Public, Private, or Home Education?
The
traditional method of late, in the education arena, is the brick and
mortar public schools. They take in all of our students, no matter how
gifted, special needs, or normal. But, it seems as if this isn't for
everyone.
So what are the options? Well, one obvious option are private schools, whether they are faith based or independent. Of course your child probably can't have a special need, as most private schools don't handle these situations unless you are able to afford not only tuition and uniforms, but a tutor for school as well, if your child has learning issues.
Then there is straight up home schooling. And then wonder what curriculum do you want to use, and how much money do you have to spend ON that curriculum? Do you have support within your family to pull it off? And then what about subjects that are getting difficult in the upper levels? There are many different ones out there, and only you can make that decision. On the up side, you might want to check your local library to see if they have materials you can check out. It's very handy when you don't have money to sink into it, but want to curtail your child's education specifically to your child.
On the other hand, there is another option that is becoming more and more popular. It's the virtual schooling program for the k12 levels. It's a public school, and the kids still attend classes, though they are online. You get a link to go into these e-classrooms, and of course there is a white board rather than a black board, and the teacher is there to talk to the class.
No worries, your child will have the opportunity to ask private questions, as well as participate within the full class, and has the choice to type or talk to the class. There are even study halls available for extra help if your child needs. The only requirement is that your child not be so special needs that they can't operate a computer properly.
In the virtual schools, you get your regular teacher, a student-learning-advocate (SLA), and if a special needs student, a special teacher to make home visits also. The curriculum is sent to you, as well as a school computer, and if you need help with stuff, they will give it to you. And since you don't use a school library, rather than a library fee, it's a technology fee. If you're low income, you can get that waived, because most k12 virtual schools are also public schools that work within a district, and meet state standards. And because your child eats at home, yet you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you may be able to get a little bit of help with your cable bill as well at the end of the school year.
What's nice, is that the school works with you, even if it's online, and you always have the phone if you need that too. And, because it's home based, you still have the power to guide your child through life lessons as that comes up. It's the best of public and home school education.
Of course some of the things are on the honor system, such as if you do a physical education regimen. That is required, as well. But no worries, it's not as bad as you think. Yard work, a walk around the block, a swim in a friend's pool, that all counts.
There are slightly different versions, and it's up to you what you want to do. There's the two main ones, Virtual Academy or the Virtual Learning. In Wisconsin, there's WIVA (Wisconsin Virtual Academy), WVL (Wisconsin Virtual Learning) and WIVC (Wisconsin Virtual Connection). Look up your state's ones, to see what you can pick from. We like WVL for my son. It's amazing how much my son has progressed through the system, and is actually doing a great job.
While yes, it does take a little bit of a sacrifice, because you do have to be around to field technical problems and to be the home tutor, but, you can work around the course work part as your schedule allows, and that's just fine and dandy.
We chose to do the virtual schools because of the fact that my son quit learning in the brick and mortar schools, and they would NOT allow me, as the parent to be more proactive with him. But, as for the education, since I'd be in charge, I didn't want to go it alone, so, I looked into it. It's amazing the transformation, and my son went from being way behind to pretty much on task in just a few short years.
Worried about socialization? It's easier than you think. Most of us are somewhat active in a faith based community, and these are great ways to ensure that your child is with other peers, in a safe setting during the school year. Of course there are other things too, such as youth sports, and other civic organizations to keep your kids active. There are teen, tween and parent/child based volunteer activities too, so the possibilities are endless. You may want to check in with friends and relatives with kids near the same age as yours. Do play dates and more. Camping and other local activities are also good to look into.
Here in Racine, WI, we have River Bend Nature Center, Yogi Bear Campground, Root River, local museums, and more. Kiwanis sports are also an option.
So, if you are frustrated with your child's current school, and there aren't many options within that school district, I strongly suggest checking out the virtual programs. You just may enjoy it. My son and my husband grew a strong bond with each other as stepfather and stepson with doing the virtual schooling at home. It even wore my husband out... And my son kept on trucking, to the point that he's very independent in getting stuff done, and even turns it in online too... My little boy is growing up, and getting smarter by the day. I couldn't be prouder, and I'm glad I made the decision. His online teachers are very good too.
So what are the options? Well, one obvious option are private schools, whether they are faith based or independent. Of course your child probably can't have a special need, as most private schools don't handle these situations unless you are able to afford not only tuition and uniforms, but a tutor for school as well, if your child has learning issues.
Then there is straight up home schooling. And then wonder what curriculum do you want to use, and how much money do you have to spend ON that curriculum? Do you have support within your family to pull it off? And then what about subjects that are getting difficult in the upper levels? There are many different ones out there, and only you can make that decision. On the up side, you might want to check your local library to see if they have materials you can check out. It's very handy when you don't have money to sink into it, but want to curtail your child's education specifically to your child.
On the other hand, there is another option that is becoming more and more popular. It's the virtual schooling program for the k12 levels. It's a public school, and the kids still attend classes, though they are online. You get a link to go into these e-classrooms, and of course there is a white board rather than a black board, and the teacher is there to talk to the class.
No worries, your child will have the opportunity to ask private questions, as well as participate within the full class, and has the choice to type or talk to the class. There are even study halls available for extra help if your child needs. The only requirement is that your child not be so special needs that they can't operate a computer properly.
In the virtual schools, you get your regular teacher, a student-learning-advocate (SLA), and if a special needs student, a special teacher to make home visits also. The curriculum is sent to you, as well as a school computer, and if you need help with stuff, they will give it to you. And since you don't use a school library, rather than a library fee, it's a technology fee. If you're low income, you can get that waived, because most k12 virtual schools are also public schools that work within a district, and meet state standards. And because your child eats at home, yet you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you may be able to get a little bit of help with your cable bill as well at the end of the school year.
What's nice, is that the school works with you, even if it's online, and you always have the phone if you need that too. And, because it's home based, you still have the power to guide your child through life lessons as that comes up. It's the best of public and home school education.
Of course some of the things are on the honor system, such as if you do a physical education regimen. That is required, as well. But no worries, it's not as bad as you think. Yard work, a walk around the block, a swim in a friend's pool, that all counts.
There are slightly different versions, and it's up to you what you want to do. There's the two main ones, Virtual Academy or the Virtual Learning. In Wisconsin, there's WIVA (Wisconsin Virtual Academy), WVL (Wisconsin Virtual Learning) and WIVC (Wisconsin Virtual Connection). Look up your state's ones, to see what you can pick from. We like WVL for my son. It's amazing how much my son has progressed through the system, and is actually doing a great job.
While yes, it does take a little bit of a sacrifice, because you do have to be around to field technical problems and to be the home tutor, but, you can work around the course work part as your schedule allows, and that's just fine and dandy.
We chose to do the virtual schools because of the fact that my son quit learning in the brick and mortar schools, and they would NOT allow me, as the parent to be more proactive with him. But, as for the education, since I'd be in charge, I didn't want to go it alone, so, I looked into it. It's amazing the transformation, and my son went from being way behind to pretty much on task in just a few short years.
Worried about socialization? It's easier than you think. Most of us are somewhat active in a faith based community, and these are great ways to ensure that your child is with other peers, in a safe setting during the school year. Of course there are other things too, such as youth sports, and other civic organizations to keep your kids active. There are teen, tween and parent/child based volunteer activities too, so the possibilities are endless. You may want to check in with friends and relatives with kids near the same age as yours. Do play dates and more. Camping and other local activities are also good to look into.
Here in Racine, WI, we have River Bend Nature Center, Yogi Bear Campground, Root River, local museums, and more. Kiwanis sports are also an option.
So, if you are frustrated with your child's current school, and there aren't many options within that school district, I strongly suggest checking out the virtual programs. You just may enjoy it. My son and my husband grew a strong bond with each other as stepfather and stepson with doing the virtual schooling at home. It even wore my husband out... And my son kept on trucking, to the point that he's very independent in getting stuff done, and even turns it in online too... My little boy is growing up, and getting smarter by the day. I couldn't be prouder, and I'm glad I made the decision. His online teachers are very good too.
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