What Parents Should Know About Virtual Schools

What Parents Should Know About Virtual Schools

Are you considering online high school for your child? If so, you’re not alone. More and more parents are choosing virtual education options for their kids. But with so many virtual homeschool programs for grades 6-12, how do you know which one is right for your family? In this blog post, we’ll outline the basics of virtual schooling and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your family.

What Are Virtual Schools?

Virtual schools, also known as online schools or online homeschool programs or distance learning programs, are educational options that allow students to learn and complete their coursework mostly (if not fully) online. They typically offer a range of online classes and curricula, allowing students to tailor their education to suit their individual learning needs. Unlike other virtual schools, Sora’s curriculum includes exciting courses designed by in-house curriculum designers, spanning from Biodiversity in 2100, Minecraft Math, The Physics of Gaming, Food Science and more.

There are many different factors to consider when choosing the best online high school program for your family. Some of the key considerations include the curriculum options available, the quality of online instruction, and whether or not you have access to online tutoring and other supportive resources. Other points of consideration include student engagement, studies show that when students engage in active learning and enjoy what they learn, they retain information better and overall they view the courses in a more positive light.

What is a Homeschooling Curriculum?

A homeschooling curriculum is a set of educational materials and activities, often aligned with a specific learning philosophy, that are designed to help families teach their children at home.

There are many different types of online homeschooling programs available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some online homeschooling programs include online middle & high school, online tutoring services, ‘a la carte’ online courses for specific subjects or grade levels, and online resources for parents to aid the child so they may act as a coach. At Sora, students are encouraged to be in the driver’s seat of their education, with the ability to tailor courses based on their interests. Parents are encouraged to connect with one another so that the whole family has access to a supportive network.

What to Look For in an Online School

When choosing an online middle or high school, it is important to consider a variety of elements, including the quality of instruction, the availability and quality of online resources, and whether or not the school offers flexible scheduling options. Other key considerations may include the range of course offerings, the variety of extracurricular activities available to students online, other student support services and possibly the most important aspect – accreditation.

Some Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of virtual schools like Sora is that they can offer a great deal of flexibility and customization. Students are able to choose from a range of online classes to fit their needs, allowing them to help design their own educational experiences. Additionally, online schools can be a great option for busy parents who need more flexibility in their schedule or those who want to avoid the stress and hassle of traditional school environments.

More on Flexibility

In online schools, students can access their course materials and complete assignments at any time of day or night from anywhere in the world with internet access. Even while some courses may be synchronous (like at Sora), this encourages students to work when is best for them.

This flexibility allows students to balance academic responsibilities with other commitments like work or family obligations. It also allows them to pursue their studies at a pace that best suits their needs and abilities, whether they need extra time for a particular subject or have the desire to move through course material quickly.

High-Quality Curriculum

Online high schools that are accredited by reputable bodies like state education departments or national/regional accrediting agencies (such as Cognia and WASC) typically offer high-quality online curricula that are tailored to meet the needs of online students. Accredited online high school courses and programs are often developed by educational experts, focusing on engaging lesson content and interactive activities. Sora takes this a step further and designs a rigorous and challenging course that will promote mastery, but also be enjoyable for the student.

Accreditation and Preparation for the Next Phase In Life

Accreditation is a seal of approval affirming that an educational institution meets high-quality standards. It ensures the validity of an institution’s accreditations and that other universities and businesses recognize the credentials it awards. For students, accreditation means they can be certain their academic qualifications, skills, and knowledge will be recognized as legitimate wherever they go- college, the workforce, etc. Employers also benefit as it helps in the far-reaching process of reviewing a candidate’s credentials for hiring or promotion purposes. Accrediting bodies such as Cognia, WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) involve an evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use. It demonstrates that they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards & support quality education.

Supportive Community

Many online schools also have vibrant online communities where students can connect with their peers, receive support from teachers and staff, and participate in online discussions, group activities, and other collaborative learning opportunities.

With the right online school, your child can thrive both academically and socially, all while enjoying the many benefits of online learning. In addition to these key benefits, virtual schools can also offer students additional academic support like tutoring services or access to online learning resources like online libraries or academic databases. So if you’re considering enrolling your child in an online school, be sure to do your research and find a program that best meets your child’s needs and interests.

Sora’s admissions team hosts weekly info sessions encouraged to show families all that Sora has to offer. Register here for more information on the next session

Interested In Learning More? 

If you’d like to learn more about our innovative middle & high school program, click here to speak with our admissions team.

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