Increasingly, American families overseas are seeking alternative educational solutions for their children.

For the U.S. family working and living overseas, there are typically three options.

Existing traditional school systems: These schools range from Department of Defense (DODEA) schools with a traditional U.S. curriculum, to private schools that use a preferred curriculum and instructional pedagogy adopted by that school. DODEA schools, for those eligible, are provide an educational environment similar to most U.S. Public schools. Private schools, ranging from moderately priced to very expensive may meet the needs of U.S. families living overseas.

Homeschooling: Homeschooling overseas is very similar to homeschooling in the U.S. The family either designs their own curriculum, or uses courses provided by curriculum companies. As in U.S. Homeschooling, the parent is the primary teacher, and also serves as the principal, dean, and coach.

School-at-Home: Unlike homeschooling, school-at-home programs are provided by public and private schools established to serve students worldwide. In school-at-home programs, the school provides a teacher, and has administrative staff (principal, counselor, etc.) to support the child’s learning needs. School-at-home programs range from inexpensive to expensive, text-based mail-in programs to online education delivery options.

Many employers recognize that family and education are key considerations for employee retention at overseas locations, and provide flexibility in supporting the family’s learning options. When the family opts for homeschooling or school-at-home opportunities, the employers may provide financial resources to support the family’s choice.

Which options to use:

Homeschooling:

Global Student Network has been providing an outstanding U.S. based curriculum for several years to overseas homeschool families. This is a Virtual Curriculum for grades 2-12. Each of the 90+ courses was developed by a nationally certified teacher, and is deeply rooted in the National Academic Content Standards. Delivered via the internet, courses are accessible 24/7. Fully customizable for every student’s unique learning needs.

Find out why over 25,000+ families and students worldwide have chosen Global Student Network as their On-line Homeschool Curriculum.

* Approved by the U.S. Department of State for overseas families, International IDEA, World-Wide IDEA, and over 185 public school districts.

* High quality, standards based curriculum gives families all the tools they need to provide for their children’s educational needs.

* Homeschool parents are enrolled in the “teachers” module, which includes the answer keys.

* Global Student Network provides course selection assistance, transcripts, certificates of completion, and diplomas for the parents to issue to their children.

How it Works

* License fee includes unlimited courses for the duration of the 365 day license. Students can select new courses as they complete.

* Check out Global Student Network free on-line demo. Use the student, parent and teacher modules to see how students complete and submit assignments, and the lessons appear to be graded, including the answer keys.

* Submit the on-line enrollment form, and your student will be enrolled within 24 hours of processing. Parents will receive “teacher” and student passwords via e-mail.

School-at-Home

International Virtual Learning Academy (IVLA): The International Virtual Learning Academy is a California private school, serving students in Grades 3-12 worldwide, through its unique online independent study program. IVLA meets and/or exceeds national content standards and offers High school diplomas, transcripts, and transfer assistance.

As a private school, IVLA complies with all statutory requirements and is authorized to award a California High School diploma to any student who completes the requirements for graduation. Please feel free to review our website and learn more about this exciting new concept of educating your child in today’s world.

BENEFITS OF IVLA:

* 100% Online Distance Learning
* Online classes available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
* Enroll anytime and start immediately
* Study at a pace that suits your lifestyle
* 90+ Courses Offered
* Curriculum aligned to National Standards
* Academic Advisors (Counselor) Assistance
* Great student services and support
* Individual Courses Available
* Full Diploma Programs
* Summer School
* Academic Advisor (counselor)

Students of all ages living abroad and anywhere where they have access to a computer with the internet can enroll IVLA.

Many online international students have successfully used our curriculum and have been able to go on to the college or university of their choice in the United States.

Since IVLA is a private online school without a physical campus, we do not issue student visa for study in the United States. It is important that the student can read, write and speak English to take our courses.

For more information, check out: International Virtual Learning Academy

From the HSDLA News page:

On Monday, June 23, 2008, HSLDA founder Mike Farris argued in defense of homeschooling in the California Court of Appeal in the now-infamous Rachel L. case. In February, this same court had ruled that homeschooling is illegal in California. The court later vacated its own decision in response to a request for rehearing filed by attorney for the father, Gary Kreep of the United States Justice Foundation, with substantial assistance by Farris and other attorneys at HSLDA. Farris argued as a friend of the court on behalf of HSLDA’s 15,000 member families in California, as well as Focus on the Family, and Private and Home Educators of California.

Farris was joined in his defense of homeschooling by lawyers representing the Attorney General and Governor of California, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, California’s three largest homeschooling groups (California Homeschool Network, Homeschool Association of California and Christian Home Educators of California), Pacific Justice Institute on behalf of Sunland Christian School, and Alliance Defense Fund lawyer Jeff Shafer, on behalf of the family.

“The weight of legal and scholarly authority presented to this court in defense of homeschooling is unprecedented,” said Farris, who has argued dozens of similar cases since founding HSLDA 25 years ago.

In addition to those who presented oral argument, friend-of-the-court briefs in support of the right of parents to homeschool were submitted by Pacific Legal Foundation, National Legal Foundation, Sutherland Institute, Liberty Counsel on behalf of 13 members of Congress, Gifted Homeschoolers Forum, et al, Seventh Day Adventist Church State Council, Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence (prepared by noted law professors David Llewellyn, John Eastman, and Erwin Chemerinsky), American Center for Law and Justice and The Western Center for Law and Policy.

Farris is guardedly optimistic that the three-judge panel will not repeat its earlier error, but he covets your prayers. “The homeschooling movement has been successful not because of the work of lawyers but because the Lord has blessed it,” noted Farris. “We must always remember Proverbs 21:1—‘The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever he wishes.’ ”

A decision is expected within a few weeks.

To read stay up to date on this case, visit this blog or HSLDA’s News Page