. Global Student Network’s online curriculum was developed and is maintained by a leading U.S. Public School district.  Each course was written by a nationally certified teacher and is deeply rooted in the National Academic Content Standards.  For more information on how your school can use Global Student Network’s online curriculum to create your own online academy, CLICK HERE

International Virtual Learning Academy is a private accredited online school serving students throughout the world.  For more information on International Virtual Learning Academy, CLICK HERE

From the Washington Post – A great read for anyone interested in learning about the nuts and bolts of K-12 online learning

Deep within America’s collective consciousness, there is a little red schoolhouse. Inside, obedient children sit in rows, eagerly absorbing lessons as a kind, wise teacher writes on the blackboard. Shiny apples are offered as tokens of respect and gratitude.

The reality of American education is often quite different. Beige classrooms are filled with note-passers and texters, who casually ignore teachers struggling to make it to the end of the 50-minute period. Smart kids are bored, and slower kids are left behind. Anxiety about standardized tests is high, and scores are consistently low. National surveys find that parents despair over the quality of education in the United States — and they’re right to, as test results confirm again and again.

But just as most Americans disapprove of congressional shenanigans while harboring some affection for their own representative, parents tend to say that their child’s teacher is pretty good. Most people have mixed feelings about their own school days, but our national romance with teachers is deep and long-standing. Which is why the idea of kids staring at computers instead of teachers makes parents and politicians extremely nervous.

However, it’s time to take online education seriously — because we’ve tried everything else. Education Secretary Arne Duncan debuted his Blueprint for Reform this month to mixed reviews, joining at least 30 years’ worth of government officials who have promised that this time, honest, they’re going to fix education. Even the reforms promoted by the much-ballyhooed federal Race to the Top funds, which are supposed to encourage innovative educational practices, offer mostly marginal changes to the status quo. In an early March speech on technology in education, Duncan touted $500 million in new federal spending over 10 years to develop post-secondary online courses — an area of online education already thriving without federal assistance — thus arriving at the dance 15 years late and an awful lot more than a dollar short.

Since the Internet hit the big time in the mid-1990s, Amazon and eBay have changed the way we shop, Google has revolutionized the way we find information, Facebook has superseded other ways to keep track of friends and iTunes has altered how we consume music. But kids remain stuck in analog schools. Part of the reason online education hasn’t taken off is that powerful forces such as teachers unions — which prefer to keep students in traditional classrooms under the supervision of their members — are aligned against it.

So children continue to learn from blackboards and books — the kind made of dead trees! no hyperlinks! — rather than getting lessons the way they consume virtually all other information: online. Putting reading materials and lecture notes on the Internet, like many teachers do today, is just the first step; it’s like when, in the early days of movies, filmmakers pointed a camera at a stage play. Kids are still stuck watching those old-style movies, when they could be enjoying the learning equivalent of “Avatar” in 3-D. Thousands of ninth-grade English teachers are cobbling together yet another lecture on the Globe Theatre in Shakespeare’s day, when YouTube is overflowing with accessible, multimedia presentations from experts on Elizabethan theater construction, not to mention a very nice illustrated series on the Kennedy Center’s ArtsEdge site.

In the 2010 annual letter from his foundation — the biggest in the United States, with a $33 billion endowment — Bill Gates listed online education as one of his top priorities and rattled his pocket change in the direction of reform. He wrote: “Online learning can be more than lectures. Another element involves presenting information in an interactive form, which can be used to find out what a student knows and doesn’t know.”

Right now, other than the venerable pop quiz, teachers have very few tools to gauge just how many students are grasping a concept in real time and reshape the curriculum to meet their needs.

How do we know online education will work? Well, for one thing, it already does. Full-time virtual learning academies are operating in dozens of states. Global Student Network, which offers for-credit online classes to schools throughout the world, has 40,000 students.

In his book on online education, “Disrupting Class,” Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen estimates that half of all high school courses in the United States will be consumed over the Internet by 2019. But we have a long way to go to reach 50 percent. Seventeen percent of high school students nationwide took an online course for school last year; another 12 percent took a class for self-study. Many of these students, along with younger kids taking online classes, might be considered homeschooled, though that very concept is changing as they sign up with virtual schools connected to state systems.

Few people have a clear picture of what online education really looks like, which is one reason so many people are reluctant to consider what it has to offer. Learning online won’t turn America into a nation of home-schooled nerds, sitting in their basements, keyboards clacking. And it doesn’t mean handing your kids over to Rosie the Robot from “The Jetsons” for the day.

Moving lesson planning and delivery online can provide students with more supervision, not less, says Michael Horn, one of the co-authors of “Disrupting Class.” It would free teachers, Horn says, “to do hand-holding and mentoring, something which is pretty much impossible in the current model.” After all, where is it written that the babysitter, disciplinarian, lecturer and evaluator must all be the same person? Or even that they all have to be in the same building?

Some online learning models eliminate human interaction, but the vast majority do not. Instead, they connect students and teachers via polls, video, chat, text and good old-fashioned phone calls. International Virtual Learning Academy focuses on offering Advanced Placement classes to students throughout the world, bringing a public school developed online curriculum every corner of the virtual world.  Many schools using Global Student Network‘s online curriculum brings at-risk elementary students together in a safe, cheap, virtual space along with a small staff and hands their studies over to online curriculum for part of each day.

Online education has already become a boon for kids with special needs, the students least served by the traditional system. Education entrepreneur Laurie Bloom launched International Virtual Learning Academy, a private accredited online school, in part to serve kids with unorthodox education requirements, from serious athletes to children with health problems or learning disabilities. One of the most successful areas of online education so far is helping kids who have fallen off the educational grid.

Online courses that allow kids to master material on their own schedule provide “a significant opportunity for students who were behind,” says Jim Shelton, assistant deputy secretary for innovation and improvement at the U.S. Department of Education. “Because if you require the same amount of time in a traditional classroom, how can anybody ever catch up?”

Online education gives students in dysfunctional urban districts the chance to enroll in high-quality classes or language instruction without an expensive move to a suburban district or a private school. Cities benefit, too, as families uncomfortable with the quality of urban public schools can continue to live near their downtown offices while enrolling their children in Web-based programs, reducing white flight and suburban sprawl.

Students and parents aren’t the only ones dissatisfied with the way American education works right now. Teachers are unhappy, too. They say they don’t have time for the kind of personal interaction that can make the biggest difference for a child. According to Laurie Bloom, the director of International Virtual Learning Academy, “most teachers and most students who are taking classes online say that they have more interaction with their teachers and students than they do in a traditional setting.”

But though the families of students enrolled in online programs rave about them, cultural resistance has been slow to fade. And winning hearts and minds isn’t the only hurdle to widespread adoption: Virtual education remains essentially illegal in many states, including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Seat-time requirements — which mandate that students’ butts be in classroom chairs, often within the sightline of a qualified teacher, for a certain number of hours — are a major barrier.

The only way online education companies can respond to concerns about quality and age-appropriateness is if they are given the chance to experiment and win over students and parents. Government policies need to be tweaked, and companies need investment to grow. But for online education to really take off, we need to let the chalkboard in the little red schoolhouse go, and learn to love the glow of a child’s face lit by a laptop screen.

For more information on Global Student Network’s online curriculum for public, private, and charter schools, go to: www.globalstudentnetwork.com/school

For more information about enrolling your child in International Virtual Learning Academy, go to: www.internationalvla.com

For generations this ditty has reflected little more than wishful thinking. Now 450,000 children in the United States can sincerely sing this anti-school rhyme because they’ve abandoned traditional schools for online education. Released from crowded classrooms, kids are jumping onto the electronic bandwagon in ever-increasing numbers. Global Student Network, a provider of online curriculum to public, private and charter schools, has over 35,000 students using it’s curriculum in over 250 school districts nationwide.

Though cyber schooling hasn’t come close to replacing traditional schools, some business leaders like Bill Gates to Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, have gone on record with their assertion that online has a promising future. (In his 2010 annual letter, Gates said his foundation would be funding projects that further the development of online learning.)

In the past decade, e-learning has spread into new terrain and thereby transformed its fly-by-night reputation. The vast majority of homeschoolers now use online curriculum like Global Student Network‘s online curriculum. Again, A number of charter schools have also adopted online programs, and some traditional schools are offering e-learning options as well. “In the last five years, online learning has become much more proven and mainstream,” says Don Posson, VP of Operations and Technology for Global Student Network, and Superintendent of International Virtual Learning Academy. “It’s differentiated, engaging, and it really provides the ideal situation for many students.”

Research firm Ambient Insight predicts that some 10.5 million students in preschool through high school will take at least some online classes by 2014.

The most obvious appeal for online courses is the electronic medium itself. Textbooks can get boring, and e-learning can provide a variety of multi-media presentations to address each students learning needs. Students are able to stay connected to their learning more easily.

For other students, online learning promises an escape from the petri dish phenomenon: emotional and physical settings that are anything but healthy. With the current economic conditions nationwide, schools are cutting back to basics, class sizes are increasing, and teachers are more challenged then ever just to maintain order in the brick-and-mortar classroom.

In online environments, students don’t have to worry about teasing and bullying, the distractions of noisy classrooms, and the multitude of personality issues that create environments where learning is difficult. For many students, e-learning provides a healthy environment. Physically, emotionally, and mentally. Students have less chance of getting sick because of someone ill coming to school and spreading flu’s and colds.

Online education has also proved to be a boon for those who need more time — or less. Fast learners are able to accelerate their learning without being slowed down by the rest of the class. Slower learners are able to take the time they need to master concepts, without embarassment or pressure from the rest of the class. Every student is able to go deeper into materials they are struggling with so they can master essential concepts before moving on.

Time on task. It’s the goal of every teacher juggling administrative announcements, classroom disruptions, and countless other interruptions. Some kids claim this is the great boon of online learning: more time spent learning every day. There is a lot of wasted time in regular school — changing classes, administrative stuff.

Doug, an ninth-grader from the International Virtual Learning Academy, claims that he gets “twice the work done that I was doing in eight hours in three or four hours, with a quarter of the stress!” For him, it’s as much a matter of avoiding the time suck of social drama: “There are less distractions in online school; I’m not caught up in other peoples issues.”

Some kids with special needs or learning disabilities may find online curriculum more personalized than a teacher attempting to meet the needs of 35 students at once. According to Laurie Bloom, Director of International Virtual Learning Academy. many mildly autistic students find that they can focus and learn better with a computer.

Though the previous reasons may be the most commonly cited for choosing online schools, the list is far from complete. Here are several more reasons why parents might consider e-learning for their kids, either as a supplement to their studies or an alternative:

Is it a long, inconvenient commute to the nearest school?

Are you concerned about dangers at school — such as drugs, sexting, and gang violence?

Do you want to shield your child from ideas you disagree with?

Does your child adore computers?

Do you want to travel abroad for a year and keep your kid on track with e-learning?

Does your curious teenager wish to take extra classes your small school doesn’t offer, such as french, sociology or forensic science?

Does your high schooler want to work during school hours? (He or she can study online at night.)

Is your child an athlete who needs to train in the daytime?

Does your child have emotional issues that make classroom dynamics difficult?

While online education is not yet a serious rival to traditional schooling, its appeal may expand as public schools lose funding and online curriculum becomes more sophisticated. Sure, it’s still a developing area, but as Posson notes, “Fifteen years ago everyone would have thought it impossible to do all our shopping and banking online, but now it is commonplace. Education can also be an online activity.”

Here are several questions to help you decide if your student should learn online.  Weigh the pros and cons of leaving the analog classroom behind with these seven steps.

How do you assess whether online learning is right for your children? By starting with the basics — how happy they are in traditional schools and how comfortable they are using technology — these seven pointers can help you as you think about making the switch.

1. Are your children happy, successful learners in traditional school settings?

2. If not, ask them why.

3. Do they like computers and electronic interaction?

4. Can your kids maintain a vibrant social life if they’re not at a traditional school?

5. Explain to your children that online learning demands self-motivation. If they resist this, don’t pursue it.

6. Have your children try out some online education study samples to see if they enjoy studying online. Both Global Student Network and International Virtual Learning Academy offers lesson demos for the student and parent.

7. Examine all the e-learning options carefully. Is there one that is ideal for your kids’ specific needs?

For more information about Global Student Network, a provider of online curriculum for homeschoolers, go to: www.globalstudentnetwork.com/homeschool.

For more information about International Virtual Learning Academy, a private, accredited online school, go to: www.InternationalVLA.com

As growing populations of homeschoolers emerge; online programs have come to define the ground between homeschooling and personalized school-at-home education.

Homeschool Facts subscribers have voiced their opinion. For two years running, HS Facts “Best-in-Class” survey has recognized International Virtual Learning Academy for their excellence in online education.

Schools such as International Virtual Learning Academy (IVLA) help each student maximize his or her potential by combining the innovation of online learning with the supportive environment of homeschooling.
International Virtual Learning Academy is a private, accredited online school-at-home program for students in grades 3-12. IVLA provides a high quality curriculum and exceptional state-certified teachers.

IVLA uses Global Student Network’s online curriculum, combining:

• Customized online textbooks and materials from leading curriculum experts,
• Engaging resources from innovators in online learning,
• Lessons and instructional media from their own curriculum experts.

At the time of enrollment, IVLA enrolls:

• The student in a portal that includes all required materials in a comprehesnsive, easy-to-use online learning management portal
• The parent in a read-only version of the student portal. Parents can see and assist their students through their courses, at the same time receiving the expertise and assistance of highly qualified teachers

International Virtual Learning Academy provides a dedicated teacher who works directly with both the student and parent  to develop an individual learning plan, provide instruction, and evaluate assignments. Instruction and administration are conducted through the outstanding learning management system and integrated communication tools. Every IVLA teacher is fully committed to each child’s educational success.

With the best resources at their fingertips, IVLA students explore and master required core subjects: language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. At each grade level, students go beyond the basics to lay the groundwork for future academic success:

• Building a solid foundation in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Developing lifelong learning and analytical skills.
• Encouraging exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

International Virtual Learning Academy has been recognized as “Best-in-Class” by Homeschool Facts subscribers for two years in a row. See for yourself how IVLA brings the classroom to you: www.InternationalVLA.com

In today’s economy, many homeschool families look for ways to cut education costs without sacrificing the quality of education. With the rapid development of online education, families can now have the best of both worlds – high quality online education at a very reasonable price.  While cost is only one factor that families should consider in choosing their child’s education, they no longer have to decide between cost and quality.

For the past several years, families were sometimes forced to choose between free public schools, and homeschooling. New technology now offers a third choice, private, accredited, online school-at-home programs.

This article won’t discuss the free public education option at all, so if that’s still a decision factor, it won’t be much help here.

This article discusses the two other options: Homeschooling vs. School-at-home programs. So, what are the differences between homeschooling your child yourself, and enrolling in a private online school?

Homeschooling:  Over the past decade, homeschooling has grown substantially as a viable education option for many families. A homeschool family is one that, for a variety of reasons, has pulled out of the traditional education system in order to have direct and complete control of the education of their students. The parents make all decisions regarding the curriculum their children will use, if any; how they will assess their children, and when they consider their children to have completed their education. Because the parents are typically not licensed educators, very few homeschool programs are eligible for accreditation. Although this should not be a strong deterrent for committing to homeschooling, it is a factor that should be considered. There is a great resource of information on this topic at: http://www.globalstudentnetwork.com/homeschool/blog/

School-at-Home (Private Distance Education Schools):  Good online schools have professionally trained educators and faculty to provide high quality, flexible education support to families. Many seek and receive regional accreditation. Accreditation is the official recognition that a school of any type uses curriculum developed by professionals and that is evaluated by accrediting agencies to guarantee that the curriculum is in line with local, state, and federal academic standards. Enrolling your children in an accredited distance learning program means you’ll never have to worry about colleges accepting classes, or questioning the accuracy of transcripts.

Another strength of many distance learning private schools, such as International Virtual Learning Academy, is that they provide students with individualized instructional programs based on each child’s specific needs. Many times, students struggle to understand complex concepts, and as parents, we sometimes find it difficult to explain or help our children in these circumstances. With the help of a private online school, students have access to a variety of different teachers and to numerous programs that will assist in the learning process.

A third advantage of some online private schools is that they combine the strengths of private schooling and home schooling?  This hybrid model where the school’s staff and faculty support the parent’s direct academic involvement in their children brings out the best in children and provides educational opportunities not previously available to many homeschoolers.

Not sure which option is best for you? One company, Global Student Network can help you navigate through your decision. Global Student Network provides a public school online curriculum directly to homeschool families. With this option, the parent is in charge of their child’s education from start to finish, and has total authority of their student’s education.

Global Student Network also collaborates with International Virtual Learning Academy, a private, accredited online school for grades 3-12.

International Virtual Learning Academy offers a less expensive private school alternative. Tuition at most private schools is very expensive and can compare in cost to sending your children to college. However, IVLA’s tuition is surprisingly affordable, and costs a fraction of the tuition of a bricks and mortar schools charge.

By choosing a private online school, you also avoid the “oops” cost of homeschooling, those expensive mistakes of purchasing textbooks and workbooks that aren’t quite adequate or what you expected. When this occurs, not only do you have the cost of the original purchase, but then the replacement purchase as well. How many times have you purchased a curriculum or a textbook only to find that it’s not quite what you expected?

Homeschooling is time-intensive, and your time is money—whether you work outside the home or work full time within your home. Your time developing a teaching strategy, pouring over curriculum options, trying to figure out how to provide a report card and diploma, etc., is no longer an issue. By enrolling in a school-at-home academy like IVLA, the school staff manages all of these aspects of your child’s education. This works well for many parents that just don’t feel qualified to teach certain subjects or don’t feel qualified to do it all on their own.

When it comes to your child’s education, your ability to provide a caring, comfortable, and positive environment is second nature to International Virtual Learning Academy. IVLA understands and works directly with each student’s parents to ensure that all students receive a high quality education.

•    Value Laden Education at International Virtual Learning Academy:
•    Uses high quality curriculum developed by a public school district and used by over 30,000 school-at-home students world-wide
•    Accredited by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools – One of the “Big Six” accrediting bodies.
•    Highly qualified teachers for each course – Master’s degree and licensed teacher.
•    Affordable – surprisingly so. Contact IVLA at: 877-878-6001 for more information.

Do you have what it takes to go to high school online? It is not for the faint of heart or the weak of spirit. It will be just as demanding, actually more demanding, than traditional high schools.

Not that you should be easily scared off, but it is well worth thinking through several of the important issues before jumping in with both feet.  Here are six points that will help you decide if being an online high school student is right for you:

1. Difficulty: Being an online high school student is at least as difficult as being a traditional student and some find it more difficult. There are a number of reasons for this including keeping up the motivation to get the work done (as opposed to the teacher).

2. Fit. Find a school that has the right model for you. If you know that you will need extra time to complete courses, do not choose a program that is semester-based. If you know that you need set deadlines in order to complete work, do not choose a program that has open-ended or far in the future deadlines.

3. Level of Independence: Choose a collaborative arrangement that works for you. If you work best in isolation, do not choose a program that requires group work. If you need the support of other students, do not choose a program that is primarily independent study.

4. Media/Online Learning Curriculum: Choose a program that uses the type of media which works for you. If you need audio and video files, find the programs that offer those resources.

5. Learning Level: If you are an adult and want to be in a program that focuses on adults, choose one. If you are a teen and do not want to be “in class” with adults, select a program that only allows the under-18 crowd.

6. Commitment: Commit to doing the work. The #1 reason for students failing to complete a program is a lack of commitment. You can do it. You need to decide that you will do it.

Online learning provides many advantages for students at the high school level, but you it is important to go in with eyes wide open. Understand limitations, understand the limitations of learning online, and understand the limitations of the specific program.

Don Posson is the Superintendent of International Virtual Learning Academy, a private, accredited online school that serves students in grades 3-12 from throughout the world. IVLA uses Global Student Network’s online curriculum and learning management system as the backbone of their virtual school.

High school is an important time for students.  It is a time of preparation where students transition the knowledge and study habits of elementary and middle school into preparation for college and career. Choosing an Online High School is an important family decision.  Families choose homeschooling for a wide variety of reasons. Whatever those reasons, online learning has become a popular option for many high school homeschoolers.

Online learning offers students tremendous benefits in terms of increased course access, stronger engagement and individualized support, and development of 21st century skills. In fact, because of these benefits – over 1 million K-12 students participated in some form of online learning last year and studies show that on average, students perform equally well or better academically in online learning.

In addition to finding the right blend of school staffing to fit your student’s learning needs, finding a curriculum that meets your student’s specific learning needs is also very important. Online learning can offer a broader and more custom curriculum for your child, to better meet their needs and desires for the future. Today, top quality curriculum and certified instructors can be found on the internet to assist students with learning disabilities, those having trouble or needing additional instruction in a particular subject, gifted students looking for courses they can’t find in their own school, as well as students who want to prepare for college courses and placement exams like the SAT and ACT.

International Virtual Learning Academy offers an engaging program that allows students to master concepts at their pace. In IVLA’s online environment, students are just as involved in study as they would be in a classroom, if not more. The media-rich online curriculum engages students using interactive activities, live discussion forums, and audio and visual aids. Students can complete courses faster, catch up or explore a subject in depth. And teachers and a learning coach are available during the day by phone and online office hours, and virtually anytime via email and chat.

Online Learning also integrates the development of 21st century skills. Online learning is an exceptional method for helping a high school student achieve their goals by providing an intriguing and effective means to comprehend and achieve mastery of course content and earn credits toward graduation. It also builds computer-technology and higher-order thinking skills that are critical for success in today’s digital age.

Online learning allows your student to—

• Learn on their own schedule:  Students can login and work on courses at any time of day, any day of the week. it’s easy to stay on schedule.
• Students develop study habits that help them succeed: Online learning means you and your student are in charge; with help if you need it, students will begin to develop study habits that lead to effective learning.
• Interact with teachers anytime:  Enjoying one-on-one communication with homeroom and subject-matter teachers, our students never get “lost in the crowd” or feel awkward about asking questions in front of large groups.
• Research and submit assignments the easy way: Students have access to a variety of online resources for research and submit assignments electronically. Teachers provide their feedback electronically, within 72 hours of receiving a completed assignment.
• Graduate with a high school diploma: International Virtual Learning Academy grants students a high school diploma and transcript that will be recognized by colleges and universities around the country.

International Virtual Learning Academy is a private accredited school that serves students throughout the world and offers a high-quality, flexible alternative to the traditional learning experience. IVLA serves students in grades 3-12. The Academy offers a wide variety of online, media-rich courses, all backed by more than 30 years of distance learning experience.

For more information, or to enroll now, go to: International Virtual Learning Academy