Online education grows in popularity. Families discovered benefits of online learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. Online learning leads to a 60% faster learning curve compared to classroom learning, according to the report “Online School Statistics: Accelerating Learning, Saving Costs, Boosting Retention” by Alexander Eser. Students switch to online school at different stages, including junior high.
Junior high, or middle school, covers grades six to eight. Kids learn advanced subjects to prepare for high school. Let’s know what online junior high is.
Contents
- 1 How Is Online Junior High School Structured?
- 2 Pros of Online Junior High School
- 3 Cons of Online Junior High School
- 4 How to Choose an Online Junior High School?
- 5 How to Enroll in an Online Junior High School?
- 6 How to Transfer from a Physical School to an Online Junior High School?
- 7 What Makes Legacy Online School’s Courses So Effective?
How Is Online Junior High School Structured?
Online junior high schools follow a clear structure. Here’s a detailed look at how the schools are organized.
Daily Schedule
Students follow a daily routine with live and recorded lessons. Main courses, such as mathematics, science, and English courses are taught in live lessons. Recorded lessons provide students with any additional materials they need to go over an item. A block of time is assigned for independent study in which students work on assignments or review lessons.
Subjects and Electives
The curriculum covers main subjects, including math, science, English, and social studies. Students select optional subjects, such as art, music, or technology. Optional courses are highly useful for students to build a creative mindset and to understand novel skills. Students change their optional courses every semester.
Grading and Assessment
Students complete quizzes, tests, and projects to demonstrate knowledge. Assessments check children’s knowledge and identify their weaknesses. The progress of each student is monitored on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis.
Progress Tracking
Online schools use progress tracking systems. These systems show grades, completed assignments, and upcoming tasks. Parents contact the system to stay informed about the progress of their children. Teachers study data so they know where the students require additional support.
Communication with Teachers
Students meet with teachers through virtual office hours or scheduled one-on-one sessions. Teachers offer personalized support, addressing specific questions or challenges students face. Group discussions or forums allow for peer interaction and collaborative learning.
Pros of Online Junior High School
Online junior high schools have a lot of advantages. Here are the main advantages.
Flexible Scheduling
Online schools let students learn at their own pace, giving them a more open schedule. This setup helps balance schoolwork with hobbies or family duties. Children study when they feel most focused. A more open schedule is especially useful for families with busy or unusual routines.
Personalized Learning
Students in the online school receive direct attention from teachers. Programs adjust to a student’s learning style and hone in on things a student needs to work on. Rewatching lessons strengthens learning and helps students with harder subjects.
Fewer Distractions
There are fewer distractions in online schools. Students keep away from interruptions from classmates or noisy companions, and a quiet setting aids in focusing and concentrating. Learners create a comfortable workplace at home and adjust it according to their needs.
Independence and Responsibility
Online junior high schools help students be more independent and responsible. Management of schedule and keeping up with assignments teaches very important life skills to the children. Students learn to set goals for themselves and how to effectively manage time. Taking responsibility over their education helps students build confidence and prepares children for further challenges.
Access to a Wide Range of Resources
Online schools give students access to many learning tools, like interactive content, videos, and simulations. These resources help students stay interested and better understand the material. Learners explore topics beyond the usual curriculum. This wide variety of materials improves the learning experience and keeps students motivated.
Cons of Online Junior High School
We talked about the benefits of online junior high schools, but it’s important to know the downsides. Here are five main disadvantages to keep in mind.
Lack of Social Interaction
Online learning limits face-to-face interaction among peers. Activities involving a group take place online, and personal contact is not the same. The absence of personal contact in a group leaves some students feeling isolated.
Self-Discipline
Online schooling requires a great deal of self-discipline and good time management. It’s hard for students to keep themselves organized and do the assignments on time when there is no school rhythm in their lives. Parents need to help more with keeping kids on track.
Technical Difficulties
Online learning uses technology, which sometimes causes problems. Bad internet, old devices, or problems with applications decrease the quality of lessons and impact learning. Students need help from parents or tech support to fix these issues.
Parental Involvement
Online school requires more involvement from the parents to get their child through the course. Parents assist with assignments, help organize schedules, and maintain their child’s focus. This is difficult for parents who have work obligations or other responsibilities.
Screen Time
Online schooling involves long hours in front of a screen, which causes eye strain, headaches, and tiredness. Students spend most of the day on devices, reducing their physical activity. This imbalance between screen time and exercise affects their health. Parents need to watch screen time and give regular breaks to the children to fix this.
How to Choose an Online Junior High School?
Choosing the right online junior high school is crucial for a child’s success and overall experience. Here are five tips on how to choose the most suitable online junior high school:
- Compare the tuition fees and any additional costs, such as textbooks, materials, or tech requirements. Some online schools offer scholarships or financial aid, so explore options based on the budget
- Make sure the online junior high school is accredited by a recognized educational body. Check the accreditation status of the school on the U.S. Department of Education website
- Review the curriculum to see if it covers core subjects and offers electives the child is interested in
- See if the school offers extracurricular activities like clubs, sports, or social events
- Look for reviews from other parents and students, or ask for recommendations from people who have experience with online schooling
How to Enroll in an Online Junior High School?
Enrolling in an online junior high school is simple. Start by researching schools and checking their requirements. Fill out an application, send in the needed documents, and meet any eligibility rules.
Learn more about enrolling in an online junior high school in this article.
How to Transfer from a Physical School to an Online Junior High School?
Transferring to online school is not as difficult as it seems. Here are a few steps to help families transition to online school.
Research State Requirements
Each state has its own laws regarding online schooling. Understanding the state’s regulations is important for legal compliance. This step must be completed before beginning the transition. Check the states’ requirements here.
Choose an Accredited Online School
It’s important to choose an accredited school, so the education is accepted by future institutions. Find programs fitting your child’s learning style and academic needs. Look for schools with a good mix of core subjects and electives. Accreditation makes it easier if the student transfers back to a regular school later.
Notify the Current School
Families inform the child’s current school about the transition after deciding to switch. A formal withdrawal letter is required. Find the sample of this letter here.
Create an Effective Learning Space
Parents create a comfortable and separate space at home for online learning. Access to a computer, stable internet, and necessary materials is key. A quiet, organized space helps the child stay focused during lessons.
What Makes Legacy Online School’s Courses So Effective?
“Like any anxious mom, I really wanted my child to be comfortable learning. And now I know for sure that if a child is comfortable and interested, he will study with pleasure”
Parent’s review, SCHOOL IN
Legacy Online School’s courses are effective thanks to personalized support from teachers, a wide range of interactive tools, and an accredited curriculum. The school uses videos and virtual simulations to make learning engaging and suited to different learning styles. The curriculum includes honor classes and gifted programs, giving students a solid foundation for future success.
Learn more about the benefits of Legacy Online School in this article.