Types of Online School Classes, Curriculum and E-learning- How To Find The Perfect Fit For Your Homeschooling Family

What are the four main types of online school classes or online homeschooling programs?

Online School continues to rapidly grow and expand as an option for families. Online classes or online school has been in existence for several years and various types of online school curriculum options are available!

Being a working mom AND a homeschool mom presents challenges every day- I’m not going to lie. It’s not easy, but quality online classes have made it doable for our family.

Finding the right online school curriculum or class for your child or family doesn’t need to be difficult, but just takes some research and understanding.

Whether you are looking for one online class for your child or a full online course load, e-learning options are abundant. Questioning the quality of e-learning? Check out this article on just how effective online education can be.

The “Big Four” Types Of Online School Curriculum

1. Online Public School
2. All-In-One Online Curriculum Without Live Classes
3. All-In-One Online Curriculum With or Without Live Classes
4. A La Carte Online Classes

1. Online Public School

What kind of program is this?

• Online public school is essentially public school online.
• These programs follow the guidelines from your state.
• Often, you will need to open enroll into a specific school district in order to participate.
• Grades are provided on a trimester or semester basis.

Can you provide examples: k12.com; Connections Academy; individual states run their own

What is a sample schedule?

• Daily work is given in each subject- this varies but generally includes a video, reading, quiz questions, and project work
• Depending on the program, live lessons may or may not be required (these occur at specific times)
• The length of time to complete the e-learning work varies depending on the student and grade level; electives are available
• Teachers are typically accessible to answer questions via email or live online chats

What are things to consider about online public school?

• Online public school is not homeschool- it’s public school at home.
• Students will need to complete assigned work at specific times and may be required to participate in live lessons.
• Field trips may be offered (they may be in various locations throughout the state).
• Generally, students are not allowed to participate in sports at the public school, but this may be changing in the future.
• Public online school is free, with the exception of technical equipment (this is sometimes provided).
• Internet access is required.
• For younger children, a parent or guardian needs to be designated as a ‘learning coach’. This is an important point and can require quite a bit of time commitment from the parent.

2. “All In One” Online Curriculum WITHOUT Live Classes

What kind of program is this?

• All In One Online Curriculum is basically exactly what it says it is.
• Similar to online public school, it’s an electronic platform offering each core subject (and sometimes electives).
• These generally do not include any live classes or teacher interaction.
• Grading is provided electronically (from the quizzes or exams).

Can you provide examples? Power Homeschool, Time For Learning, Easy Peasy, Khan Academy, Study.com

What is a sample schedule?

• Subjects are linked on an individualized homepage for each child, and students complete work on their own schedule
• Short video lessons are commonly followed by a quiz or exam to assess retention
• Time to complete e-learning daily work varies amongst students and grade level

What are things to consider?

• This type of online school is truly ‘go at your own pace‘.
• Often, parents will need to supplement with writing and electives depending on the rigor of the program and the educational goals of the student.
• These programs are usually a set amount per month per student (about $25). Parents can monitor progress and grades easily with their own log in.
• Almost all work is done online, so a device or laptop and Internet access is required.
• These options do not include any ‘live’ instruction from educators.
• Try to get input regarding the quality, depth, and need for supplementation from others who have used the program for your child’s grade level.

3. “All In One Online Providers With or Without Live Classes

What kind of program is this?

• All In One Online Providers are continuing to grow in number.
• These are typically large providers offering curriculum on a semester or annual basis. Often, they will advertise that they are accredited high schools.
• Students will use these providers for all of their course work, and live, online classes may be a component of the program.
• Flexibility varies depending on the e-learning platform.
• Grading is provided by the school.

Can you provide examples? Liberty University Online, Laurel Springs, Alpha Omega, Stanford University High School, Bridgewater Academy (many, many more)

What is a sample schedule?

• Students are typically given daily assignments for each course to work through and submit
• Live, online sessions may be available for some classes, and may be recorded
• Time to complete course work will depend on the student’s pace and grade level

What are things to consider?

• When evaluating different online school formats, think of this type as similar to ‘private school’.
• Students will have access to teachers either in a live, online manner or via email.
• Assignments will range from project work to quizzes and tests.
• Actual course work and availability of electives, online clubs, and ‘spirit’ type activities will also vary.
• Prices vary depending on the e-learning program.
• Students will need an electronic device to work from with Internet access.
• Some providers are approved by the NCAA.
• It’s a good idea for families to ask prospective programs what the average daily time commitment is (make sure to ask someone in the grade your child will be in).

4. Ala Carte Programs With Live or Flex Classes

What kind of program is this?

• Ala Carte online school programs are typically smaller programs or even an individual teaching his or her specialty courses online.
• Families can pick and choose coursework from a variety of different providers depending on the subject, or they can primarily use one program.
• If families prefer, they can use a mix of more traditional homeschool curriculum for a few classes and supplement with 1-2 online courses.
• Often, these classes will have 1-2 live sessions online per week with assignments given to be completed by the following week.
• Grading is usually provided by the teacher

Can you provide examples? Outschool, Open Tent Academy, Excelsior Classes, Funda Funda Academy, The Potters School, MrD Math, My Fun Science, and many more (view many via our Online Provider Directory)

What is a sample schedule?

• Students usually have 1-2 60 or 90 minute live, online classes weekly
• Homework is typically reading, project work, writing, labs to be completed during the week
• Families can set their own schedule and choose classes that fit their time requirements

What are things to consider?

Decisions!!!

Don’t feel overwhelmed. The abundance of options means there is a perfect fit for your child. Join our Facebook group to get insights and feedback from experienced online school parents and share your story with newbies!

What to do NEXT?

Check out the questions to ask before signing up for an online class!