Students across the country and around the world use online education to get a high-quality education. These schools provide curriculum and study materials associated with public schools, meaning they are tuition-free. They are also great for students who need more flexibility. This includes child actors, childhood sports prodigies, and chess grandmasters who must travel for their careers.
Flexibility
Tuition-free online public schools, for example, Reach Cyber Charter School, are an excellent choice for families that want to combine a rigorous curriculum with flexible learning. Students can work at their own pace and focus on subjects that are challenging to them. Moreover, they can more easily accommodate their busy schedules by following live lessons in real time and completing assignments outside of class.
However, a tuition-free virtual school requires a strong commitment from the student and the parent. Though it may have felt like remote education was invented overnight during the pandemic, online schools are more than two decades old. Private and charter schools have offered online learning for years, and many states now offer a variety of virtual schools.
Some are entirely virtual, while others have physical locations or “Learning Centers” that allow students to meet with teachers and classmates for in-person support and interaction. Some even offer blended instruction, which combines in-person and virtual learning.
Social Interaction
Tuition-free online public schools offer many of the same benefits as traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Students can study from the comfort of their own homes, with a flexible schedule and access to 24/7 learning materials. Students can also receive guidance and support from qualified teachers. Moreover, they can participate in social events and learn from the experiences of other students.
This type of education is particularly beneficial for students with medical conditions that make it difficult to travel to school or those being bullied for their condition. In addition, it can also be beneficial for students whose parents have jobs that require frequent travel or those who want to pursue a career in the military or as traveling musicians. Students enrolled in tuition-free online public schools usually interact with classmates and teachers through virtual meetings. These meetings will be scheduled at the best times for the student and teacher.
Some virtual meetings include face-to-face conversations, and some are entirely digital. Other ways to socialize through online education are virtual clubs and organized community field trips. In these activities, students will meet with their peers and enjoy the same experiences they would have if they attended a traditional school – like attending science shows, skiing, pumpkin patches, or swimming at a local pool.
Self-Directed Learning
Online learning gives students the flexibility to work around their daily schedules. With a dedicated learning coach, students can complete their assignments at the most convenient times. This allows them to focus on their studies without distraction while working around other commitments such as extracurricular activities or family time.
Choosing your own pace is especially helpful for gifted students who may become bored with a slow-paced curriculum in traditional schools. In addition, students can spend more time on subjects they find challenging and less time on those they master quickly. This individualized approach to education helps students reach their full potential and can boost their confidence as they progress in school. Many online schools offer opportunities for socialization so that students do not feel isolated from their peers.
Personal Attention
Tuition-free online public schools offer students a high-quality education with personalized attention. They work with students to ensure they progress through the curriculum and provide various resources and support to help them stay on track.
Students can receive help from learning coaches and tutors, and the school can work with families to accommodate appointments and lifestyle needs. However, it’s essential to choose a reputable online public school program. Some programs have been criticized for underperforming during the pandemic and for not using best practices in online instruction. K12 offers several online homeschool options, including tuition-free virtual public schools with state teachers and other tuition-based private school options.
In addition, K12 offers supplemental and intensive courses, summer school, and camps for students interested in specific subjects like coding or marketing. These can help students explore their interests and develop critical skills for future success. Students can enroll full-time or part-time, and tuition varies by state.