Having their children at home was an eye opener for many parents. Many have told us they were shocked at how little their children were doing in school. This seems to have pulled the sheets back on the current state of our country's schools and unfortunately, the picture is not good. Online schools are fast becoming "a thing" for many families that have decided they need more control over their childrens' education. We have put together a list of schools and other resources to help families on their journey to un-school or home school their children. 2023 Online School List Laurel Springs School Laurel Springs School is a fully accredited private online school offering personalized education for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. It offers a college preparatory curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and elective options. The school focuses on flexible scheduling, individualized learning, and providing a supportive environment for students.Connections Academy Connections Academy is a network of tuition-free online public schools, available in many states across the United States. It provides a comprehensive curriculum for students in grades K-12, including core subjects, electives, and gifted and talented programs. The school offers personalized learning plans, certified teachers, and various opportunities for socialization and extracurricular activities.K12 Online Schools K12 is a network of online public and private schools offering personalized education programs, including tuition-free options for students in grades K-12. The curriculum covers core subjects, as well as electives, world languages, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. K12 also offers various support services, such as special education, college and career planning, and social opportunities. International Connections Academy Pearson Online Academy (formerly International Connections Academy) is a private online school serving students in grades K-12 worldwide. It offers a U.S. curriculum with an international focus, including core subjects, world languages, and AP courses. The academy provides personalized learning plans, certified teachers, and various extracurricular activities for students. The Keystone School The Keystone School is an accredited online private school offering courses and full-time programs for students in grades 6-12. It provides a flexible, self-paced learning environment with a variety of course options, including core subjects, electives, and AP courses. The school also offers credit recovery programs, as well as support services for college and career planning. Oak Meadow School Oak Meadow is a distance learning school offering a flexible, holistic, and experiential curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It provides both homeschooling curriculum materials and an accredited distance learning program. Oak Meadow focuses on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning in students. Time4Learning Time4Learning is an online education service that provides a comprehensive curriculum for students in pre-K through high school. It offers a flexible, student-paced learning environment with lessons in core subjects, electives, and foreign languages. Time4Learning is primarily used by homeschooling families, but it can also be a supplemental resource for traditional schooling. Calvert Education Calvert Education is a homeschool curriculum provider that also offers a fully accredited online private school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It provides a comprehensive curriculum, including core subjects, electives, and AP courses. Calvert focuses on flexibility, personalized learning plans, and support services for families. The University of Nebraska High School The University of Nebraska High School is an accredited online high school offering over 100 core, elective, and Advanced Placement courses for students in grades 9-12. It provides a flexible, self-paced learning environment, with support from certified teachers and academic advisors. The school offers diploma programs, as well as individual courses for credit recovery or enrichment. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Florida Virtual School is a fully accredited online public school offering free education to Florida residents, with options for students outside of Florida as well. It serves students in grades K-12 and offers a wide range of courses, including core subjects, electives, AP courses, and career and technical education programs. FLVS provides a flexible learning environment with certified teachers and various support services. Stanford Online High School - Stanford Online High School is an accredited independent school offering a rigorous and engaging online education for students in grades 7-12. It is affiliated with Stanford University and provides a challenging college-preparatory curriculum, including core subjects, electives, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school emphasizes a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students can benefit from small class sizes, live online classes, and interaction with academically talented peers from around the world. Stanford Online High School also offers various extracurricular activities, clubs, and support services for students.What are These Types of Schools Called? There are a number of terms that get thrown around when parents are talking about school that is not a public or private school in the traditional sense. Here are a number of the more common terms used today: Distance Learning Refers to education that takes place remotely, allowing students to access learning materials and interact with teachers without being physically present in a traditional classroom setting. Distance learning has a long history that predates the internet and digital technologies. Here is a brief overview of the development of distance learning... The earliest form of distance learning can be traced back to the mid-19th century when correspondence courses were introduced. Students received course materials, such as textbooks and assignments, through the mail and submitted their work for grading and feedback. Sir Isaac Pitman, an English educator, is often credited with pioneering this form of education when he began teaching shorthand via correspondence in the 1840s. With the advent of radio and television, educators began to harness these technologies for distance learning. In the 1920s, radio broadcasts were used to deliver educational content to remote or underserved populations. Educational television gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, with many universities and public television stations producing instructional programs for students of all ages. In the 1960s, telecourses emerged as a way to deliver college-level instruction via television broadcasts. These courses were often accompanied by print materials and assignments, which students completed and submitted by mail. In the 1970s and 1980s, satellite technology enabled live broadcasts of lectures and educational programming to remote locations, further expanding the reach of distance learning. The development of personal computers in the 1980s enabled computer-based training (CBT) for educational purposes. CBT programs were primarily delivered on CD-ROMs or floppy disks and included interactive multimedia elements, such as text, graphics, audio, and video. These programs allowed students to learn at their own pace and receive instant feedback on their progress. With the widespread adoption of the internet in the 1990s, online learning emerged as a new form of distance education. Early online courses were primarily text-based and delivered through email or discussion boards. As technology advanced, online learning platforms incorporated multimedia content, interactive simulations, and real-time communication tools, such as video conferencing and chat rooms. Distance learning encompasses a wide range of digital technologies and educational approaches, including online courses, virtual schools, and massive open online courses (MOOCs). It continues to evolve as new technologies and pedagogical methods are developed, providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities to students around the world.Online Schooling A term that specifically refers to education delivered through digital platforms, typically via the internet. Online schooling can include real-time interaction with teachers, asynchronous coursework, or a combination of both. Online learning has its roots in earlier forms of distance education, but its history truly begins with the advent of the internet. Here's a brief overview of the development of online learning. As the internet gained widespread adoption in the early 1990s, educators began to explore its potential for delivering educational content. Early online courses were primarily text-based, utilizing email, mailing lists, and discussion boards for communication and collaboration among students and instructors. With the growing demand for online education, learning management systems (LMS) were developed to facilitate the creation, delivery, and management of online courses. Early LMS platforms, such as Blackboard and WebCT, provided tools for content creation, assessment, and communication, enabling institutions to offer structured online courses to a wider audience. As internet technology advanced and bandwidth increased, online courses began to incorporate more multimedia elements, such as audio, video, and interactive simulations. This enriched the learning experience and allowed for greater engagement with course content. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) emerged in the early 2010s, providing free or low-cost access to high-quality online courses from prestigious universities and institutions worldwide. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity popularized MOOCs, which attracted millions of learners and expanded access to higher education. With the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets, mobile learning became an increasingly important aspect of online education. Learning platforms and content providers adapted their offerings to be accessible and optimized for mobile devices, enabling learners to access course materials and engage in learning activities on-the-go. Advances in learning analytics and artificial intelligence have enabled the development of personalized and adaptive learning systems. These systems use data about learners' progress, preferences, and performance to tailor learning experiences and provide targeted feedback, improving learning outcomes and efficiency. The emergence of virtual and augmented reality technologies has opened new possibilities for immersive and interactive online learning experiences. These technologies enable learners to explore virtual environments, conduct simulations, and engage in hands-on learning activities that were previously inaccessible in online settings. Online learning encompasses a wide range of technologies, platforms, and pedagogical approaches, catering to diverse learners' needs and preferences. As technology continues to evolve, online learning will likely continue to adapt and innovate, offering new opportunities and challenges for learners and educators alike.Virtual Schooling Similar to online schooling, virtual schooling refers to education delivered through digital platforms. The term "virtual" often emphasizes the use of technology to create a more immersive, interactive learning experience.E-learning or Electronic Learning A broad term that encompasses all forms of education that use electronic resources, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones. E-learning can include online courses, digital textbooks, learning management systems, and multimedia resources.Remote Learning Often used interchangeably with distance learning, remote learning refers to education that is delivered remotely, generally due to the need for students and teachers to be physically separated.Homeschooling A term used when parents or guardians take responsibility for educating their children outside of a traditional school setting. While homeschooling can involve online or distance learning, it may also include other methods, such as in-person instruction, self-directed learning, or participation in local homeschool cooperatives. Homeschooling, or home education, has been practiced throughout history in various forms. Here's a brief overview of the development of homeschooling. Before the establishment of formal educational institutions, home education was the primary means of teaching children. Parents, guardians, or tutors provided instruction in basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as practical knowledge and cultural traditions. In many societies, homeschooling was the norm for centuries. As countries began to implement compulsory education laws in the 19th and early 20th centuries, more children attended public or private schools, and homeschooling became less common. During this period, homeschooling was typically practiced by families in rural areas or those with specific educational, religious, or philosophical convictions. In the 1960s and 1970s, homeschooling experienced a resurgence in the United States and other countries, driven by concerns about the quality and relevance of institutionalized education. Educators and authors, such as John Holt and Raymond Moore, advocated for alternative educational approaches that prioritized children's natural learning instincts, individual interests, and self-direction. As the homeschooling movement gained momentum, many countries and states revised their education laws to legalize homeschooling and establish regulations for home education. The number of homeschooling families grew rapidly during this period, fueled by increasing access to resources, support networks, and educational materials. Diversification and mainstream acceptance (2000s-present): In recent decades, homeschooling has become more diverse in terms of methods, motivations, and demographics. Homeschooling families now encompass a wide range of educational philosophies, from traditional academic approaches to unschooling and eclectic styles. Technological advancements, such as online courses and digital resources, have further expanded the possibilities for homeschooling. The practice has gained wider acceptance, and many homeschoolers have demonstrated academic success and social adaptation, contributing to its continued growth. Today, homeschooling is recognized as a viable educational option in many countries, with millions of families choosing this path for various reasons, including academic, religious, philosophical, or lifestyle preferences. As homeschooling continues to evolve, it is likely to remain an important part of the educational landscape.Cyber Schooling Another term for online or virtual schooling, with an emphasis on the use of technology and the internet to deliver education.Frequently Asked Questions What is online learning? Online learning refers to any educational process that utilizes digital resources and the internet to deliver instruction, allowing students to access learning materials and interact with teachers remotely.What is homeschooling? Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents or guardians take responsibility for their child's education outside of the traditional school setting. It may involve various methods, such as in-person instruction, self-directed learning, participation in local homeschool cooperatives, or online learning resources.What is unschooling? Unschooling is a form of homeschooling that emphasizes learner-centered and self-directed education, without a structured curriculum. Instead, children learn through exploration, play, and real-life experiences, guided by their interests and curiosity.How do I choose between online learning, homeschooling, and unschooling? The choice depends on your family's needs, goals, and values. Consider factors such as your child's learning style, social needs, and interests, as well as your family's schedule, resources, and educational philosophy.How do I start homeschooling or unschooling? To start homeschooling or unschooling, research your state's or country's homeschooling laws and requirements. Develop a plan for your child's education, including a learning environment, curriculum, and resources. Consider joining homeschooling or unschooling support groups and networks for advice and socialization opportunities.How do I know if an online school is accredited? Visit the school's website to find information about its accreditation status. Accredited schools are reviewed by recognized accreditation agencies to ensure they meet specific educational standards. You can also verify accreditation through the agency's website or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database.Can online learning be tailored to my child's needs? Many online learning programs offer personalized learning plans, allowing students to progress at their own pace and focus on areas where they need improvement. Some online schools also provide support services, such as special education, tutoring, and academic advising.How do students socialize in online learning environments? Online schools may offer various opportunities for socialization, including virtual clubs, online forums, and collaborative projects. Some schools also organize in-person meet-ups, field trips, or extracurricular activities for students in the same geographic area.How much does online learning cost? Costs for online learning can vary widely, depending on the type of program and the resources provided. Tuition-free online public schools are available in many states, while private online schools typically charge tuition. Additional costs may include technology, curriculum materials, and supplemental resources.What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning, homeschooling, and unschooling? Advantages may include flexibility, personalized learning, and the ability to focus on individual interests and needs.