The Best Online Learning Platforms for Kids
by Jim McCaffree
Types of Students that Benefit from Flexible Schedules
byPhoebe Brown
7 min to read
For students whose days are filled with more than just the responsibilities of getting a good education, a flexible school schedule can make all the difference in helping them succeed in and out of the classroom. Flexible scheduling in school gives students the opportunity to embrace their unique qualities and dreams.
For students dealing with physical, mental health, or bullying challenges, they get assistance finding academic success in a supportive learning environment. The flexible school schedule also allows students to pursue their passions outside of the classroom. Connections Academy® is a virtual school that believes each student is unique and offers flexible school scheduling
Do Students Benefit from a Flexible School Schedule?
Whether in elementary school, middle school, or high school, and whether they have lots of extracurricular activities or frequent medical appointments, all sorts of students and their families can benefit from flexible scheduling in school.
When students can decide their own start and end times, and schedule breaks throughout the day as needed, learning becomes more naturally integrated into their lives without having to sacrifice their goals or needs.
Student Athletes
For many athletes, the potential for competing on a collegiate or professional stage is important to them. The flexibility offered by virtual school helps student athletes balance being an athlete while learning in a supportive learning environment.
Take Nathan, for example, a student who attended virtual school when his figure skating training schedule became more rigorous. Rather than put his dreams on hold, with the ability to learn from anywhere and at any time through a Connections Academy-supported school, Nathan was able to reach his academic goals with the flexible school schedule and keep training and competing to qualify for the Olympics.
Advanced Learners
Some students may want to take more advanced courses and have high academic aspirations. The flexible scheduling of virtual learning allows advanced students to pursue their interests outside of the classroom through travel, visiting museums, volunteer opportunities, and mentorships.
For example, a student who uses flexible school scheduling may take private tutoring in subjects outside of the school like language or music.
Like many schools, online schools also offer honors, Advanced Placement® (AP®*), and dual enrollment, but the flexible scheduling allows advanced learners the opportunity to learn even more, at a pace that works for them.
Child Actors and Performers
Virtual school may work for a student who is looking for a school that understands the demanding scheduling needs of child actors and young performers. The flexibility of online learning offers advantages to children who are working in the performing arts, specifically child and young adult actors.
In online schools, your student can get access to accredited academic programs, certified teachers, and a flexible school schedule to accommodate long days on set or on stage.
Meet Kennedy, a talented actress eager to build her acting portfolio while getting a quality education. The flexible school schedule of virtual learning with Connections Academy allows Kennedy to attend daytime photoshoots and commercial and film studio shoots during the day. She can attend virtual school when it works best for her and her acting schedule.
Students with Health Challenges
For students treating their physical or mental health, a flexible schedule can give them the independence to go to school full-time and receive the care they need.
High school student, Hannah, fell ill during her freshman year and found the restrictive scheduling of in-person school was severely impacting her health. However, after enrolling in Connections Academy, the flexible school schedule allowed her to rest when she needed to, knowing her assignments and recorded classes would be there when she was ready.
Students with Learning Disabilities and Special Education Needs
For students with learning disabilities or special needs, a traditional school experience may not be the best fit for their pace and style of learning. In an online school like Connections Academy, certified teachers and their Learning Coach—a responsible adult who supports students in their everyday tasks while in virtual school—can provide one-on-one help.
For Connections Academy student Connor, virtual learning and the flexible school schedule helped him feel more supported and at ease in his schooling. For many students like Connor, more time for breaks and the ability to pace the assignments throughout the day allows families to set up learning around the student's needs rather than the student conforming to a traditional way of learning.
For example, if a student needs a sensory-friendly learning environment and more time to explain concepts, the student and their teacher can take extra time when needed.
Students can also visit a tutor, rewatch recorded live lessons, or rewind parts they did not understand without being locked to a specific start or end time.
Advanced Learners
Some students may want to take more advanced courses and have high academic aspirations. The flexible scheduling of virtual learning allows advanced students to pursue their interests outside of the classroom through travel, visiting museums, volunteer opportunities, and mentorships.
For example, a student who uses flexible school scheduling may take private tutoring in subjects outside of the school like language or music.
Like many schools, online schools also offer honors, Advanced Placement® (AP®*), and dual enrollment, but the flexible scheduling allows advanced learners the opportunity to learn even more, at a pace that works for them.
Students Seeking Safe Learning Environment
Virtual learning provides a flexible school schedule and a more focused learning environment for students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Some parents, caregivers, or students look for a safe learning environment for many reasons. For example, a student may seek a safe learning environment if they’re bullied because they need more time to read an assignment than others.
Another example may be a student with physical impairments who may not be able to access their classrooms within the short time limit between classes at an in-person school.
The flexible school schedule of virtual school gives students the opportunity to complete assignments at their own pace in an environment that works for them.
How Flexible Scheduling Works in Practice
Flexible scheduling is meant to help your student be successful in the virtual classroom while having time during the day for other activities. While students are still required to meet attendance expectations established by their specific school district, when they spend that time learning is not constrained to specific start and stop times.
For some families, this may look like:
- Signing in to the learning platform at 9 a.m.
- Attending a LiveLesson for math at 10 a.m., where they can interact with their teacher in real time
- Taking a break at 11 a.m. to have lunch and work on their reading assignment as they travel to a doctor’s appointment
- Watching a recorded LiveLesson at 2 p.m. and participating in the student discussion boards
Is a Flexible School Schedule Right for Your Student?
A flexible school schedule may be right for your family if your student:
- Needs more time during the day
- Has trouble keeping up with the rest of the class
- Is frequently bored or distracted in class
- Has extracurricular goals and passions
- Wants additional college and career readiness help
With online school, your student has access to certified teachers, learning pods, and resources dedicated to helping them succeed. As their parent or caretaker, you’re likely also their Learning Coach, who makes sure they get signed in, stay on task, and complete their assignments.
Flexible School Scheduling with Your Student in Mind
Whether your child is pursuing an acting career, balancing a rigorous athletic training schedule, seeking some extra college prep support, or anything in between, virtual learning may provide the flexibility and support they need. Learn more about flexible school schedules at Connections Academy by getting your eGuide.
*AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
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