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Our state apparently has a great online public school system. We are moving to an area with terribly rated public schools and really expensive private schools. My DD is a quick learner, great with technology and I think she would really embrace and benefit from the self-paced structure of online school. Its different from homeschooling in that it is actually administered by licensed teachers in our state, although obviously it requires parental oversight and involvement (which DH and I are both excited about). Anyway, I'm seeing great reviews online but I don't know anyone in real life who has done this. Just curious if others had tested the waters and what your thoughts were. We would definitely make sure to make up for the social aspect by getting her involved with sports and activities and maybe a homeschool group.
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Not involved at public school level but DH developed and taught a couple of Master level programs at our university. Those students pay double the cost of regular [attendance] program but can complete their Masters without leaving their job no matter where they are situated. The success rate is phenomenal if participants are self motivated and they get attention one-on-one from a super qualified professor as well as working in a group cohort. The unanticipated benefit for students in that program is the important professional contacts that are established.
I know one of the teachers in a primary school program in Oregon and if parents are involved for motivation and can establish a socialization program to accompany learning finds her kids are ranking very high on the skill tests. The downside is that she has 50-55 kids per class. Not much one-on-one time for kids or parents. I think blogger Lucky Robin has looked into this at middle school level [see SA Blogs]
If I were faced with badly rated pubic schools, I'd visit the school DD would likely attend and ask pertinent questions as to why the test score are dismal. What is their focus? What are they doing right? If I didn't like what I saw and heard, I'd enroll my children in the virtual school and start preparing a curriculum for sports, crafts, enrichment trips/outing...live history, museums, science centre, visit farm or factory as is available in that location best arranged with home schooling groups. -
No, I haven't, but I have friends who have. Some love it, some hate it, it just really depends on your personality and whether the online school fits in with your educational philosophy.
We do homeschool. I much prefer the freedom to choose our own curriculum for each subject.
DawnComment
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I have worked for a couple online universities. Western Governors university is fully accredited and one of the most affordable anywhere including community colleges.Comment
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For clarification, I'm referring to online elementary school, not a college program. I imagine there are substantial differences between the twoComment
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