How to Homeschool Online: Top Five Picks
What is homeschooling online? It means that the student learns using the internet courses provided on a computer through various resources. The lessons, assignments and even testing are done through the course online. Wherever you may have internet access, you can complete these lessons.
Homeschool online may be a good option for you if you are working full time and trying to homeschool or if you have odd work shifts, or if you are traveling or move a lot. If you have multiple children or a certain life situation that requires your attention in many directions, online may take a portion of the schooling demand off your shoulders so the child can complete what is required or necessary without the stress.
Types of Homeschool Online:
Depending on your situation in life and what you want for your child, there are many options that are viable for homeschooling online. Ever since COVID and the major upheaval of the educational system from 2020 and onwards, more and more online options have become available for families. Whether you want public school or private lessons, there are options for all families all over the country for any budget.
Typically the types of online programs fall into the categories of: full service, self-paced and DIY.
- Public school online
- Private school online
- All in one programs
- Supplemental
- Free Online
Public School Online
Typically government funded, they will most likely require your child to be online at a certain point of each day as a check-in/attendance requirement. The content will also more than likely be common-core based and no Biblical content.
Public school online does not allow much freedom in terms of the homeschool way, but it may work as a transition to your family coming out of the public school system because there is some similarity to being in a traditional classroom but being at home. Typically in the homeschool community, online public school is not considered homeschooling but more of an avenue that parents and families utilized when schools were shut down. It is also considered less rigorous content.
Private School Online
Private school online is a specialized and tailored education online. Similar to what you may pay for a child to go to a private Christian school in your town, this online private school teaches your child using those resources.
Most of them are Biblically based and flexible to your child’s needs. Some offer tutors and unique content specific to your family needs. Costs can vary greatly depending on the type of learning content you desire for your child.
All in One Programs
These programs are either free or have a small subscription cost. They offer all content and everything included: videos, instruction booklets, assignments, grading and/or immediate feedback etc.
Supplemental Lessons
If you are looking for something extra for your common subjects or just to change it up, these are some top picks for activity based learning. For us, we needed a break from the math textbooks as we transitioned to more difficult content, so some of these apps worked well for us.
It engages the child and they learn and keep up their skills in a subject. May also help those that need an extra boost in a subject but may be more stubborn about learning.
Brilliant App:
This is a good small example of supplemental because it’s one subject that is online through an app or on a desktop and allows children to practice math skills of all levels in short interactive lessons and games.
The program gives guidance and explains what is correct or incorrect about your answer and walks you through the steps. Our kids enjoy this app because it tells them why they got the question incorrect. (Cost: $100+/yr)
Adventure Academy
Colorful and engaging activities for students ages 8-13. Practice skills for math, science, reading and others with games. (Cost: $13/mo+ free trials)
BrainPop
This is a supplemental video learning tool that is amazing. I used this every day when teaching elementary students at a private school. Short and colorful videos that are fun and age appropriate. Teaches content in a unique and fact based way to engage students. Clever characters and stories. Highly recommended. (Cost: $100+/yr)
Curiosity Stream
Videos for science, history and nature at a low subscription cost per month. Provides appropriate supplemental content videos for multiple subjects. (Cost: $2-5/mo)
If you like this, you may also enjoy MagellanTV which offers similar content but for older students.
Beyond Labz
A unique science based only supplement. Best for older students who have a keen interest in science -biology, chemistry and more. Guided learning simulations and engagement through experiments, analyzing and discussion. (Cost $~30/ per 20 week course)
Free Online Lessons
After Homeschooling
Do your research when you are working through online programs. Most will provide enough options for getting the requirements in but it’s always good to do your research and know what to expect,
Like any method of homeschooling, it’s important to know what requirements they will need for their future career goals. If your child intends to go to college, there are many homeschool friendly colleges and universities. Read More Here