Copyright 2006 Julie Shepherd Knapp. All rights reserved.
about the book
The Homeschool Diner's Guide to Cyber Schools for Homeschoolers
by Julie Shepherd knapp, copyright 2006
Cyber Schools are popping up all over as more and more families have access to the Internet. Cyber schools, also called Virtual Academies, Online Academies, and "Cover" or "Umbrella" schools, will, for a yearly fee, approve and oversee the use of a curriculum for the homeschool parent, optionally including administering tests, keeping records, and providing transcripts and diplomas.
For some homeschoolers, enrollment in a Cyber School or an Umbrella/Cover School may be necessary to meet their particular state's homeschool requirements. (see the Know Your Homeschooling Regulations section for more info on legal issues.) Even when not required, some parents are just more comfortable with a third party overseeing their child's education.
If you are not really interested in signing up with a cyber school... but your child enjoys learning on the computer -- check out the Computer-Based Instruction section where you will find many "a la carte" choices, and quite a few free online courses. Also look thru the Homeschooling by Subject section where you will find plenty of online resources in each subject area.
Many Cyber schools use the School-at-Home approach to learning. Some actually are public charter schools that are attended at home, sometimes called public e-schools.
There are Cyber Schools that are willing to work with homeschoolers who do not use the School-at-Home approach. They are listed in the "Distance Learning" section, along with colleges who provide online classes for children, and schools who provide gifted enrichment classes.
There are also many free and subscription online courses, modules and curriculum available on the Internet -- you will find them within each school subject in the Homeschooling by Subject section of the Diner.