Homeschool Versus Virtual or Online School

There some major differences between Homeschool and Virtual School. I will try and cover the most important ones . Fore example Virtual school has real teachers via the internet , Homeschool is parent , or tutor led with no, to little teacher involvement. There is end of year achievement testing with Virtual school. Kids must pass to continue to next the next grade. Homeschool has no testing requirements , but you do need to keep a portfolio of things done to have assessed at the end of year. Homeschool does not have a defined grade level you must keep track of that as well as high school transcripts yourself. Some of these things I will go over in more detail in later articles.

Religion is another big difference. Virtual school like the public school which it is attached to has no religion involved. Homeschool can have religion of your choice no matter what that religion maybe. It can also be included as a course which is summited with your portfolios , or included on transcripts. Just a side fyi homeschool transcripts are accepted by most colleges and universities. The freedom to choose whether or not to teach religion seems to be one of the biggest draws to homeschooling.

Another big difference is that you are in charge of the curriculum you teach for homeschooling. No school to tell you what has to or cannot be taught . No whitewashed subjects or political propaganda unless you want to teach these things . Virtual school follows public school curriculum so it is all common core . For some of us history is important and shouldn't be forgotten. That however is another subject for another day. For some skipping direction in science is important . For others ; like my daughter it is an important part of her curriculum.

Virtual school requires at least 6 hours of being in front of a computer a day. Sometimes the lessons are drawn out and dry or boring but they have to be done. Homeschooling does not require a set number of hours a day to be on the computer. You decide what and where they learn. If a lesson isn't working you can stop and rework it to help your kids. Virtual school still has homework after those demanded hours on line , homeschool does not have homework unless you decide it is needed.

With Homeschool you do not have to worry about your kids doing something stupid on webcam. Virtual school has webcam lessons so you have to sit with smaller kids to make sure they aren't hanging upside down from their bed , or jumping from the top bunk ect.. That also means you don't have to worry about what they might see on someone else's webcam either.

Homeschooling can take place anywhere . That means that family trip to the Grand Canyon is now considered part of your learning . Take plenty of pics and add them to your portfolio. A day at the park or beach, even hiking is educational and can be used. Virtual school has a strict curriculum and is stuck to the computer for lessons there is no escape.

You get to take breaks when needed with Homeschool . You or kids start feeling overwhelmed , tired, or hungry ehh whatever take a break. Get some food, do jumping jack, run around, or get a drink it's all good. Virtual school has no breaks . Personally I love the breaks option it makes it easier to refocus younger kids.

Lastly you can add things that are important to you . Traditions , morals , or values that you want them to know or have. Virtual school does not have this option.

In conclusion Virtual school is very cookie cutter just like all public schools. Homeschool is parent lead and easily tailored to your child's educational needs. I hope this was informative and helps you to decide what is best for your family. Thanks for reading Y'all.