Distance Learning: Grades K-12

Today, distance learning is not just for college students.

As the Internet has grown in popularity and usage, so has the appeal of distance learning among family with children. While most students in elementary and secondary school attend the traditional "brick and mortar" schools, many children find they need instruction that is more specialized or flexible than what traditional schools are able to provide.

Perhaps the classroom pace is just too slow for the gifted student, or maybe it is too fast for the student who needs just little extra attention. Then, there are those students who feel bullied in a large school environment, or those children who just can't sit still in the classroom long enough to learn the lesson properly. And then there are those home schooled children, who can benefit from new technology. These are the types of students for whom distance learning has gained popularity.

Similar but Different

Online schools for children in grades K-12 offer many of the same classes as more traditional schools. A student can take the same math, English, reading and science classes as he or she would in a campus-based school. Some online schools even offer a physical education component.

However, while the same types of course can be found at most online schools, there are key differences that set them apart. Classes often can be customized to meet a child's specific academic needs, in either pace or learning styles. Flexible class schedules also can be created to fit easily around the child's other activities, such as sports or acting. And online schools often provide learning materials in a variety of formats, from standard textbooks to CDs and videos.

Private or Public

Many online schools for grades K-12 are private institutions. Like their traditional counterparts, these schools are not controlled by the government and can vary in terms of quality. And just like traditional private schools, students must pay tuition in order to attend.

When considering a private online school for your child, your best bet is to find one that is regionally accredited, which is considered to be the most trusted form of accreditation by many in academic circles. In addition, you should find out the school's educational track record and how easily you are able to communicate with the school's administration and instructors.

Public schools also are gaining ground on the Internet. Many states now offer online schools for grades K-12, which student can attend with no cost to their parents. Such programs often offer students computers as well to assist in their online education.

Because they are funded by the state, public online schools must meet the same basic state and national requirements as traditional schools. And public online schools are regionally accredited.

Idaho is among the many states that offer public online schools for children enrolled in grades K-12.

Schools, such as Idaho Digital Learning Academy and the Idaho Virtual Academy, offer students elementary and secondary educations that are both standardized and customized.

If you are planning on online high school, use the tips we have provided for choosing an online high school.