7 Questions Parents Should Ask an Online School
Before You Enroll: 7 Questions Parents Should Ask an Online School
Choosing an online school for your child is a big decision. Before you enroll, don't be afraid to ask questions.
Online school is not the same as simply putting a child in front of a computer.
As an educator who has worked in the public school sector, I've seen situations where parents were not always aware of who was actually teaching their child's class. In some cases, a classroom did not have a permanent teacher of record.
That experience taught me something important:
Parents have a right to know who is educating their child.
1. Who is teaching my child?
Ask about the teacher's certification, qualifications, experience, and training.
A long-term substitute may be wonderful and capable, but parents should understand that being a substitute and being a certified classroom teacher are not necessarily the same thing.
Know who is responsible for your child's instruction.
2. Is the school accredited?
Accreditation matters.
It means a school is being evaluated against established standards and held accountable for meeting them. Parents should ask whether a school is accredited, by whom, or whether it is currently pursuing accreditation.
Don't be afraid to ask for the details.
3. How much instruction is actually LIVE?
There is a difference between giving a student a computer program and actually teaching a student.
LIVE instruction allows students to ask questions, explain their thinking, receive immediate feedback, and interact with their teacher.
And when it comes to English Language Arts, I believe there is another important piece:
Students need to write.
Typing answers into a computer is not the same as developing strong writing skills.
There is value in putting a pencil to paper—forming letters, organizing thoughts, writing sentences, developing paragraphs, and communicating ideas. Writing engages students in a different way than simply pecking away at a keyboard.
Technology is valuable. But it should not replace the fundamental skills children need to become strong writers and thinkers.
4. What happens when my child struggles?
Every student will struggle at some point.
Ask what academic support is available when your child needs additional instruction, clarification, practice, or encouragement.
5. How does the school manage the classroom?
Online classrooms still need structure.
Teachers need to establish expectations, keep students engaged, redirect behavior appropriately, and create a respectful learning environment.
Classroom management doesn't disappear because the classroom is online.
6. What are the school's professional and ethical standards?
Ask how the school handles communication, student privacy, teacher/student boundaries, professionalism, and student behavior.
Education is a position of trust. The adults educating our children should be held to high professional standards.
7. Is this really a school—or just a curriculum?
This may be the most important question.
A curriculum provides materials.
A school provides instruction, structure, qualified educators, support, accountability, and a learning community.
Parents should ask questions. They should research. And they should understand exactly what they are choosing for their child.
Your child's education deserves more than a username and password.
It deserves qualified educators, meaningful instruction, opportunities to write and think, and a school committed to excellence.
At New Gains Academy, we believe parents should feel confident about the educational experience they choose for their children.