Parents Bust the Top 5 Virtual School Myths
byConnections Academy
6 min to read
Many families wonder if virtual school lives up to the hype. Myths about learning online can raise many questions for families interested in enrolling: Can online school offer the same quality education, social interaction, and academic rigor as traditional, in-person schools? Can parents truly be involved in their child's learning journey when learning from home?
Connections Academy® parents are here to set the record straight. They've experienced the transformative power of virtual learning firsthand, seeing their children thrive in an environment tailored to their needs and aspirations. Through their personal stories, they debunk the common learning myths of online education to experience a learning experience full of personalized support, meaningful social connections, and academic excellence.
Go beyond the myths and discover the facts about online learning.
Myth #1: I won’t be involved in my child’s education if they attend virtual school at home.
Truth: Virtual school encourages active parental (or other trusted adult) involvement by being a Learning Coach. While state-certified teachers are responsible for in-class instruction, Learning Coaches collaborate directly with their student to provide guidance and support. This flexible approach empowers you to be present for key moments in a student’s academic journey.
Myth #2: My child won’t have as much teacher interaction and support in virtual school.
Truth: Virtual school teachers are highly accessible and committed to providing individualized support for their students. They leverage various tools like video calls, emails, online forums, and real-time chat to ensure each student receives the personalized attention they need. This frequent communication loop fosters a strong teacher-student connection, promoting academic progress and addressing concerns promptly.
Myth #3: My child won’t have many opportunities to socialize if they attend virtual school.
Truth: Virtual school offers a variety of engaging social experiences that go beyond the physical classroom. Students connect with peers through interactive LiveLesson® sessions, virtual field trips, online clubs, and community-based activities. These interactions foster positive social connections, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, even in a remote setting. Additionally, virtual school can provide a safe and inclusive environment for students who may have struggled with social anxieties or bullying in traditional schools.
Myth #4: Virtual school isn’t as academically challenging as brick-and-mortar school.
Truth: Virtual schools like Connections Academy adhere to rigorous curriculums in line with state standards, ensuring your child receives a high-quality education on par with traditional institutions. The personalized learning approach allows students to progress at their own pace, tackling challenging content that aligns with their individual interests and abilities. Many virtual schools offer gifted and honors courses for advanced learners, and high school students can pursue Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare for college-level work. This academic rigor prepares students for success in higher education and future careers.
Myth #5: My child would spend all day on the computer if they went to a virtual school.
Truth: While technology plays a vital role in virtual learning, it's just one facet of its diverse and engaging curriculum. In addition to screen time, students in online school participate in a variety of hands-on activities, projects, and interactive exercises. They may conduct science experiments, create art projects, participate in outdoor learning experiences, and engage in physical activities as part of their lessons.
Discover How Virtual School Can Benefit Your Child
These are just a few examples of how Connections Academy® addresses common online education myths.
Learn more about the key differences between online and traditional education and download our free eGuide to see if a Connections Academy-supported school could be the right fit for your family.
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