Online Programs
A virtual school in general refers to a program in which your child is at home, but takes courses over the Internet. These virtual schools offer online programs and often full curricula. They are usually administered by a public or private school. Thus, children enrolled in these programs are effectively enrolled in a school and skirt the definition of a homeschooled student. There are some controversies regarding these programs, but they do provide an alternative that is appropriate for some families. Learn more about how these programs work, what to expect, and how to get the most out of them.
Online Homeschool Programs & Curricula
Catholic Virtual
A program of Virtual Schools of Excellence, Catholic Virtual is an accredited, online program. They are committed to offering a comprehensive approach to e-learning in a faith-filled environment. The K-12 Program provides college preparatory and career readiness curriculum for all students. The Catholic Religious Education classes follow the standards and guidelines set by the United States Bishops.
K12
Founded in 1999 by William J. Bennett, along with other leaders, K12 offers a traditional program of learning using online technology and traditional content. Many states are offering the K12 program through Virtual Acadamies, with programs that are free of charge to participating families.
A Beka Academy
A Beka Academy is an accredited, comprehensive distance-learning program for kindergarten through grade 12. This academically challenging, college preparatory education features high-quality video instruction and uses Christian character-building textbooks from A Beka Book.
CLASS Homeschools
CLASS is a pioneer of the modern home school movement and has helped thousands of families to get started—and succeed—in home schooling. CLASS consists of thousands of home schools throughout the United States and around the world, with students ranging in age from four to adult. CLASS is accredited by the National Association of Private Schools. Graduates are being accepted by leading colleges, universities, and military academies.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (L.P.H.) Resource Center
L.P.H. Resource Center offers classes for Catholic homeschoolers over the Internet. These classes are designed for mainly 4th-8th graders, but are available to those in higher grades if desired. The classes are kept as flexible as possible.
American School
The American School offers a distance education program combining reasonable tuition and curriculum in both print and online format. They offer a free transcript evaluation service for transcripts from high school sin the United States to ensure you and your students are on the right educational path.
Paradigm Virtual Academy
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, PVA uses the tested and proven PAC curriculum, but in a virtual, online setting. Students with Internet access can now benefit from the PAC program from anywhere in the world.
Calvert School
Calvert School is an independent lower and middle school with a curriculum that is designed to challenge capable boys and girls. Children are prepared for secondary school and for a lifetime of learning by mastering the academic basics. Through its financial aid and recruitment efforts, Calvert strives to offer an educational opportunity to students of all socio-economic backgrounds.
Clonlara School
The Clonlara School philosophy is that a school must empower learners to participate purposefully and eagerly in their own education. The program gives students a lot of choice: choice of curriculum, resources, method and timing.
eTAP
eTAP Teaching Assistance Program is a premiere site for online instruction designed specifically to maximize student learning.
Support
K12 Large Families
This group is for large families using the K-12 curriculum created by Dr. William Bennett. Both homeschooling families and Virtual School families are welcome. It is particularly intended for families with more than 3 children in K-12 as well as additional teens, toddlers and babies. Discussions include both the curriculum and the challenges of implementing it in a large family.
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Featured Resources
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Life in America
Life in America was designed by home schooling parents to meet the needs of families. Features unit studies in a box, with all resource material supplied.
I Learn Better by Teaching Myself/Still Teaching Ourselves
Take a look at how a homeschooling mother learned to trust her children-and herself-to learn in new ways. Tag along on the journey from the elementary years through high school as this book explore the success and freedom of unstructured learning. These books are especially good for anyone wrestling with the question of "how much structure should there be in a homeschool?"
Please Don't Drink the Holy Water
Susie Lloyd faces the trials and joy of raising a happy, active Catholic family.
And What About College?: How Homeschooling Can Lead to Admissions to the Best Colleges & Universities
Get all your questions about helping your homeschooled student apply and get accepted to college answered with this resource. It discusses transcripts, diplomas, education choices, online colleges, and more. If you are worried about whether your homeschooled student can have a successful college search, then this book will help allay those fears and offers good support and information.
Alpha-Phonics
Alpha Phonics is a primer for beginning readers. It features 128 self-explanatory lessons, printed in large, clear calligraphy suitable for beginning readers. You'll find product information about Alpha-Phonics here.