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People choose K-12 online education often today. It allows them to balance learning with their passions. Many believe online school and homeschooling are the same. Let’s find out whether online school and homeschooling are truly the same.
Online school is a digital way for students to learn, managed by a school. Students follow a curriculum guided by teachers through online platforms. Homeschooling is when parents take full responsibility for teaching their children at home. Parents create the curriculum and teach without the involvement of a school. These terms are often confused, but they differ in approach and the role of schools.
What is a K-12 Online School?
K-12 online school offers children education from kindergarten through 12th grade entirely online. Students attend virtual classes and receive instruction from certified teachers. Social interaction is available through virtual clubs and group projects. The learning program meets state or national educational standards. Learning is flexible. Students study from anywhere.
The study “Online Self-Regulated Learning and Achievement in the Era of Change“ by Rivers, Nakamura, and Vallance found online self-regulated learning impacts achievement by 11.1% to 12.6%. The research involved 276 students from a Japanese university.
5 Benefits and Challenges of a K-12 Online School
Every online school presents both benefits and challenges. The table below lists five advantages and disadvantages.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| Set your own schedule | Show high self-discipline |
| Go at your own pace | Provide reliable internet |
| Learn from anywhere | Avoid distractions around you |
| Choose from many subjects | Find physical activities outside school |
| Pay less than at traditional schools | Build bonds with peers outside school |
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a form of education where parents or guardians take full responsibility for teaching their children at home. Parents design the curriculum, plan lessons, and assess progress without involvement from the school. Parents use their own knowledge, not standards. Homeschooling offers personalized education. It’s tailored to the child’s learning style and interests.
According to the “Homeschool Progress Report 2009” by Dr. Brian D. Ray, homeschoolers scored 34-39 percentile points above the national average on standardized tests. The study found scores in the 84th percentile for Language, Math, and Social Studies, and in the 89th percentile for Reading. Parental certification did not significantly impact student performance, and state regulation of homeschooling had no effect on test scores. The study included 11,739 participants from all 50 states.
5 Benefits and Challenges of Homeschooling
Homeschooling presents both benefits and challenges. The table below lists five advantages and disadvantages.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| Set your own schedule | Show high self-discipline |
| Go at your own pace | Be restricted by parents |
| Enjoy education tailored to your needs | Avoid distractions around you |
| Foster family bonds | Be at risk to receive incomplete education |
| Pay less than at traditional schools | Find friends and activities outside home |
Why Are Online Education and Homeschooling Often Confused?
Online education and homeschooling both happen outside traditional schools. Students aren’t in a physical classroom. Online education and homeschooling offer flexibility and involve more parental involvement. This similarity in the learning environment leads to confusion.
The key difference is in structure. Online education follows a set curriculum from an online school. Teachers guide the process. Homeschooling is parent-led. The family controls the curriculum, pace, and teaching methods. Online education provides great external support. Homeschooling allows for full customization and flexibility based on the child’s needs. These distinct approaches create different educational experiences, despite both being outside traditional schools.
Which is Better: Online Education or Homeschooling?
Online education and homeschooling have their own props and cons. We reviewed 5 advantages and disadvantages of each above. The final decision depends on the individual needs and preferences of the students. Table below lists five key differences between online education and homeschooling to help you make a final choice.
| FEATURE | ONLINE EDUCATION | HOMESCHOOLING |
|---|---|---|
| Parental involvement | Takes some time | Takes a significant time |
| Curriculum | Structured curriculum, certified teachers | Personalized curriculum, non-professional parents |
| Social interactions | Virtual interaction with peers | Family members only |
| Resources and support | Access to educational resources, technology, and support services | Access to knowledges and support of parents only |
| Standards compliance and recognition | Recognized. Meets state or national standards | Not often recognized. Often does not meet state or national standards |
Conclusion
Online K-12 education and homeschooling are not the same. Online K-12 education and homeschooling have similarities, but they also have differences. We’ve explored these differences, along with the five key advantages and disadvantages of each. We’ve examined the features of online education and homeschooling to help parents and students choose the best option. Legacy Online School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The diploma from Legacy Online School is widely accepted. Legacy Online School has expert teachers who help kids get the most out of online learning.
