Homeschool vs. Public School Online

Hi, Lovely Readers!

I would like to continue from my last blog post about homeschooling by discussing the differences between doing regular homeschooling and registering with a public school online.

Many people have thought that public school online was in fact homeschooling. I want to provide information of why this is not true.

I hope you learn something new and consider not doing public school online if your true intentions are to homeschool your children.

Understanding Homeschool vs. Public School Online

I personally have seen some parents enroll their children in some homeschool places online, but there are some things you should be aware of regarding what online homeschool is verses public school online.

There are MANY virtual charter schools that claim they are a homeschool, but they say they are online. These websites are often misleading parents.

For example, I see many (new to homeschooling) parents recommending K12 online. (The website is k12.com) It is NOT homeschool online. I repeat, it is not homeschooling. If you scroll to the bottom of their page, it clearly says online public school. Your child is still attached to the school district. The school gets credit for every child that does the yearly standarized test (which all public schools require). Some states require testing even as a homeschooler so there is no way around that then.

I know some parents have seen many benefits from using the K12 website, and I say continue using it. I just want parents to be informed and make that decision without being deceived into thinking it is homeschool.

In the end, please verify how the online website for learning is labeled if you choose an online school. Many times it is just a public school but online.

From my own experience with K12, I was not able to choose when or what my child learned. There were specific virtual class times, and the workload was more than public school. I noticed that if you even spoke to the teacher about concerns as a student or parent, they didn't do anything. I even tried going to the administration above the teacher. Even if you have an IEP, they don't follow it. If you were late to the virtual class time, I believe they marked you absent or tardy. You were treated as if you were in public school. Everything about the school is not a right fit for a parent who wants to have control in their child's education. Your every move is dictated by the teachers, administration, and the school. Yes, you get a free printer, free curriculum, and materials, but you have to do what they want. Your child has to do a yearly standardizing testing at a hotel too. In the end, I would highly advise you not choose K12.

This is not the mind set of homeschooling. The child and parent decide what time of day works best, how much work to do, when to take breaks, when to have a sick day or a day where you just need a break, and which way is best to learn (it's not just paper & pencil). You and your child are a team and shouldn't be told what you can and can't do while homeschooling. The exceptions are the laws and guidelines by your state. Please see them at HSLDA'S website. www.hslda.org

Some parents make up their own curriculum, and some parents use an online or workbook style for teaching. There are many varieties out there. It just depends on your child and your preference. I have researched a lot about homeschooling for at least 3 years, and I am still learning every day. I hope this helps the new comers and even those who have already started with public school online.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or comment below.

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