Recently I shared that the decision was made to enroll my two older children in an online school. We chose the K12 program. There were many reasons for this decision but as I mentioned they were mostly personal. I want to reiterate that an online school is schooling at home and not homeschooling. With an online school your child is basically enrolled in either a private or public school. Your children will have a teacher or teachers and the curriculum choice or what is taught is out of your control. This is a valid option for education and many choose this for a variety of reasons.
After enrolling my children in the online school we received dozens of packages in the mail containing computers, printers, and curriculum. My children were quite excited to go through the new curriculum and even more excited about having their own computers. I must admit I was just as excited as I am not very sharing with my computer. I was also excited to go through the curriculum provided. This was to be a big change as I rarely used a textbook in my homeschool. I was surprised that I took no issue with the K12 curriculum. I am not a boxed set kind of homeschooler so I prepared myself to be disappointed. I cannot say the curriculum is most challenging or the best but it is far better than some textbooks I have seen. I would say it is above average and prepares the student well for the state standards as is its goal. The K12 curriculum provided plenty of literature, science projects, quality art supplies and books, and detailed student and teacher books.
Once we found spaces for all the books and curriculum my children got online to see what their assignments would be on first day of the new semester. I happy to find a site easily navigated for both student and parent. The site is also very well organized. Your student can easily see what is expected on a daily, weekly and yearly basis. The amount of work given in one day is sufficient yet light enough that a student can easily work ahead. While a student does have checkpoints to maintain on certain weeks, working ahead is easy to do. So, when my daughter realized she already knew the first half of the history due to what she studied previously, she simply took all the assessments up front that she knew. Both my son and daughter have done the same for math and language. Both my kids enjoy the layout of the program. My son will do whatever curriculum with the same attitude while my daughter is more discerning. She did not like that K12 and her Saxon math use different wording so that threw her off. However, she enjoys the history and literature very much. Each are working ahead of schedule and doing very well. So far they are enjoying the structure of a traditional school but each say that is because it is a novelty. They do not feel suppressed but they do feel education is placed upon them. So that does go in the negative category. While my homeschool was not solely student driven, I did allow for rabbit trails and personal exploration. If they do not work ahead they would have more time for such things but the format makes you want to get assignment done and then another done and so forth. Again, for my style that is on the negative side.
My role? I am no longer considered their teacher but a learning coach. However, I still feel like the teacher. I am still presenting a bulk of the material to my kids. I have plenty of teaching manuals to read through and plenty of accountability to provide for my kids. I am required to enter attendance hours. I will be required to speak with the teachers on a monthly basis. Now, I am not complaining about this simply stating it. Part of me feels as if I am doing all the work with none of the control yet no so much that I am in bondage. Part of me feels grateful for the routine, progress reports, and plans that are provided for me and not from me. Basically this is a love/hate relationship. I can clearly see why this option is either loved or hated by parents. It will depend on your style and your goals.
What do I think of the teachers? So far, my son’s teacher is fantastic. She is highly organized, very communicative, and has a nice demeanor during class connects. Class connects are when the students gather online for lessons. These are not required but my son does enjoy them. My daughter being in middle school has several teachers. I have only been in direct contact with the home room teacher and she is very nice. All are open to communication and have regular office hours.
As far as this program being a school in your home, I would rate it highly. However, this Charlotte Mason/Eclectic homeschooling mom is thinking this will be temporary. It is working out fine for my family for the moment but I miss my homeschool. Do not let that dissuade you if you have considered a virtual school. Again, this will be based on your style. If you want a traditional setting but in your own home and enjoy the accountability of entering in attendance and like the plans laid out for you than this is a great option. Right now, I enjoy what is off my hands because at this point it was necessary. Yet, I also miss what is out of my hands.