Online High School Experiences...need input!

[barn_dad71]

I’ve been exploring the online high school format for my daughter and after reviewing several schools, I ultimately settled with the University of Nebraska High School due to the reputation, flexibility and advanced course offerings. I’m curious if there are any parents with students in this program or formerly in it that can share insight. My primary concern with the online format is the lack of social interaction. I wish there was a way for the students in the program to connect with one another more easily; especially those that share a common interest outside of school.

If anyone has experience with online high schools, proctoring services in the Virginia area or social groups/activites in Northern VA etc… please share. This is new to us this year and want to be sure I’m leveraging all the resources I can to provide the best experience to my daughter.

Thanks!

[rockonxox]

I’ve worked with kids who have been in online programs. Kids who lose focus easily or that struggle with new concepts will have a very difficult time with these programs. Kids who are more self starters and don’t need a lot of hands on help can do very well in online programs - it really just depends on your daughters motivation level and learning style. I don’t know what is available in your state, but one of our local schools has a pretty neat program where it is online based but you can go to the physical school for their tutoring hours if you get behind or need extra help in person. You also get to meet others in your class if you go in for tutoring hours.

[downen]

I don’t have experience with that particular school, but my daughter pursued online high school after her freshman year, when she was bored silly by our small school’s limited academic offerings. However, she was still able to go to the school for band and extra-curriculars like academic team, tech club, plays, etc., which ensured she was still socially connected with her peers. You should be able to come to some sort of agreement with your local public school… I’m pretty sure they are required by law to accommodate you to a certain degree. This arrangement worked out great for my daughter who finished high school a year early, and is now in her sophomore year at college.

[barn_dad71]

Thanks @rockonxox! She definitely has the drive and personality to do well in the online format. It’s just the social component that I’m trying to balance a bit. Sometimes it’s helpful to interact with students who are in the same program or similar classes…build relationships/friendships etc… Wish there were an easy way to connect students from this program. Our State didn’t have a program like you referenced unfortunately.

[clanter]

@downen

However, she was still able to go to the school for band and extra-curriculars like academic team, tech club, plays, etc., which ensured she was still socially connected with her peers. You should be able to come to some sort of agreement with your local public school… I’m pretty sure they are required by law to accommodate you to a certain degree.

Equal access for homeschoolers to the public schools is a state-granted privilege, not a right…

Ten states currently force public schools to allow homeschoolers access to classes or sports part-time. These states are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. All of these states, except Utah, have passed equal access laws. Utah requires access through State Office of Education regulations rather than by statute. In both Arizona and Oregon, the law only requires school districts to allow access to homeschoolers for “interscholastic” activities.

http://www.home-school.com/Articles/can-homeschoolers-participate-in-public-school-programs.php

Texas is not on the list but we were able to work with our local school board in designing a course of study specific to our son’s needs and desire… he continued to attend the local system.

[poltroon]

My daughter did really well augmenting her high school experience with online courses, but there was a significant investment from us as parents supporting her with tutoring and being aware of her deadlines.

For social interaction, you might consider seeking totally different offline groups, like scouting or 4-H or the like. Or of course a good riding school.

Usually online classes have a discussion board as part of the format. That can be a good way to connect, and you might be able to help her connect to any friends she meets via google hangouts and the like.

Depending on what her academic interests are, there probably are groups around that would complement that even if they’re not taking the same online course material.

[downen]

@clanter

Equal access for homeschoolers to the public schools is a state-granted privilege, not a right…

http://www.home-school.com/Articles/can-homeschoolers-participate-in-public-school-programs.php

Texas is not on the list but we were able to work with our local school board in designing a course of study specific to our son’s needs and desire… he continued to attend the local system.

My state (Illinois) is not on the list either but they honored our request. It’s worthwhile to pursue with your local school district.

[PonyPenny]

My daughter did a combination of independent study and regular high school. She did not want to do online or charter schools.