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Introduction to Online K-12 Education in 2024
In 2024, internet-based K-12 education refers to digital education from the 1st grade to the 12th that students can master at home. Digital education is actively growing, providing a variety of excellent choices for K-12 students.
This guide features ten top-rated online schools, each offering different features to meet a variety of learning needs.
3 Key Facts on Online Education
The Mate-Analysis Review of Online Learning Studies by the Center for Technology in Learning, SRI International published by the U.S. Department of Education revealed statistics that confirm that online education is as effective, if not more effective, as the traditional one.
- Students scored about 8% higher in online learning compared to face-to-face instruction.
- Combining online and face-to-face methods boosted performance by 11% in blended learning environments.
- In 59% of the analyzed studies, online or blended learning showed better results than traditional methods.
Top-Rated Online Schools in 2024
Legacy Online School
This K-12 online school tops the list as the most advanced and inclusive. It has more than 5,000 students from all over the country and provides a complete education from kindergarten to 12th grade.
The syllabus is unprecedented extensive and consists of 250 classes in STEM, humanities, arts, and vocational studies, providing a comprehensive academic experience. Legacy Online School is approved by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), guaranteeing that its programs adhere to strict educational criteria.
Advantages:
- Extensive variety of course options with 50 classes, including 50 specific electives in subjects like robotics, creative writing, and graphic design.
- Hires more than 400 knowledgeable educators, including licensed teachers with an average of 10 years of teaching background.
- Keeps a low ratio of students to teachers at 12:1 to provide personalized attention and assistance.
- Provides over 30 online clubs and activities, such as debate team, virtual science fairs, and arts showcases.
- Offers complete guidance for college planning, which includes help with applying, writing essays, and finding scholarships.
Drawbacks:
- The process of enrolling requires a lot of paperwork, such as transcripts, medical records, and detailed student profiles, which could take a long time for some families.
K12 Inc.
K12 Inc. is a private company that specializes in providing online education for students from kindergarten to the 12th grade. K12 Inc. supports more than 100,000 students in 900 schools in 43 states and seven countries. The curriculum covers K-12 education, focusing on individualized learning journeys.
Advantages:
- The school uses flexible technology to customize education for each student’s needs.
- Includes all fundamental topics with many optional and high-level classes.
Drawbacks:
- Excessive focus on standardized exams could restrict chances for imaginative and analytical thinking.
- The yearly expenses vary from $6,000 to $15,000, which could be a hurdle for certain families.
Connections Academy
This online school has about 100,000 students all over the country, providing a no-cost online education in several states. Their system offers a customizable timetable with real-time and self-paced lessons. “Our goal is to offer a customized, interactive, and top-notch education for each student,” their mission declares.
Advantages:
- Several programs do not require residents of certain states to pay tuition.
- Integrates real-time and self-paced classes to cater to various learning preferences.
- Provides guidance, teaching, and after-school activities to improve student involvement.
Drawbacks:
- No-cost programs are only accessible in specific states, limiting availability for certain students.
- Requires dependable internet connection and suitable devices, which may not be possible for all families.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Stanford Online High School (OHS)
The name of this school speaks for itself. It is a prestigious school for talented students in grades 7-12. OHS has about 500 students and provides challenging academic programs while also creating a community of successful peers. The school claims, “We help students succeed in difficult academic settings and follow their interests.”
Advantages:
- Provides high-level classes and special programs created for talented students.
- Keeps an average of 15 students in each class, making sure each student gets individual attention.
- Offers comprehensive assistance for college admissions and financial aid opportunities.
Drawbacks:
- Yearly costs are around $30,000, which means it’s not affordable for a lot of families unless they receive financial assistance.
- The competitive admissions process restricts access to only a few students.
The Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
This online K-12 school has more than 160,000 students and is one of the biggest internet-based public schools in the U.S. FLVS provides a variety of classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, which also includes opportunities for high school students to enroll in two courses at once. “Our objective is to offer adaptable, top-notch instruction that caters to the various requirements of our students,” their website states.
Pros:
- Provides more than 200 courses, including optional and AP classes.
- High school students have the opportunity to gain college credits by working together with nearby universities.
- Available at no cost for residents of Florida, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Drawbacks:
- Mainly accessible to students living in Florida, which restricts availability for others.
- Requires a strong ability to control oneself and skills in managing time, which might be challenging for certain students.
The Keystone School
The Keystone School offers approved internet-based learning for students from kindergarten to high school. Keystone prioritizes adaptability and personalized learning, with more than 10,000 students enrolled. “We provide a customized learning experience that adjusts to the individual needs and objectives of each student,” they declare.
Advantages:
- Completely certified, guaranteeing acknowledged certifications when graduating.
- Enables students to advance at their own speed, catering to different schedules.
- Comprises fundamental subjects, optional courses, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
Drawbacks:
- Yearly costs vary from $4,000 to $12,000, which could be too expensive for certain families.
- Less chances for participation in non-academic activities in comparison to regular schools.
International Connections Academy (ICA)
International Connections Academy provides online education for K-12 students around the world and has a student body of more than 10,000. The academy is fully accredited. ICA offers real-time teaching and a strong assistance system, which includes guidance and assistance with college preparation. “We aim to provide a top-notch, interesting education that gets students ready for success in a worldwide community,” their mission states.
Advantages:
- Welcomes students from different nations, encouraging cultural variety.
- Consists of academic guidance, university preparation, and emotional well-being support.
- Uses real-time classes and joint projects to improve participation.
Drawbacks:
- Expenses are much greater for non-United States inhabitants, restricting access.
- Live lessons might not be suitable for students in various time zones.
Apex Learning Virtual School
This school provides a strong internet-based curriculum for middle and high school students, with an emphasis on making up credits and taking more challenging classes. With more than 20,000 students, Apex focuses on individualized learning plans and live progress monitoring. “We have designed our programs to assist students in reaching their academic objectives in a quick and successful manner,” they explain.
Advantages:
- Assists students in earning the necessary credits for graduation.
- Offers entry to AP and dual enrollment classes for college credit.
- Monitoring tools in real-time support students in remaining on course with their studies.
Drawbacks:
- Mainly targeted towards middle and high school, with fewer choices for elementary students.
- The expenses differ depending on the program, which could be an obstacle for certain families.
Waldorf Online School
As its name suggests, the school incorporates Waldorf teaching values into a digital platform, catering to students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The school focuses on comprehensive education, imagination, and analytical thinking. “Our method supports the complete development of the child, encouraging mental, creative, and hands-on abilities,” according to their website.
Advantages:
- Emphasizes mental, creative, and practical ability enhancement.
- Utilizes arts and interactive assignments to improve learning.
- Enables students to control their own learning speed and timetable.
Drawbacks:
- Specialized educational method might not match with every student’s learning preferences or academic objectives.
- Yearly costs vary from $5,000 to $10,000, which could make it difficult for some people to afford.
Iowa Connections School
Iowa Connections School is a free internet-based school that educates students in Iowa and other areas. The school has more than 15,000 students and provides a complete K-12 curriculum that emphasizes individualized learning. “We offer a customizable and interesting education that fulfills the various needs of our students,” they declare.
Advantages:
- Free tuition for Iowa residents, making it an affordable choice.
- Customizes education to match each student’s unique strengths and interests.
- Provides academic guidance, coaching, and non-classroom activities.
Drawbacks:
- State restrictions: Free education is mainly accessible to people living in Iowa, making it less available to others.
- Limited range of courses compared to larger online schools.
Conclusion
The current market for online homeschool education offers a variety of choices. This guide is meant for parents who are interested in homeschooling their child. The article will help them assess the quality of education their child will receive. We provided 10 best online schools and explained what parents should consider to ensure the program truly fits their child’s needs.
