Oh, middle school. Hormones. Cliques. Drama. Did anyone actually have a good time? If you’re hesitant to send your child into the abyss of junior high, online school may be the solution. 

Online learning has become the norm since many traditional schools transitioned to virtual instruction during the pandemic. But, there are differences between schools that have always operated online and those that shifted online in a hurry. Many students fell behind when traditional schools moved to online learning. 

Online schools, like BlueSky, have only ever operated online. The benefits include more involved support teams, personalized learning plans, and flexible scheduling.

Despite the benefits of online learning, it may be hard to imagine a 12 year old staying on task without in-person supervision. Many parents worry that their sixth grader isn’t old enough to handle online school, even if it’s the best option for that child.

Consider the following to determine if online school is a good fit for your middle schooler.

Traditional vs. online school in a post-pandemic world

A common concern among parents during the pandemic was that their children were falling behind.

In early 2020, in-person teachers struggled to transition their classrooms online. Remote learning made it hard for them, despite their efforts, to know what kids were learning. Many parents left jobs to supervise their children’s learning. Others had to leave their kids at home unsupervised while they went to work. Students had fewer instructional hours, less academic support, and greater responsibility. Some kids excelled under these conditions, particularly independent, self-directed learners. But, many have struggled.

While students at traditional schools suffered, online students were set up for success.

 

Is online school right for middle schoolers?

Middle school students already have a challenging time. Middle school is a transitional period, in all aspects. Students are leaving one phase of childhood and entering another. Some need in-person interaction at this age, while others seek independence and control.

The truth is that every student is different and will thrive in different situations. Consider your student and their learning style. Do they thrive in independent environments or do they need guidance?

Online schools cater to each of these students, as do traditional middle schools. But, online school will provide a flexible schedule dependent on each student’s individual needs.

The challenges of being a pre-teen

The Centers for Disease Control reports that cyberbullying is highest among middle schoolers. One in five students are victims of bullying. Studies have found that bullied students have lower academic performance than their peers.

For students that struggle with social anxiety or bullying, online school can be a relief. The environment allows students to avoid the negative situation and focus on academics.

Online learning offers safe, innovative learning at no cost to families. While instruction takes place online, students take part in social activities as well. Online schools offer field trips and extracurricular activities. Clubs bring students together over shared interests.

The benefits of self-paced instruction for independent learners

The typical student starts school at 8:00 in the morning. While schedules differ, many students have back-to-back classes for six hours straight. During the pandemic, schedules became fluid and students had more choice over when to do their work. This change gave students a taste of independence and teachers reported better results. Students took ownership over their work because they no longer felt micromanaged.

We describe our curriculum as structured-flexible learning. This means that we provide as much structure to students as they need for success. We understand that all students are unique individuals with unique learning preferences. Some are more independent than others and can be successful with little guidance. But, there are also students who need consistent support and communication.

Our middle school program is beneficial for students who want independence but still need guidance. Students must attend virtual lessons, but complete course work on their own time. This instills a sense of responsibility for their learning.

At an in-person school, if a student is absent, they may miss fundamental material. Online courses consist of interactive videos and activities. If a student falls behind or doesn’t understand a lesson, they can refer to a video or recorded lesson. The pressure is off of the student, so they can learn at a pace that allows them to understand the course material.

Close supervision and educational support at BlueSky

About two-thirds of parents of in-person middle schoolers provide extra instruction. This lack of support is common among traditional, brick and mortar schools. There are many students and it’s easy for them to fall through the cracks.

Our middle school program helps students develop lifelong skills. Our supportive and caring staff values each student and their unique learning style. Our support system is one of the most important aspects of BlueSky. 

Besides dedicated teachers, every BlueSky student has an advisor, counselor, and social worker. Every professional works to provide students the tools needed to succeed. The support of our administration doesn’t start and end with the school day. We go above and beyond to provide transparent communication with students and families. We hold regular conferences and opportunities for communication. Teachers give feedback to parents immediately – not only at conferences. This ensures that parents know when students miss assignments or lessons.

Because of the support team, parents aren’t pressured to assist their students.

Opportunity for social interactions

Physical schools allow for social interaction, which is a needed skill for pre-teens. Online learning is sometimes thought of as lacking opportunities for social interactions. But, this could not be more the opposite! BlueSky provides many opportunities for social interaction.

Our middle school students have an interactive live class Monday through Thursday. These interactive live sessions allow students to interact with fellow students. We also plan field trips throughout the year. These trips give students the opportunity to feel like they’re a part of the BlueSky family. We believe in harboring connections both on and offline.

Reduced distractions

Many teachers reported that some students performed better during remote learning. Shy students, hyperactive students, and creative students all did best in an online environment. Part of this is due to the elimination of distraction. In a classroom of students, some will misbehave and the teacher may stop the lesson to address the behavior. Each time that happens, everyone else loses learning time.

The pressure to fit in at school can also influence students’ participation and focus. The online environment allows everyone’s voice to be heard without added anxiety.

Flexible schedules for students and families

In-person schools demand that your family life conform to their schedules. Drop off and pick up times, extracurriculars, and testing is all set by the school.

While online education isn’t for everyone, the curriculum is intriguing for many families. Online schools offer flexibility that physical schools cannot provide. Students can often complete their work on their own time. They also have the option to attend live or recorded lessons, depending on their schedule. As long as they meet the deadline, they can work during any time of the day. Also, the online structure means they can work from anywhere.

If students miss a virtual class session, they can catch up later. They can use their downtime for learning, whether sitting in a car, on the bleachers or in a waiting room. They are no longer pressured to abide by an arbitrary school schedule.

The decision to enroll your student in online school will depend on the student. Each family’s individual circumstances will also influence whether it’s a good fit.

For example, some students have to travel often. Whether it’s to pursue athletics or performing arts, they need a flexible schedule as they train and audition. Online school allows the student to pursue their passion while staying on track.

Sometimes, a parent has a professional obligation to travel. Online school allows families to stay together as one or both parents travel from home. In this case, online middle schoolers can join their families and log on to classes wherever they may be.

In some cases, a family may live in a remote location with less than exceptional local schools. Online schools provide these students the academic challenge they crave. 

Access to reliable technology and the internet is also imperative. BlueSky offers the necessary technology to students that need it.

Middle school at BlueSky

Our sixth graders follow the online course structure with guidance along the way. If you’re curious if online middle school is right for your student, or want to learn more, contact us anytime!