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COVID-19 changed our daily life. The pandemic led to the growth of homeschooling and remote work. A larger number of parents began to use homeschooling for their children. More families choose middle school homeschooling as an alternative to traditional education. 11.1% of households with school-age children reported homeschooling by fall 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Middle school homeschooling is children’s education at home during their middle school years. This option allows families to customize or tailor the curriculum and learning environment. We will explain why families choose homeschooling and present the 7 best online curriculums for middle school.
Why Choose Homeschooling for Middle School?
The research by Brian D. Ray finds 78% of peer-reviewed studies on academic achievement show homeschool students perform statistically better than those in institutional schools.
Online homeschooling gives families a chance to create personalized learning experiences for their children. Students explore subjects at their own rhythm. Learners start dealing with material of their interest. Lessons in online homeschooling include interactive resources and tools making learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
Teachers in homeschooling provide strong support to every student.
Middle school is a crucial period of time wherein children start developing their skills of independent thinking and problem-solving. Homeschooling allows paying more focused attention to these milestones of development. Online homeschooling builds a solid academic foundation. This method of education supports children’s growth during these crucial years.
Best Online Curriculum Options for Middle School Homeschool
Choosing the right curriculum is one of the most important decisions parents face when homeschooling their middle school children. Seven of the best online schools providing curriculum options for middle school homeschool are below.
Legacy Online School
“For a long time I was in doubt about the choice of school format for my child. I heard many arguments both for and against “online”, but we decided with the thought “we have to try!” and still consider it the best solution!”
Parent review, SCHOOL IN
Legacy Online School is a top choice for families looking for a comprehensive online curriculum for middle school students. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This accreditation certifies the academic program offered at the school is well-developed and the educational standards are high. Legacy Online School provides students with a firm foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Key features of Legacy Online School curriculum for middle school are:
- The curriculum is set up to move at the individual child’s pace. This flexibility in planning allows children to focus on areas where they need more support or challenge
- The lessons include activities like virtual field trips and science experiments. These activities make learning more dynamic and enjoyable
- Certified teachers provide direct guidance and feedback. Educators make sure the students have an idea about what they are being taught
Davidson Academy Online
Davidson Academy Online is designed for gifted students, providing an accelerated and challenging academic environment. The academy is accredited by WASC. These accreditations guarantee a high standard of education.
Key features of Davidson Academy Online curriculum for middle school are:
- Davidson Academy Online individualizes learning to the best capability of each student. The curriculum allows children to work ahead or dive deeper into subjects
- The curriculum includes advanced placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and opportunities for independent study and research
- Online activities allow students to share their thoughts and attitudes with similar minds
The Keystone School
The Keystone School offers a flexible online program for middle school students. Accreditations from Cognia and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) confirm the school’s commitment to academic excellence. Year-round enrollment allows students to start classes at any time.
Key features of the Keystone School curriculum for middle school are:
- The Keystone School offers a variety of electives, including art, music, and world languages
- The curriculum includes interactive lessons, quizzes, and assignments engaging students and track students progress
- Certified teachers are available to provide feedback and answer questions
Calvert Education
Calvert Education offers a traditional curriculum designed for middle school students. The school combines digital tools and textbook-based learning, creating a balanced educational approach. Calvert’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) accreditation highlights its commitment to high academic standards. The accreditation provides students with a quality education preparing them for future success.
Key features of the Calvert Education curriculum for middle school are:
- Calvert follows a traditional approach to education. The curriculum focuses on building core competencies in subjects like math, reading, and writing
- Calvert’s curriculum is designed with clear, step-by-step instructions for students and parents, ensuring smooth progress through the material
- Regular assessments and progress reports help track each student’s academic growth and highlight areas for improvement
iUniversity Prep
iUniversity Prep is a public, tuition-free online school. The school is accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This accreditation guarantees the high level of the provided education.
Key features of the iUniversity Prep curriculum for middle school are:
- Students undertake projects, group work, and discussions with their peers. Children are highly encouraged to think and work as a team
- The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and competitions, to support student interests beyond academics
- Certified teachers lead live virtual classes and provide regular feedback and support
Greenways Academy
Greenways Academy provides a personalized online education tailored to each student’s learning style. Greenways Academy is accredited by Cognia and WASC, which confirms the academy’s commitment to offering top-quality programs. Students are free to progress at their own pace, making the learning journey as smooth as possible.
Key features of the Greenways Academy curriculum for middle school are:
- Students have the flexibility to progress through courses at their own speed, allowing them to balance school with other commitments
- Greenways incorporates hands-on, project-based assignments encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application of skills
- Students receive one-on-one guidance from experienced teachers who provide personalized support throughout their learning journey
Method Schools
Method Schools offers a project-based learning environment where middle school students engage in real-world applications and collaborative projects. Method Schools is accredited by WASC. This accreditation confirms the school’s programs meet high academic standards.
Key features of the Method Schools curriculum for middle school are:
- Method Schools emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning encouraging students to apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations
- Method Schools uses personalized student analytics to track individual progress in real-time
- Students participate in community-based projects, promoting the development of academic and social skills
Tips for Choosing the Best Curriculum
Choosing the right middle school homeschooling program feels overwhelming for families with so many options available. Here are a few tips to guide parent’s decision:
- Select a curriculum suited to the child’s strengths
- Verify the curriculum comes from an accredited institution to confirm the program meets educational standards
- Choose a curriculum offering strong teacher guidance, mentorship, or a help desk for academic support
- Choose a curriculum allowing the child to move at their own pace, making it easier to fit education into daily life
- Check for the availability of digital tools, interactive resources, or adaptive learning technology
- Select a curriculum offering virtual clubs, group projects, or other social engagement opportunities to build social skills
- Choose schools offering various learning formats such as videos, readings, and hands-on activities to keep learning diverse and engaging
Conclusion
Middle school homeschooling helps families manage their time while providing children with a quality education. Middle school homeschooling is a good solution for students with special needs. We explored the reasons why families choose middle school homeschooling for their children. We recommended seven online schools with the best homeschool curriculum for middle school. We provided parents with seven tips on what to consider when selecting middle school homeschooling for their children. Parents choose the right homeschool program by using our tips.
