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Chances are, if you’re the mom of a teen, you’ve heard all about online learning options. Over the past decade, online schools have soared in popularity, thanks in part to their flexibility, remote learning access, and self-paced models.
There’s also a good chance you’ve wondered to yourself, quietly or aloud, “Is this right for my teen?” Transitioning from a traditional brick-and-mortar institution to an online high school can seem daunting. And you need to know that it’s the right move for your kid.
This article offers a mom’s perspective on the process. Explore how online schools may benefit your teen, before reviewing a list of questions to cover with your young learner before taking the plunge.
Self-Paced Learning and Flexibility: A Lifesaver for Busy Schedules, Family Time, and Educational Goals
The first thing to know about online schools is that they are often “self-paced.” Because you complete your courses online, there are no fixed start and end dates, and students work through courses at their preferred speed. This model is fantastic for students who believe that the “universal pace” of the classroom either goes too fast (leaving them behind) or too slow (leaving them feeling bored).
Self-paced online courses are also incredibly flexible. Students with extracurricular passions, part-time jobs, or other commitments can easily incorporate their studies into their busy lives. The flexibility also makes family time easier; moms often appreciate how online schooling allows for more quality time, vacations during the school year, and flexible learning hours.
To recap, students in a self-paced online environment take the time they need to succeed in their studies while making time for the important things in life, such as hobbies, career planning, and family.
Teaching Responsibility and Independence
Because online schools are self-paced, they encourage students to foster self-discipline. Many moms find that online high school teaches teens to manage their own time and assignments (finding backed by research, as you can see in the link). It helps them develop time-management skills, self-reliance, and accountability.
These skills represent a major stepping stone toward university readiness and workplace readiness. Online learning can prepare teens for the self-directed study habits needed for post-secondary education or professional workplaces, giving them a head start in managing their own workload.
Socialization: What You Should Know
Socialization is a topic that arises often when moms discuss online learning with their teens. Some moms worry about social interaction in online schools, and some teens worry about the social interaction aspect, too. Meanwhile, some moms and teens choose online learning specifically because it removes the student from environments built around potential peer pressure, bullying, and performance anxiety.
Ultimately, you know your child best. However, while socialization is less conventional in online schools, it’s still entirely possible. Students can socialize through extracurricular activities, sports, online communities, and study groups.
Is It the Right Fit? Key Questions to Ask
Now’s the time to sit down with your teen and cover a few critical questions. Start with these:
- Do you believe the classroom pace suits your learning, or would you feel better off going at your own pace?
- Do you feel prepared for independence after high school, or would you benefit from easing into independence with self-guided studies?
- Do you feel that your social life at school helps or hinders your academic progress?
- Would you feel comfortable trying a trial run at an online school (taking one or two courses to see how it goes)? Or are you keen to make an immediate, complete transition?
Start with these questions. Then, open the floor to any further questions or thoughts your teen has on the subject. By chatting through it, you can better understand whether online high school is right for your teen.