Distance Learning Programs
Homeschools for K-12-aged Students
Considering the Home School Program Route
Accredited home school programs include all forms of external help with homeschooling. Some are called umbrella schools, other programs call themselves Independent Study Programs, Distance Learning Programs, Virtual or Cyber Schools, Charter Schools, Learning Centers, and who knows what they'll come up with next.
Accredited Home School Programs
DETC Accredited High School Programs
These distance learning programs meet tough, public educational
standards. Do view the DETC site first so you'll better understand
the reasons for this designation. For some homeschooling families,
especially those in the foreign service, accredited programs
are a "must."
University Accredited Programs
Many state colleges and universities offer accredited high school
programs. These are of particular interest to those students
who plan to also attend one of these colleges after homeschooling.
See Also ~ Accreditation
Home School Programs by Format
CD-rom Based Curriculum
Unlike the completely web-based programs, these distance learning
programs provide you with software, usually CD-rom based, so
that you can work even without web access. Many of the materials
are on the computer rather than using books for everything. Do
make sure that you have a compatible computer before signing
up for one of these.
Correspondence Schools
Correspondence schools typically provide a full curriculum based
on grade level. You'll get all materials you need, and a teacher
will make assignments, which your child will turn in, and the
teacher will evaluate. The best are accredited and will perform
an assessment to ascertain your child's placement in each subject.
Online Schools
Online schools provide courses to take on your computer over the internet as either a complete grade-based or interest-based curriculum.
The best virtual schools are accredited, and can be customized to your child's interests and abilities. You must have fast, reliable internet access to best utilize these online courses.
Home School Programs by Method
Classical Tutorial and Distance Learning Programs
Courses online and off for those wishing the Classical Method
of education.
Flexible Learning
These might best be called "Unschooling with a Diploma"
programs, though with some, you can just take classes for fun,
and not for credit. They may give you some guidance and sometimes
a diploma, but mostly these are for families who want to design
their own curriculum but need an umbrella school.
Programs for Disabled Children
While many of the programs in this Distance Learning Programs
section of the site are suitable for children with some disabilities,
these programs go out of their way to provide full programs and
support for those with specific disabilities.
Programs for Gifted Children
These programs cater to the needs of gifted and talented youngsters.
They frequently require qualifying results of IQ or other testing.
The programs are fast-paced, and intended for highly motivated
students.
Religious Home School Programs
Catholic Homeschool Programs
Distance learning programs that support those wishing to incorporate
Catholicism in their homeschool curriculum.
Religious Programs
These distance learning programs cater to those of specific religious
persuasions. For other resources for religious or cultural instruction,
see the listings under your specific religion or cultural group
in Religion/Cultural Homeschooling
Resources.
State Home School Program Lists
Public "Homeschool" Programs
The homeschooling community constantly debates on whether or not it is wise to participate in public school-sponsored programs, such as an ISP or charter school designed for homeschoolers.
Are public ISPs a threat to homeschools? Should we insist on our rights as tax-payers to force the schools to let our kids participate in sports, drama and music?
Does participation harm the rights of those who wish to remain independent?
What about government funded programs masquerading as homeschool programs? Can we have our cake and eat it, too?
US State-Based Home School Programs
Specific state-based home schools only. My focus is on those home school programs that cater to the homeschool, K-12, market for more-or-less
traditional subject matter. A listing here does not imply that I support a home school program.
Alabama Homeschooling
- Church Cover Schools
Listings and links for such education alternatives for homeschoolers
in Alabama.
Alaska Umbrella
Schools
Frequently called "Homeschool Programs" or "Study
Programs," or "Learning Centers," these government
controlled programs have just about wiped out grass roots support
groups in Alaska.
California
Cover Schools, ISPs and Charters
Listings and links for such education alternatives for
homeschoolers in California.
Colorado Umbrella
Schools
Private schools that offer the advantages of home education under
a legal cover with added support.
Florida Umbrella
Schools
Florida homeschoolers can get help with their paperwork and curriculum
from these services.
Maryland
Umbrella Schools
Ministries and nonpublic schools that are registered with the
Maryland State Department of Education to supervise home instruction.
Washington Homeschooling
- Learning Centers
Public school services for homeschooled students.
Virtual Schools
Programs supporting families who wish to stay in a state-run school system.
International Home School Programs
Australia Cover Schools / Distance Learning Programs
Australia is a huge continent and is home to some of the most geographically isolated and remote homeschool families in the world.
British Columbia, Canada, Distance Education
Please note, students enrolled with the B.C. government-operated schools are not officially homeschoolers.
South Africa Programs and Curriculum Providers
Parents can receive support from associations, legal organisations, curriculum providers and support groups in their communities.
United Kingdom Home Education Resources
Virtual classrooms and other educational resources for those in the UK.
Other Distance Learning Resources
American School of Correspondence
This Facebook page is for parents of any age children thinking about the high school years. You might be thinking of having them attend a correspondence school like "American School of Correspondence" and/or continuing to homeschool. See "Recent Posts by Others" for questions and answers.
Distance Learning
About.com Guide Jamie Littlefield provides a a whole site for those
who are looking for more than DLPs for homeschoolers: for example,
degree or skill training programs. Check the boards and features
for comments for which are best and which are "diploma mills." This site
has information about accreditation as well.
Drivers Ed Classes
Where you can enroll with distance learning programs for drivers
education.
Independent Study High School Message Board
Discussion board for those interesting in or already enrolled in a distance learning program.
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