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Are All Online High Schools Pretty Much The Same?
As a long-time curriculum director for private schools, I am finding that online education is as effective as traditional classroom instruction, while increasing the level of opportunity, flexibility, and ease.
However I could NOT agree that all online schools are created equal.
CRITERIA FOR PICKING AN ONLINE SCHOOL
When in the hunt for an online schooling alternative for your child, make certain that the schools you investigate meet the following criteria:
1. The school is accredited and is a member of a nationally known agency
2. The school has “demo” classes that you can evaluate
3. A full scope and sequence of all study programs can be seen
4. All educational units meet national/state standards
5. The school is a “full service” school which also offers FREE substitutions of courses
6. They offer official accredited transcripts that meet national/state expectations
7. Their accreditation standing can be verified
8. You can have a discussion with an educational professional at the school, whether that’s an administrator or a guidance counselor
9. Your child must have certificated teachers assigned to each course.
Frequently we find new online schools appearing on Google or Yahoo. Some of these pop-up schools “piggy-back” on top of other internet schools which offer a curriculum to prospective students, but they fall considerably short in regards to college preparation and guidance counseling services.
ONE SIMPLE TEST YOU CAN DO
If you cannot reach a “real live” educational professional when you call up the school, this may not be the school for you.
Full service private schools have educational professionals on staff. They are able to offer you assistance on curriculum choices to meet your individual child’s needs. A competent curriculum director is able to insure that your child’s transcripts will meet state requirements wherever you live as well as the requirements of the college your child plans to attend.
One of the most essential factors in choosing an online school is the curriculum offered. A good online school offers college preparatory and advanced classes that are supported by certified teachers.
THE EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE, BUT…
Online education is an excellent option and it is the wave of the future but it isn’t for everyone. That’s why you should choose an online school which offers FREE substitution with good old fashioned textbooks if it turns out that the online experience is not the best for your son or daughter. Select an online school that gives you options.
Online education can be expensive but when you choose an online school with a guarantee of textbook-aided instruction, it is the best distance learning option available today.
For further information, please visit http://HighSchool-Online.com
Christian Online School
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Meet the Curriculum Director/Administrator.
This article is based on a blog post written by Mrs Z, so let me tell you about her.
When she was providing homeschooling for her children, Deborah was totally frustrated by the lack of adequate teaching materials available so she started creating curriculum. Soon she was also tutoring children with special needs along with designing curriculum packages for private schools and distance learning students.
With a BA in Theology and Education, she began teaching students with a range of kinds of learning challenges in private Christian schools in California, and then in Florida. With that wealth of experience and educational know-how, Mrs Z went on to become the head teacher and curriculum director for three private schools.
Having long ago seen the huge need for quality educational materials within the private schools, she proceeded to write curriculum for students who were having trouble with reading – and so it was that the ministry of the Christian Educators Company began.
You can see what her vision has matured into at http://Christian-Educators.com
Florida HomeSchooling
Mrs Z. has a total of over 27 years of educational experience.
For more information on Christian K-12 education online:
Virtual Christian School
