Social Opportunities for Online School Students
Online school is great for students that want an alternative learning option. For many students, an online education is the best fit. It gives students the opportunity to learn at home and at their own pace. There are fewer distractions and many programs personalize the curriculum to each student.
Despite the benefits, online students do miss out on social opportunities. Online school doesn’t provide students the social interactions of a traditional school. That’s why we go above and beyond to give students the chance to create social connections.
Field trips connect learning and real-world experiences
The opportunity to connect in person is so important for middle and high school students. While it may be best for some students to work from home, socializing is an essential part of adolescence.
We try to schedule at least one field trip a month to let the students come together in person. This also lets students experience real-world learning to supplement their education. These trips provide students with experiences they might not receive during class time. For example, classes may take trips to an aquarium or science museum. This encourages students to stretch their social skills and develop confidence.
These field trips are dependent on the interests of our students. Past BlueSky field trips include the Minnesota Zoo, ziplining at Sand Creek, Taylor’s Falls, Franconia Sculpture Garden and ValleyFair.
We want our students to look forward to these trips and enjoy being together. While our trips focus on learning, the root of the experience is the chance to interact with peers.
Regular events allow students to connect with their peers
Every year, we host a prom and graduation celebration for high school seniors. Both events are in-person and encouraged.
Students also have the option to attend on-site parties and events. These events involve snacks, games, and crafts. This gives students the opportunity to connect in a casual setting. For students that don’t attend in-person, we offer online activities to give them a way to socialize.
To learn more about BlueSky and how we connect with our online students, contact us today!
