At iSucceed, we know change isn’t easy, especially when combined with the unknown. This is certainly no exception for students wanting to switch to online school, and that’s why we’ve put together a list of tips for parents and students to try out in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Starting the Switch: Is Online School the Right Option for You?
While attending school is no easy task, it shouldn’t be something you dread every day. Learning should be enjoyable, and if it isn’t, then it could be time to consider school online. Here are a few advantages to online schooling:
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Personalized Attention from Instructors
While it can vary between schools, students at iSucceed Virtual Schools often find they receive greater personalized teacher support. Instead of a student competing with 30+ peers for attention in a classroom, online students can contact teachers throughout the day for help through several channels including emails, phone calls, live online sessions and instant chat.
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Flexibility in Coursework
Another reason students choose online school is to have more flexibility as to when and where they complete schoolwork. Those who are competitive athletes, musicians, have medical needs or other family responsibilities tend to prefer an online education so as to better balance their lives. Online school is not easier, but the ability to complete coursework outside of the standard Monday–Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. is appealing to many.
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Better Focus in a Comfortable Environment
With class sizes constantly increasing, there are students who find the noise and social aspects of today’s classroom too distracting. Online still allows for social interaction, but working online from home or wherever is most comfortable helps many teens better focus on schoolwork.
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iSucceed Only: Rigorous, Award-Winning Curriculum
iSucceed Virtual School’s curriculum is fresh, rigorous and engaging. It has won multiple awards, is engineered for the modern teen learner and is a great option for students who find their current coursework unchallenging or dull.
To see more about the differences between traditional school and online school, head to this blog post.
Parent Tips for Switching Your Child to Online School
Determine Your Child’s Needs–and if the School You Choose Can Meet Them
Different schools are made to fit different student’s needs. Whether your child needs a specialized IEP/504 plan or simply thrives on social interaction, it’s best to make sure the online school you choose works for him or her. Head to our Academics page to see what iSucceed offers.
Talk With Your Child
This can seem like a given, but oftentimes parents make decisions on school options without first asking what the child wants. Including your child in the decision process will help them transition easier and stay motivated.
Talk With Your Current Guidance Counselor
Your guidance counselor should let you know where your child’s current progress is toward graduation and help you get started on the transition process.
Get Paperwork Gathered
In order to enroll in any school you will need the following:
- Immunization records (even in online school)
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residency
- School transcripts
If you have all these items gathered and ready to go, the enrollment process will go much smoother.
Make Sure the School You Choose Will Work With Credits
Before making the switch, it’s important to make sure the school you choose will accept the credits your child has already earned at their current school. iSucceed Virtual Schools accepts all Idaho earned school credits, and most credits earned from a school in another state. We also have enrollment advisors who will work with you every step of the way to make transferring a smooth process.
Get a Workspace Prepared for Your Child
A big difference between traditional and online school is that your child will no longer have a designated desk to sit at in a classroom. To help the transition stay smooth, create a “school desk” for them at home. Whether it’s a desk in your child’s bedroom, an office space in the house or even a kitchen table, it’s best to create a designated, organized “workspace” for your child. Head to this blog post to see workspace organization from instructors.
Student Tips for Switching to Online School
See How You Can Get Involved
Students: Just because you aren’t in a classroom doesn’t mean you can’t meet new people and make friends! Online schools hold events and have clubs for you to join. iSucceed even has a prom and a monitored online community chat for you to easily connect with your classmates and make new friends. Learn more about iSucceed student life here.
Get a Planner
More flexibility requires more organization. Now that you can choose how to spend your day, we recommend you buy a planner or use an online scheduling app to help you plan your days out. Decide beforetime when you will complete schoolwork and when you are going to take breaks so that you can stay disciplined throughout the day.
Find Ways to Personalize Your Workspace
Adding your favorite snack, a picture of your family or another favorite trinket will make your environment more enjoyable as you work. Not to mention, these are all things you likely weren’t allowed to do at your old school, so take advantage and enjoy it!
Talk With Your Teachers As Much as You Can
The instructors, advisors and counselors are all there to readily available to help you–but don’t know how if you don’t ask. Any time you don’t understand a concept, don’t hesitate to send an instant message, email or phone call for personal support.