Question from a homeschooling mom:

What’s the difference between online homeschooling programs and public virtual academies?

Answer from Ann Zeise:

Online schools provide courses to take on your computer over the internet as either a complete grade-based or interest-based curriculum. Some online schools are accredited. These may support a specific niche like homeschooling special needs children or could support a specific homeschooling method. The best virtual schools can be customized to your child’s interests and abilities and may be a comfortable alternative to a home school program of traditional nature. You must a have fast, reliable internet access to best utilize these online courses. Some require specific software. Many virtual online schools rely on new technologies, such as white boards and video, that could be beyond the capabilities of some home computers. Also, some online schools have been known to vanish, leaving no valid URL online. Seek out recommendations and always make sure you have offline ways of contacting virtual school type businesses including their business mailing address and phone number, and keep a portfolio at home of your student’s accomplishments.

Several states run public schools online – these are called “public virtual schools or academies”.

They cling to state standards. Do not confuse this with homeschooling. You are under public schoollaws when you enroll in a virtual public school.