How to Determine if Online Middle School is Right for Your Student
Online education is spreading like wildfire now that traditional schools have had to experiment with going online because of covid19. But there are many differences between a school that has been operating online for years and a school that has been forced to go online because of the recent pandemic. In any case, many parents are curious about an online school – particularly for middle school students. If you’re considering online middle school for your student, consider the following to determine if it’s a good fit for your middle schooler. You may be asking yourself:
Is online school right for middle schoolers?
The truth is that every student is different, and as such, will thrive in different educational settings. The key is to look at your individual learner and their learning styles. In which settings do they seem to excel and in which do they seem to shrink or fall behind? Middle school grades are particularly important because it’s a sort of transitional period for young people. They are leaving one phase of childhood by exiting elementary and entering another phase in middle school before heading to high school. Some students really need one-on-one in-person connection at this age, while others seek independence and yearn to have more control over their daily schedule. Either way, online school could be a great option for middle schoolers.
Students in middle school are also at a transitional age physically, socially, and intellectually. When determining if online school is right for your middle schooler, it’s important to consider the challenges they are currently facing.
The Challenges Facing Middle Schoolers
The middle grades are a transitional time for students regardless of if they go to a traditional or online middle school. Middle school students are facing many common challenges for their age. But many parents are concerned about the challenge of such a big change for a middle school-aged student. Consider if your child thrives in an independent learning environment or if they need a support system to guide them through their courses. The truth is that both can thrive in an online education environment, but there are differences between the support that is given online and the traditional support given at brick-and-mortar schools.
The advantages of online education are plentiful and range from student to student. But students in middle school particularly benefit from the technology skills learned by using a virtual educational platform and the effort put into online social interactions. They learn to be intentional about their interactions and are given a structured but flexible course schedule that is dependent on their own preferences and needs.
Online School for Independent Learners
We like to describe our educational style here at BlueSky as structured-flexible learning, meaning that we provide as much structure to students and families as they would like or need for success here. We operate with the full understanding and compassion for the fact that all students are unique individuals and with that, they come with unique learning preferences. Some students are more independent than others and can have a very successful online educational experience with very little guidance or reminders from teachers and administration. But there are also students who thrive in an online school that provides support and consistent communication with teachers or counselors. Both are welcome here at BlueSky!
Our online middle school program is designed for younger students who are starting to yearn for a sense of independence but could still use some guidance. Attendance is taken virtually through zoom advisories and live sessions but students are required to get their assignments done, login, and complete course work on their own – giving them a sense of responsibility for their learning.
Educational Support at BlueSky
Our middle school program revolves around relevant and meaningful learning experiences that will help students to develop lifelong skills while creating compassionate relationships. We provide students with a friendly, supportive, and caring staff who value each student individually. This also helps our team to support each students’ unique learning style. The support system we offer students and families is one of the most important aspects of BlueSky.
Every student that walks through the BlueSky virtual doors is assigned a support team of administrators made up of a teacher, counselor, and social worker. These professionals are committed to each and every students’ success here at BlueSky. The support of our administration doesn’t start and end with courses, we go above and beyond to create clear and effective communication with students and families. Just like brick-and-mortar schools, we have periodical conferences and opportunities for in-person communications with parents or guardians.
Opportunity for Social Interactions
Online learning is sometimes thought of as lacking opportunities for social interactions. This could not be more the opposite! BlueSky provides many opportunities for social interaction and one-on-one communication. All of our online middle school students have an advisory class and an interactive live class Monday through Thursday, so during those times, they can talk with their advisor one on one and have interactions with other students. These interactive live sessions also allow students to learn more directly. We think it’s important to give students ample opportunity to interact socially with their fellow students and our administrators. We also plan field trips for students a few times a year and over the summer to give students the opportunity to connect and just have fun with their fellow middle schoolers. Field trips also give students the opportunity to feel like they’re a part of the BlueSky family. We believe in harboring connection and creating space for students to be social both online and offline.
This year, for the first time in BlueSky history, we are opening our school to 6th graders! We are so excited to welcome these younger students and care for their educational needs. Our 6th graders will follow the middle school online course structure but we will provide the guidance they need as younger students every step of the way. If you’re curious if online middle school is right for your student, or simply want to learn more about us, contact us anytime!
