Online High Schools
I am considering enrolling my son in an online high school. He has health issues that cause him to miss a lot of school so we're looking for something where he can take his classes at his own pace. It seems that some online schools are self-paced and some are not. We need something that's not too expensive (max of $10,000 per year for a full course load - preferably less!). I'm wondering what experiences others have had with online schools, both good and bad. How are they structured, how much interaction does the student have with instructors, etc. Any and all info would be appreciated!
Oct 4, 2017
Parent Replies
I wanted to suggest that you might also look at Tilden Prep, which offers flexibility in HS coursework because of their one-on-one instruction, and they can do video/FaceTime as well. They are in Berkeley (on Solano Ave) and Walnut Creek.
I don't know about on line schools but I've heard of Tilden school in Albany which teaches one on one and goes with the child's pace.
My son took a few online classes with Brigham Young University (BYU) Independent Study. They were self-paced and some classes are UC a-g approved. He can interact with the instructor and TA by appointments. He also took some online classes with Foothill College as high school dual-enrolled students. Those classes do have lot of homework and on tight schedule. He can interact with his professors during online office hours and by emails. Those classes are free if he takes less than 10 units per quarter. Hope this helps!
If you are in BUSD you might want to try a health 504 plan, and/or Independent Studies. Having taught students after they took online classes, you should be aware that it is not the same academic rigor as a high school class. So, if your student is intending to apply to UCs you might want to think of other alternatives.
Stanford's Online High School could be a great option! The tuition is more than what you are looking for, but they have generous scholarships. Classes happen in real time, so students and the instructor are all online together, using a shared whiteboard, textchat, and webcams. The school is very rigorous, but they are used to accommodating students with health issues, and the counseling and academic advisors are top notch when it comes to assisting students. You can also join the school part-time or full-time, which may give you more flexibility.
Have you looked at k12.com?
Please do not consider K12, it’s incredibly boring and rigid. You could file the private school affidavit and homeschool during this time. Go to HSC.org, the legal section and/or call the hotline at 888-HSC-4440 to talk to a homeschooler who can guide you. There are many online classes you could put together from different sources to cover all requirements and keep him on track without paying through the nose or having it be boring and rote. Some online resources include onlineg3.com, literatureatourhouse.com, aphomeschoolers, Derekowens.com, liveonlinemath.com, time4writing.com, well trained mind as well as in person Bay Area classes at quantum camp, rockitscience, museums, etc.