Choosing The Best Online Education Option for Your Child

Today, few people are strangers to working, learning, and even socializing online. Students and adults alike have all had to shift much of their day-to-day life to digital functions. 

Online schools offer benefits you won’t find on a traditional campus. The schedule is flexible, making it easier for students to balance life and school. Because of the flexible curriculum, online programs teach self-motivation and discipline.

For some students, in-person learning is best, but for others, virtual may better suit them. Students that focus better at home or prefer to work on their own time may enjoy the benefits of online school. While virtual learning isn’t for every student, it can make a world of difference for some.

Minnesota has more online schools than most states. Any student in Minnesota can attend online school full-time for free. Also, part-time options are available to students enrolled in public schools. Paid part-time options are available for nonpublic school students. 

Each learning option is unique, making it easy for families to find the right fit for their students.

Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of online schooling.

Some online schools may allow enrollment at any time, while others may have deadlines. When it comes to scheduling, BlueSky has adopted a very flexible approach. Incoming students are able to start whenever and work at their own pace. 

Starting at a new school can be stressful for both students and parents. Having the flexibility to enroll at any time eliminates the challenge of having to wait to make a change.

When it comes to classes, some online schools offer the ability to log in at any time, while some don’t. Some offer pre-recorded lectures, while others require students to attend live lectures. The most flexible options allow students to schedule their own assignments. If you have a busy schedule, ask about flexibility when you speak to an enrollment advisor. 

Experience

While online learning is new to many people, it’s actually been a viable learning option for years. 

Look for a school with years of experience administering online programs. Visit the school’s ‘About Us’ section to learn how many years of experience it has.

One of the primary objectives of a high school education is to prepare students for college. Ask about the availability of honors courses, standardized test prep, and the college acceptance rate.

Accreditation

Before enrolling in an online school, make sure that it’s accredited. Accreditation ensures that schools adhere to a recognized standard of education. Accredited schools meet rigorous standards and show commitment to the curriculum and operations. Most colleges and universities will only accept students from accredited high schools.

BlueSky has accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. This accreditation followed an evaluation of the curriculum, instructional practices, and governance.

“Powerful Practices,” at BlueSky Online School cited by the accrediting agency included:

• The school has created an exceptional student-centric culture based on shared values and beliefs about student dignity, ability and potential.
• The curriculum development process ensures rigorous standards-based learning opportunities for all students.
• Leadership empowers the community to achieve at high levels through sound management and a collaborative environment.

Student Support

The one challenge that may come with virtual learning is feeling supported. This may not be an issue for some students, but for others, it can make learning more difficult. When learning from home, the availability of support services becomes more important. It’s important to discover the level of support each school offers. 

At BlueSky, learning is personal. We get to know you, your goals, your learning style, and personal circumstances. That allows us to provide one-on-one support that fits your unique needs. Your teachers, advisor, counselor, and social worker all work to help you earn your diploma.

One BlueSky teacher summed it up with the following: “I value the personal connections we have with students and how we all make it a point to get to know them.”

BlueSky Teachers:

• Design engaging lessons.
• Provide one-on-one help.
• Communicate with you by phone, email, text messages and online chats.
• Let you know expectations, requirements and deadlines.
• Work with you to figure out how you can be successful.
• Provide comments, encouragement, and suggestions.
• Keep you updated on your progress.

BlueSky Advisors:

• Are your first line of support.
• Call you frequently, and are in touch through email, text, and online chats.
• Get to know you and your family.
• Provide encouragement and support.
• Help you problem-solve when obstacles get in the way.
• Monitor your academic progress and provide updates to you and your family.
• Keep track of your class attendance.
• Keep you informed about BlueSky events, deadlines, and requirements.
• Act as your advocate..

BlueSky Counselors:

• Help you plan your path from enrollment to graduation and beyond.
• Inform you about the credits you need for graduation.
• Help you choose your courses according to your interests and credit needs.
• Assist you in exploring college credit options.
• Provide guidance and resources for exploring community and technical colleges, four-year colleges, and universities.
• Help you with financial aid applications.

BlueSky School Social Workers:

• Provide confidential help with school, personal, or family concerns and connect you with community resources.
• School concerns (motivation, goal setting, scheduling, attendance).
• Family concerns (divorce or separation, serious illness or death, any other family issue that would cause stress or concern).
• Personal concerns (relationships, self esteem, mental health, substance abuse, exposure to violence, anger management, grief and loss, behavior management).
• Resource and referral (financial assistance, legal assistance, prenatal care, county medical health, housing, mental health care, etc.).
• Crisis assistance (any major event or issue that needs immediate assistance).
• Facilitate support groups related to the topics above.

Extracurricular Activities

Many virtual schools offer extracurricular activities. such as field trips or sports teams. While virtual learning may be best for some students, it’s also important that they socialize with their peers in person. 

BlueSky offers a regular schedule of in-person activities throughout the year.

If you’re looking for online learning opportunities for your child, use this article as a guide. You know your child best, so trust that you’ll be able to make the right decision. If you’d like to learn more about BlueSky Online School, contact us.