Online High School

Issue No. 2

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Why Consider an Online Education?

For students and families considering an alternative path to a high school education, online learning is worth exploring. There are many factors to consider when researching online high schools, including the cost and style of programs. We've provided background information on each to make the decision easier. If you are still unsure whether online learning will be a good fit, take this interactive quiz for more insight.

The Benefits of Online Learning

For many students and families, especially those in unconventional situations with fewer options, it may be preferable to earn a high school diploma entirely online. Some students are unable to enroll at a brick-and-mortar school if a parent is in the military or works in an industry that requires the family to move frequently. Online education also appeals to young athletes, entertainers, actors, and musicians who need a curriculum that accommodates their busy schedules. While their education won't be tied to a particular time or place, academic expectations will still be rigorous and will prepare the learner to graduate on time.

The Benefits of Online Learning

Students in rural areas may elect an online high school if a brick-and-mortar school is too far from home. Some rural school districts directly partner with third-party education providers for part-time and full-time online instruction. On the other extreme, students attending overcrowded or unsafe schools – especially public schools neglecting the safety of individual students – may find that an online environment suits them best.

The Benefits of Online Learning

Other students who find fully online programs appealing include those whose personal struggles — be they physical or emotional — have made attending a physical high school untenable. Chronically ill students, for example, may find it easier to complete their work online at a pace that allows for downtime and medical treatment. Students who are easily distracted, upset by bullying from peers, or in need of a great deal of one-on-one teaching may find an online environment is a better fit for them than a traditional classroom.

Cost of an online high school education

The cost of an online high school largely depends on the school. Most public and charter schools are supported by the state's school districts and have few tuition fees outside of additional costs for certain textbooks, software and hardware requirements, school supplies, and optional events like field trips. When reviewing any public or chartered program, look for a list of estimated out-of-pocket expenses on the school's website or contact school administrators for a detailed description of costs.

Cost of an online high school education

Private schools, on the other hand, receive little to no government funding and so the families of enrolled students bear the costs of attendance, including tuition and fees. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, tuition for a secondary private school is, on average, around $13,000 a year. Private schools may have other added benefits that offset cost, like career counseling, one-on-one tutoring, a diverse pool of electives, and a robust AP program for earning college credits. Depending on a student's needs, both private and public online schools offer several options to meet a diverse number of educational needs.

Types of Online Learning

One of the biggest benefits of an online education is the ability for students and families to choose from different styles of learning models. There are three common approaches to online learning at the high school level.

Number of Supplemental Course Enrollments (Sample of Public Schools)

Many educators use the terms synchronous (video chats, video conferencing) and asynchronous (email, discussion boards) e-learning to describe the hybrid learning approach. Whereas asynchronous approaches allow students flexibility and self-paced instruction, synchronous learning provides community and support for digital learners. This combination is best presented in a blended or hybrid program, where at least 30% of the course is online. Many states also prefer this model of learning and have passed legislation that supports blended programs as a primary method of online education over fully online programs.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another approach that often uses a combination of online courses, at-home instruction, and social interaction through local communities and networks. This arrangement works well for parents who are not as adept at teaching particular subjects, such as those in advanced high school curriculum. Online teachers can instruct courses in their entirety, but often encourage parental involvement, especially in the early years, so students develop strong study skills needed for success in online learning.

Homeschooling

Homeschool parents can also turn to online programs for high-quality AP classes or other online classes that give students an opportunity to earn early college credit. In short, online education ensures a homeschooled student's transition to college or the working world has a degree of professional oversight and support.

Evaluating Online Schools

As a relatively new development in learning, online schools aren't governed by clear quality standards across states. That's why it's so important for students and parents to research their options to find an online high school that fits their specific education needs. When choosing an online school, consider the social needs of the student.

Evaluating Online Schools

When researching schools, it's also important to understand what kind of academic standards and assessments are in place to ensure students are getting a quality education. Consider whether the school offers AP courses online and whether they belong to a state consortium or have received national or regional accreditation. Explore what kind of academic support is in place for students who may struggle, like online tutoring or self-paced classes, as well.

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