What is an Online High School?
It may seem like virtual learning and online campuses are just becoming trendy. However, online schools, including high schools, have been around for quite some time. Attending an online high school means earning one’s diploma entirely from home by attending virtual classes.
Today, the benefits of attending an online high school are quite obvious in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are many other benefits to online learning besides remaining at home. To determine if an online high school might be right for you or your child, we have broken down everything you need to know about attending an online high school below.
Benefits of Online High School
Some of the benefits of online learning are incredibly apparent, while others may not be so obvious. If you or your child are thinking about enrolling in an online program, it is essential to research the pros and cons. Here are some of the reasons why online learning is ideal in some circumstances:
Learn at your own pace
Students who attend online high schools can learn at their own pace. This is very beneficial for those who cannot keep up with the curriculum and teacher at a traditional school and also those who want to learn faster. In a virtual program, you can work slower or faster and are not constricted by any timeframes.
Make your own schedule
Another benefit of online learning is creating your own plan and schedule. This is beneficial since you can create your own study schedule or take frequent breaks if needed; you’re not obligated to attend designated class hours.
Savie time and money
Lastly, another benefit of online programs is that those who participate in them can save on two important things: time and money. The time that would be spent commuting to a brick and mortar school and the money that would be spent on lunch everyday can be saved. Overtime, these costs can add up.
Who Thrives in an Online High School Environment?
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Caption: Find out if an online program might be right for you or your child.
Attending an online high school has many benefits, but it may not be right for everyone. An online learning program might be perfect for these types of students:
Motivated learners
An online program is perfect for ambitious and motivated learners. Students must be motivated in an online setting since they are designating their own schedule every day. They must be self-starters who can take control of their learning program. Furthermore, many online students can graduate faster since they can work at their own pace. To do so, a student should be motivated to reach their educational goals and aspirations.
Working or extracurricular students
In some instances, students have to work a job while in high school. An online school is ideal for these students since they can do their online coursework around their work schedule. Also, students who participate in extracurricular activities such as church or sports can take advantage of having an open schedule.
Students with health issues
Online learning is ideal for students with health issues since they can learn when they feel up to it. Online programs are perfect since they can attend medical appointments if needed in their own time. In addition, if a student has severe allergies or a compromised immune system where they cannot participate in an in-person school, an online program is an excellent option for them.
Final Online High School Factors to Consider
If you are considering attending an online high school, a main point to contemplate is the price. Like most programs, tuition can vary between schools.
There are four different options for an online high school education. These options include public, charter, private, or schools affiliated with a university. Many public and charter schools have little costs outside of textbooks and miscellaneous expenses. Browse the potential schools’ website for additional out-of-pocket costs that might arise.
In contrast, those who wish to attend a private school will have to pay the majority of the tuition and other expenses since the government does not fund these programs. On average a secondary private school is around $13,000 per year.
Additionally, there are three different types of learning you will have to choose from when opting for an online high school program. An online high school offers supplemental, hybrid, and fully online learning approaches.
A supplemental online learning approach is a one-time online course, while a hybrid learning approach means both online and in-person learning. Lastly, a fully online approach is entirely online.
If you are considering online high school, then choosing one is the next step. Other factors to consider when selecting an online high school are accreditation, core standards, if credits are transferable to colleges, and the faculty at the school.
If you or your child are interested in attending an online high school, then visit Career Karma today. Career Karma is here to help assist in your online education journey.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
