Need to Make a Fresh Start in School This Year?
Need a fresh start? So, the school year started out OK. But, it hasn’t gone as expected. You don’t want to fall behind a whole year. Online school just might be the perfect solution. Switching schools mid-year is easier than you think.
9 Things to Consider When Looking for an Online School:
1. Accredited
The top schools are accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as Cognia, (formerly AdvancED)). Accreditation is awarded to educational institutions that meet high standards of providing quality education programs and services. A team of teachers and administrators from other schools review curriculum, teachers, and administration. In other words, you can be sure of a high quality of education. Click here to search for AdvancED / Cognia accredited schools.
2. Rigorous mastery curriculum.
Students work one-to-one with their teachers revising their work until mastery of the lesson concepts is achieved. Mastery learning focuses on a student’s strengths and achievements, not struggles and failures.
3. Self-paced learning.
A self-paced, rather than semester-based, learning environment eliminates the “need for speed”. This allows students to learn at their own natural rate. At Whitmore School, the world’s first online high school, students enroll any time of year, and there are no semesters or course deadlines.
5. One-to-one teacher engagement.
Top online schools such as Whitmore School, offer one-to-one engagement with teachers and counselors. The curriculum is based on regular communication between the student and their teacher, as opposed to a computer-generated and computer-graded curriculum.
6. Highly rated verified parent reviews.
Read what real parents and students have to say about the school. Verified reviews can be found through reputable companies such as Consumer Affairs.
7. Access to school anytime.
Yes. The best online schools are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Look for a school that allows you to set your own schedule that works around your busy life. This is particularly important for students actively involved in sports, performing arts, volunteering, working or family travel.
8. Course materials available online.
Are all course materials available online or in a public library? This makes “going to school” convenient without additional fees associated with needing to purchase textbooks.
9. Expert support and resources.
Top online schools offer exceptional support and guidance for post-graduation plans, whether that be for college or career. Some schools specialize solely in college preparation. Tops online schools recognize the importance of preparing students for a variety post-graduation options.
Learn more about Whitmore School’s Mastery Learning approach.
Read verified reviews from Consumer Affairs about why parents and students love Whitmore School.
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 time, work at their own pace, and may take up to 12 months to complete their courses.
Written by: Ellen Ray, Principal and parent of Alina, 2009 Whitmore School graduate
November 21, 2019 in How to Choose the Right Online School, Academic Success in Online School
See all blog posts