Virtual academies?

[monkeymommy3]

Does anyone have any thoughts on theses? I was looking at it here in ohio( www.ohva.org) They provide all the curriculum and supplies, but you have to do the standardized tests. If anyone has any experience with this, let me know, I am new to the homeschooling idea.

[SagMom]

Personally, I wouldn't do it. Although the student is learning at home, they're still public school students and have to follow the curriculum, scope and sequence, testing requirements, etc. that the school dictates.

Some people like that though. As long as the family realizes what they're getting into and is happy with the arrangement, I don't see a problem with virtual schools as one option within the public school system. It irritates me when a public virtual charter claims it's a homeschool only because that muddies the legal waters, but from my brief browse through the website, this school doesn't seem to be doing that. (That's probably a whole 'nother discussion though.)

[Houdini]

I am not going to much help, but I thought I would pop in and say we are using OHVA for the this coming school year. I am also new to homeschooling. My crew went to public school through the end of the school year and we decided to pull them to homeschool. They have already taken the placement tests and we are waiting for our shipment of books and the computer. My kids are in fourth, third, and second. My middle two will be in the same level for all their subjects so that will help a bit. Good luck. We are really excited to start with the virtual academy.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by Joan

Although the student is learning at home, they're still public school students and have to follow the curriculum, scope and sequence, testing requirements, etc. that the school dictates.

:

One of my friends did it in Arizona this last year and it was a mixed experience for them. It sounds like it was pretty much the same deal as this one (K12 curriculum). The subjects in which her son was strong to begin with and enjoyed doing went great, but writing and language arts aren't among his strengths. The amount of work they expected of him was, in his mom's view, overkill. (He was in 2nd grade.) She really liked the curriculum and she got wonderful supplies from them that she couldn't have afforded with out doing the virtual academy, but she got tired of dealing with the ongoing requirements. Once they were "in" they were hooked on the supplies and didn't want to quit the program because they would have to give things back. It wasn't a great situation. They've decided not to continue homeschooling this next year for a lot of reasons -- fighting with her son over his school work among them.

I would check and find out what happens if you decide you want to quit the program in the middle of the year. I think that in order for homeschooling to be pleasant, you need to be able to make changes as you go along to make it work for your child.

[mattemma04]

We will be trying out OHDELA this fall starting with Calvert K,and hopefully by mid year my dd can jump into their online Grade 1 curriculum(compass I think it is called),or just stick with Calvert Grade 1.

There are some ohio e-school lists at yahoogroups.com if you want to check them out.Reading through the archives will be helpful for you.

Best wishes!

[joesmom]

My friend does this through PA, with her kids who are almost 8, 10 & almost 12. They love it. The youngest has autism & dev. delays & as far as I know they are very relaxed in allowing her mom to do what she wants with her.

They get A LOT of cool stuff, too. Books, & supplies & stuff.

It'd be WAY too structured for me though.

[Red Sonja]

My brother, who is now in college, did a lot of his coursework online from about 8th grade up through high school graduation. He took classes through Willoway, which I think has now merged with another school. http://www.3dlearn.com/

[monkeymommy3]

Thanks Guys

You have given me alot to consider. I am a little scared to go this homeschooling thing solo, so I thought this might be a good fit for us. But I also would like a more flexible program, so I have alot to consider. Thanks a bunch, I knew I could come here for some good advice.