Online Courses Offer Options, Support for Homeschooling Families

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of K–12 students who are homeschooled in the United States and the number of K–12 students who take courses online in the country are both on the rise. There are 1.5 million homeschooled students in the US – growing between 7 and 15 percent per year – and the fastest growing part of this population is teens (NCES Issue Brief). Likewise, more than 1 million K–12 students now take all or part of their education online – an increase of 47 percent in just two years (Sloan Consortium). As a longtime educator, I not only expect these numbers to continue increasing, but I predict we'll see much more crossover between these previously separate education paths.

Oftentimes, when students and their families decide to homeschool or enroll at an online school, their motives are similar. Consider the following:  

• The desire for a personalized learning model
• The security of a safe and comfortable learning environment
• A flexible schedule
• More time to be with family members or to work at a job
• Accelerate one's education progress
• Not having to worry about bullying, peer pressure and other negative influences
• A more efficient use of time

As more and more families seek alternatives to traditional school, we're seeing an increase in students blending homeschool and online education. Every family and situation is different, but regardless of the circumstance, a tough decision has to be made when homeschooled students enter their high school years. In the past, the choices have typically been a) continue homeschooling through high school or b) start at/return to a traditional brick & mortar school.

Now, thanks to public online schools, like Insight Schools, families have a choice that offers different options for student–centered learning that didn't exist just a few years ago – eliminating the either/or choice of the past. Insight Schools and other online education providers are allowing students to enroll full–time as well as part–time. A full–time option allows students to take a full course–load in the environment they're accustomed to and still have their parent by their side, while part–time enrollment gives them the option of taking a class or two while still receiving instruction from their parents for their remaining courses.  

This has caused a sigh of relief from some parents, as the idea of teaching a certain subject induces stress for many. Other parents have said they think their student could benefit from a certified subject matter expert's instruction and are appreciative to have that option. Common examples of areas for which homeschooling families turn to online education to supplement their family's homeschool curriculum include: foreign languages, computer training, upper–level math such as Calculus or Algebra II, and dual–credit classes to get a head start on college credits.

Homeschooling families also see value when it comes to the opportunities for socialization and support at Insight Schools. When some people imagine what an online learning environment looks like, they often picture a student working in isolation, which is far from the truth. For example, At Insight, we hold frequent social events, such as field trips, movie nights, pizza parties, seasonal dances and prom throughout the school year to give classmates who know each other online the chance to meet face-to-face. In addition to interacting with other students online in a safe environment, our teachers are available around the clock via phone, text, email, IM and video chat to offer a strong support system.

No matter what route families take, the bottom line is this: teens need to be challenged, motivated and supported to stay on track to pursue their aspirations post-high school, whether that's entering college, the workforce, the service or any other career path. There is no doubt that a homeschooling atmosphere will continue to produce thriving learners, but for those looking for support or alternatives, online learning can ease the anxiety that comes from high–level instruction requirements and ultimately offer a smoother path to a diploma.

Insight Schools is the nation's leading network of online public high schools offering a rigorous curriculum, experienced state–certified teachers that know how to inspire, and a diploma recognized by colleges and universities nationwide. To learn more call 877-25-INSIGHT or visit www.insightschools.net or www.twitter.com/InsightSchools.  

Keith Oelrich is the Founder and CEO of Insight Schools. Over the past decade, Oelrich has established himself as one of the foremost leaders in the online education field. His passion to develop a student–centered high school alternative inspired him to found Insight Schools in 2005. He was recently honored for "Outstanding Individual Contribution to K-12 Online Learning" at the 2009 Annual International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) Virtual School Symposium.  

SOURCE Insight Schools