The 5 Main Benefits of Attending Online School

While many parents are more familiar with the routines and methods of a traditional, brick-and-mortar public school, online public schools offer a high-quality education as well as appealing differences. Although families mention a variety of reasons for leaving their previous school or schooling method, they quickly identify five main benefits of attending a virtual school.

More Flexibility to Meet Students’ Needs

Traditional brick-and-mortar schools can be challenging for aspiring athletes, actors, artists, and those heavily involved in extracurricular activities to find a balance between school and their interests. Many students in such situations devote significant time to travel, practice, and other requirements to meet their goals. Online schools offer flexible schedules that fit school to the student—instead of fitting the student to the school.

That said, everyone can benefit from the flexibility of virtual schools. With this model, it’s simple to accommodate doctor’s appointments, volunteering, part-time jobs, and other commitments. In addition, students switching from being homeschooled may find online school to be a good choice—and a smooth transition.

The flexible schedule also allows students to move at their own pace. Students at virtual schools don’t have to wait for other students to catch up or worry about rushing through a difficult concept. This flexible pace allows for mastery of material on your student’s terms.

A Chance for Homeschool Students to Learn at Home with a Proven Curriculum

Whether you are a current homeschool family or thinking about homeschooling, online public school can be a great option for you to consider. With online school, you don’t have to find materials and make sure your child has a well-rounded and complete education. And you don’t have to take on the job of a full-time teacher. There are certified teachers who support your student’s learning with a proven curriculum in all core subjects and electives.

With online school, you can still play an important role in your child’s education as the learning coach—monitoring progress, keeping your student motivated, and participating in your child’s daily learning. As a parent, you know how quickly the K–12 school years fly by; online school lets you be involved and keep your child close by, in the safety and comfort of your home.

Fewer Distractions and Time Wasters

One of the greatest benefits of online learning is having fewer distractions and time wasters.

With a Learning Coach to monitor progress and keep learning on track, students can focus on their courses without having peers as a distraction. Since your student is at home, there are fewer opportunities for bullying, inappropriate influences, or behaviors you don’t condone. Additionally, online school lets your student benefit from the local school’s curriculum without the wasted time of long bus or car rides, weather delays, roll call, and chatty classmates.

Put simply, virtual schools are able to tailor education to each individual child. Students aren’t distracted by other students, and their learning isn’t interrupted because a teacher has to address other students’ bad behaviors.

Opportunity for Struggling Students to Thrive

Online schools can be an academic lifeline for many students, such as those who:

• grasp new material faster or slower than other students
• need the ability to manage health concerns throughout the day
• are rebuilding confidence after experiencing bullying
• accrue many absences because of a difficult-to-accommodate schedule

It also can help decrease sick days, as students can work on school at a different time of the day if they aren’t feeling well.

Students who need to approach school differently due to varying
circumstances deserve an opportunity to thrive in their educational pursuits.
Online school offers a unique approach that not only can accommodate these students but also provide the tools needed to succeed. Online school teachers can personalize assignments, provide extra resources, and even arrange time to talk with students one on one to provide the individual attention they need.

Better Connections with Family, Friends, and Instructors

Although they may not see classmates daily, students at virtual schools often form better connections with the people with whom they interact regularly. Additionally, virtual schools offer more one-on-one time with instructors, which can enhance the learning experience.

The flexible schedule and structure of virtual schools allows parents to take a more active role in their children’s education. They can create a custom calendar of social activities to suit each child’s interests and temperament. They will also likely find it much easier to schedule important family trips and outings. It’s easy to accommodate social activities and time for kids to be kids when a child’s school schedule is subject to his or her personal schedule.

With all of these benefits for their children, parents tell us they find online school very rewarding too. They have the opportunity to be involved in their children’s schooling and to nurture their love of learning. And many report that they have more family time and closer bonds than before. If your children could benefit from the many advantages offered by virtual schooling, enroll them at a Connections Academy® online school today or contact us if you have any questions.