Have you considered homeschooling? How about online school? There are many reasons why you might consider virtual school over a brick-and-mortar education for your child. If the thought intimidates or overwhelms you, don't fret. I'm going to share 7 reasons you should consider a virtual school like Connections Academy, while debunking some myths along the way.
I've partnered with Connections Academy for this post.
I'm a true believer that each and every child is unique. Every child has different needs and abilities. You can't expect every kid to thrive with a "cookie cutter" experience. That goes for anything, but it's especially true for education. My sister-in-law and my nieces chose homeschooling a few years ago and at first I really couldn't understand why they wanted to do this. Wouldn't they miss their friends? How would they know they're measuring up to their peers? Would my sister-in-law know how to guide them through their primary education? The more I questioned, the more they answered. I soon realized there are so many reasons parents and children would choose homeschooling or virtual school from home. It's really a no-brainer in some cases.
7 reasons to choose virtual schooling
with Connections Academy
1.) You don't have to do it all on your own. Connections Academy schools are tuition-free, online public schools for students in grades K-12. Classes are taught by caring and talented teachers who are certified in their grade levels and subject areas. Every teacher has at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have a master’s or other advanced degree. So, you don't have to worry about not being qualified to educate your child. Connections Academy teachers will guide your child's education while keeping "what parents want" in mind.
2.) School doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all experience. Some children simply do not do well in traditional classroom settings. Maybe they have difficulty with sitting behind a desk for hours at a time, or maybe their learning style doesn't align with a classic or traditional education. Whatever the reason, some students need a more tailored approach. Because Connections Academy teachers know their students so well, they can tailor coursework to ensure that each student receives the proper level of challenge or support.
3.) There is plenty of socialization. This was one of the things I was most worried about for my nieces. I wondered if they'd miss out on learning valuable socialization skills. I quickly realized that schooling from home is only isolating if you make it that way. There are SO many unique opportunities for socializing with Connections Academy. Most schools have in-person graduation ceremonies and some schools have an annual prom!
Another way that Connections Academy builds socialization skills, communities and friendships is through online LiveLesson® sessions. These live sessions allow Connections Academy teachers to create and lead real-time, lively interactions of a traditional classroom, but in an online setting. Students can type or speak into a microphone to ask and answer questions and take part in group discussions. They're all about keeping students engaged while letting them build personal relationships with their peers.
4.) Learning can absolutely take place outside of school walls. This is a concept I'm truly beginning to understand and embrace now that my son is approaching Kindergarten. He's like a tiny sponge, absorbing all of the information around him. We recently started reading a book about space and he was enamored. I just knew we had to visit the Daytona Museum of Arts & Science to get more hands on.
Our little guy was completely enthralled with the exhibits. All of the details that we had read about came to life in a whole new way for him. His reactions were priceless and you could see his love for learning exploding.
This trip was a perfect example of how learning can take place outside of school walls. Even though our daughter is still quite young, she still got in on the action.
To her, it probably seemed like we were just stacking and counting, but her big brother made sure she knew all about gravity too.
Check out how students learn outside school walls with Connections Academy:
To see even more, search #OutsideSchoolWalls on social media.
5.) Your child can learn anywhere, anytime. With traditional schooling, it might be impossible to plan a vacation or visit long-distance family members without planning during scheduled school breaks. Thanks to Connexus®, the online engine that makes learning at Connections Academy possible, your child can learn wherever internet access is available. With virtual schooling, you'll have much more flexibility.
6.) Your kids will have more time to do the things they love. This was another surprising thing to me about virtual school. I didn't realize how much time is wasted on a normal school day. Think about how much time it takes for your child to get ready in the morning, how much time they spend in the car or on the bus to and from school, how much time they spend transitioning between classes during the day (we had 7 minutes in between classes and 7 classes per day in high school; that's 49 minutes per day that are essentially wasted). That time can add up to hours per day. That time can be much better spent on enriching activities or even real-life work experience if your child is old enough.
7.) You can leave the bullies behind. Let's face it, bullying has become an epidemic on campuses across the country. It's unfortunate, but some kids can't escape bullies who make them feel bad about themselves. When I was a child, when you got out of school at 3 PM, you got a break. There are no breaks with social media nowadays. With virtual schooling, you can provide a respite for your child. Enrolling them in a Connections Academy school can help them focus on learning and you can help them choose extracurricular activities where they feel welcomed and included.
So, what do you think? Are you considering virtual school for your children? What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear them in the comment section!
Rosie says
This is a great idea. I know people who do homeschooling, it really hard. This makes it a good situation for everyone! I'm surprised I never heard of it before.
Sapana V says
Nice option. It will help kids to know more and they become familiar with the technology.
Deborah D says
Looks like the kids learn a lot.
Bobbie T says
I have seriously been considering Online schooling for my daughter. She is picked on terribly at school and they don't seem to care- its sad! Thanks for the info!
mami2jcn says
I've been homeschooling for about 5 years but I'm looking into the virtual academy for when my kids get to high school. I think it's a great option!
Heather Cahill says
Nice points!
Mia says
I think this makes sense for many children of different ages. Good ways to be able to individualize learning for each child's needs.
Cathy Jarolin says
I actually think that Virtual schooling or Home Schooling is an awesome way for a child to be taught. All the one on one training is wonderful for them. They can learn more and get better help if they have a problem. Bullying is really a bad thing that's going around in schools more then ever. Being taught outside the school walls eliminates that problem. Thank you for this very informative post!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I think that the virtual schooling is a good option for those who have difficulty with regular school. I do like the one on one aspect.
Danielle Porter says
We looked into virtual schooling with our district school, but it was not a good option for our kids. We are homeschooling right now. I know many homeschoolers who do use virtual school though and love the curriculums!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
Your post gave me a lot of information and allayed my fears about homeschooling with a virtual school. Each child is different.
Barbara P. says
I certainly wish they had home schooling like they do today while I was growing up. I was bored in school and was more of a hands on learner. In the 60's so many of the teachers were older and set in their old ways. lol Many were crabby and impatient. I was also shy and afraid to ask questions. Home schooling would have been great.
Heather w says
I used to teach virtual school! Such an amazing tool for this generation to have.
Cynthia C says
It's nice to have options. I do think kids need a lot of interaction with their peers, so home schoolers need to keep that in mind.
Edye says
I went to school online and loved it! 🙂
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I'm homeschooling my 1st grader right now, but I also have a 3 year old and we would love more kiddos. I am taking it year by year, but I know it will get more challenging when my 2nd kiddo gets a bit older. Virtual school sounds like a great option to take some of the pressure off of me in schooling multiple children.
Caroline Duggan says
I have a lot of family nemebers that we're homeschooled or are being homeschooled and they love it. I have heard so many good things about this experience
Amber Ludwig says
I LOVE this so so much!! Its true, schools are awful these days!! Unfortunately they are underfunded, teachers are underpaid and the resources just aren't there. Id love being able to teach my son in an atmosphere that is comfortable and fun!
Maryann says
Great Post! Such great ideas
Kayla Norris says
My me of my favorite posts. My daughter is only
Two but home schooling has already come up in our house. Thanks for the info.
Sarah Piecznski says
I did a few courses online and loved it! Being a busy mom this helps out tremendously.
CHRISTY SWEENEY says
Having adopted children with various behavior and attachment disorders, homeschooling and virtual schooling has always been on my mind. They have struggled to fit the mold that public schools require.
Heather Karow says
This is really neat and I didn't realize how easy it was to get your child enrolled. I will definitely be looking into this more!
Karen Propes says
What a great concept. I wish I could have homeschooled my daughter when she was younger This is perfect, to take some of the load off the Parents. I think it would be good even if they are not homeschooled. So many times kis might not pick up or understand what the Teacher is teaching and with so many kids, they can't take and explain to each child. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica D. says
I like the idea of virtual schooling! It definitely has many advantages to it! This definitely clarifys most questions & concerns that goes along with VS!
Marti Tabora says
This seems like a good option for many people. My son took one virtual school class several years ago because he didn't pass the class at school. Afterwards he wished he had worked harder the first time because the virtual class was a lot more challenging than the initial class he failed in school.
wen budro says
That post was wonderful. I think that kids learn that school- and learning- can be fun also. Museums are a great place for kids to discover new things.
Linda Manns Linneman says
You are so right. All children learn differently and the school setting is not for all. My grandson has a problem with getting bored in school if he has to sit for to long. This sounds like a great program if the family can work it out. Thank you so much for sharing this great article
Heather Eavers says
I like this post. I admire those that can homeschool. I would never consider it for my strong willed older son. But I love the idea of hands on learning!
Lauryn R says
I couldn't agree more with this post! My husband and I decided before our first was even school-age that we would be homeschooling all of kids. The school system is just not the same anymore, and we feel much more comfortable teaching them ourselves. This virtual program sounds great, I will definitely check it out. Thank you so much for sharing.
denise low says
My kids are grown now. So I don't have to worry about this. I have a daughter that homeschools our grandkids. She prefers homeschooling than public schools.
Sandra Watts says
I would consider virtual school. I think it depends on the kid though.
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I'm definitely interested in learning more about virtual schooling. I love homeschooling my kiddo, but I want to make sure she is getting a very thorough education in every subject.
gloria patterson says
I am so glad that I don't have to face that question. I can see both sides and have questions about both sides. This is one of those "Damn if you and Damn if you don't" situation. I think it depends on how much the parent gets involved in the education. HARD
Holly Thomas says
I think this is a great idea.
molli taylor says
virtual schools are great option for kids who cant fitinto traditional school but whose parents feel ill equipped to homeschool. you get the best of both worlds!
Jennifer Trevino says
My children are too young for school, and I was thinking about homeschooling, Connections Academy looks like a great alternative.
Tabatha Riley says
I love hands on learning!
Autumn strickland says
My son is special needs and we homeschool and he excels at it and is so much more comfortable at home in his own safe environment
Pamela Smith says
My neighbors home school and the kids really enjoy it!
Melissa says
I wish I had known about virtual education while my kids were in school. It would have alleviated many of the daily issues we struggled with; harassment, bullying, assaults and ridicule. Love the one on one aspect.
Victoria Scott says
I have been thinking about this a lot lately and I may not have decided if it's right for my family, I sure am glad it's an option!!
Cathy Jarolin says
I really like the ideas behind Home Schooling and Virtual Schooling. The kids are more on a one to one Basis with their teacher in Home schooling and I believe can learn alot quicker and easier. Virtual school too is great . At least you know your child is getting every thing he needs out of schooling. Both of these programs work Wonderful to keep your child from being bullied in school. Seems to be so much of it now a days. :O( Thank You for posting this very interesting and informative Post!!
Margaret Appel says
When I went to school many of the classes were boring or incomprehensible. The teachers were charged with teaching several different subjects, not just one. I like the idea of Connections Academy schools where kids get a chance to learn from teachers teaching one subject and be challenged. I'll be sharing this program with my nephews who have small children so they can determine if this fits the best needs of their kids.
Miranda Welle says
These are many of the reasons we chose to homeschool! No bullies was a big one!
barbara brown says
LOVE !!
Linda Manns Linneman says
I love this idea. I think schools are really lacking alot lately. I love that you get assistance with this program. I have heard alot of good things about this. Thank you for sharing
rhonda miotke says
This is such a wonderful option, i sure wish that this was available when my son was in school.
Casey M says
This is great! Adds more to homeschooling!
Jodi W says
Sounds great. I like the one on one concept. schools have oversized classrooms and one teacher for all those students in the class. this sounds much betetr.
Lauren Jones says
This seems like so much fun!
Edye says
I went to school online and loved it!
Sue E says
I have mixed feelings regarding this. My daughter has 5 kids and she tried the home schooling option for a couple of years. It wasn't online at the time. The school district gave her the cirricullum and most of the material needed to pass their grade levels. The first year was rough, but they got through it. They did good and passed the school's end of the year's test. They graduated to the next grade. But the second year was rougher! They were restless and missed their friends. And they started to despise their mom and quarreling with their siblings. My daughter spread herself too thin! She was starting to feel like she didn't have a life anymore except kids! I think this should be based on each individual child. There would be no bullying, true. I don't think bullying is right and we should protect our children, but not by hiding them! They are not learning anything about how to deal with everyday situations or conflicts! I am glad that I went to school! I still know my school chums that I probably would have never meet. Parents will not be around forever! We have to make sure our kids are educated in more things than just schoolwork! They have to know how to interact and be responsible for when they enter the job market! Life is one big maze! We have to deal with ups and downs and hope we make the right decisions. A computer is not going to help them in these situations! Also reading an essay they wrote in front of their classmates - public speaking and what about football, baseball, music, etc. and scholarships?? I was really happy when my grandkids went back to school!! So were they and my daughter! Plus they liked a lot of the hot lunches ?
Marianella Queiruga says
My son is all set for TECCA Connections Academy here in Massachusetts. I am so grateful the we have the option to do so. We both love our local school, but are ready for this change. I recommend that you research and ask questions. The staff are always willing to assist families.
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I love that I don't have to worry about bullying or my girls learning behaviors or words I don't want them to know/use right now. I love having them home and the flexibility homeschooling allows. Virtual school sounds like it has the same benefits!
natalie nichols says
What an excellent idea! I have always wanted to homeschool but I plan to go back to work ASAP to help pay bills. It's always been in the back of my mind though, especially because my son has life-threatening food allergies to ALL dairy, as well as peanuts.
Sandy Klocinski says
Amazing! I would have loved the opportunity to be able to work at my own pace and ultimately not be a slave to the teacher's and the school's schedule. This is STILL PUBLIC school so they do have to follow state requirements.
Christina Gould says
I wish they had homeschooling when I was a kid. I've never heard of this particular company. Thanks for posting!
jeanne andrews says
May 28th 2017 @2200
Thank you so much for providing me with this type of schooling. My daughter may find this information to be helpful with her youngest child. Thanks again for your time and dedication in exploring ways that help our children thus making families stronger one by one and little by little until hopefully lots of good things come out of such important ideas and concepts. Best Regards. J. Andrews
Nancy says
This is an interesting concept for education. There are some students who would profit by using virtual schooling.
Samantha Carling says
I honestly love how it can be more hands on! I am all for homeschooling though I have a few years till then since my eldest is tiny.
A says
This is not homeschool, it is online school. Theres a difference. Homeschool is when the PARENTS teach and set curriculum AFTER the requirements of doing so. Online school has a real live teacher virtually.
Gina H. says
I think it's great this online school is tuition free for public school students.
melissa craig says
online classes do help so much when trying to do school work and motherhood
Sara L. says
I would love virtual school. It seems like this is the perfect combination of set lessons and flexibility to learn in their own way and at their own pace.
Kristi Blazewick says
Virtual school looks like it might be helpful for some kids but just let them remember to get outside too.
Rebecca H. says
Some children perform better in a typical school environment, but it's definitely not the best fit for certain children. I love that those who choose to homeschool now have more help available to them. I've heard that the virtual school program is fantastic.