Changing Schools Mid-Year? 5 TIPs to Choose the Right Online High School
Written by Ellen R. | Posted in Why Whitmore
There are many reasons that parents look to make a school change at mid-year – a family move, concerns about curriculum, teen social drama, health issues or learning challenges. If your current school is not a good fit, changing mid-year to an online school can be a great alternative for students who would benefit from a flexible school schedule, and a safe and supportive learning environment – your own home.
If you are considering making the mid-year switch, here are a few tips I considered when I made this choice for my daughter.
- Make sure the school is accredited.
Accreditation gives you the assurance that the schools you are considering meet rigorous standards. Colleges and universities look for accreditation when considering candidates for admission to higher education. Cogina (formerly AdvancEd) is the most recognized accrediting organization.
- Focus on your child’s unique learning style and educational needs.
When my daughter was excelling in English, but failing math, I knew I needed a school with a flexible schedule. We found Whitmore School where students have access to their courses every day of the year, and there are no semesters. What that meant for my daughter was that she could fly through English and take her time in math. Perfect! She never felt pressured to cram study for weekly quizzes or to meet semester deadlines for completing courses.
For accelerated students, this is a dream come true. They will no longer be bored by the pace of the rest of the students in a class. They become empowered to take charge of their learning. This can be very motivating.
- Make a checklist of the most important aspects you are looking for and call the school.
What is most important for your child’s education? College acceptances? Honors level courses? Respect for a parent’s role in teaching their children morals and ethics? Early graduation? One-to-one contact between students and their teachers? A traditional history curriculum based on primary documents? Make a list and then call the schools you are considering. Note: If you can’t get a real person on the phone, this is not the right school. Having personal contact with an administrator and guidance is critical to your child’s success in an online school.
- Does the school offer a new student orientation? And, what kind of continuing support do they offer?
Schools that care about your child’s academic success will offer a new student orientation, followed by ongoing support from a school counselor. Ask what is available if your child becomes unmotivated. How will you, the parent, know if your child is working? Does the school have a Parent Portal where you have access to your child’s school work and school administrators? Sometimes teens may get off to a great start, but soon begin to slack off. You want to be sure that your child does not get lost.
- Have a plan for your child to stay social and active.
Most students find that online school does not take as much time as a traditional school. With more free time, your child can add multiple social, athletic, artistic, and/or volunteer activities. Check your local recreation center for art courses and athletic opportunities. Your place of worship may offer youth group activities. Many online students enjoy volunteering or working in a part-time job. Look for local homeschool groups that meet for movies, ice cream socials or other social events. There are bound to be lots of opportunities in your community.
Go ahead – take the leap after you consider your best options.
Whitmore School, accredited by Cognia, (formerly AdvancED), offers four Diploma Programs for students wishing to enroll full-time to earn their high school diploma. Additionally, students looking to get back on track to graduate on time can enroll in individual courses. Students enroll and begin any day of the year, work at their own pace, and may take up to 12 months to complete their courses.
And, as an online school, your child will be able to attend school in a physically and emotionally safe learning environment – Your Home. Whitmore School has earned the Safest School ranking from Niche. Read student reviews on Niche.
Want to learn more about Whitmore School? Click here to see the Graduation Requirements. Click here to open the Course Catalog.
Written by:
Ellen Ray, Principal and parent of Alina, 2009 Graduate
January 16, 2023 in How to Choose the Right Online School, Academic Success in Online School, How to Transfer High Schools - The Complete Guide, Virtual School vs. Homeschool
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