question for my friend, virtual school?

[Frelle]

I have a friend who works full time, and her daughter is having severe issues with endometriosis. Enough that she is accruing lots of sick days, seeing specialists, etc. Her mom feels that this year at least, she would do better being homeschooled. Her school is not understanding of her condition, and need for lots of sick days, and I guess it's getting to where she may fail or have to repeat the year.

 

Do you have any recommendations for virtual high schools, or a fairly self directed course of study? Her daughter is 16, has a summer birthday, so maybe is a junior this year. She would like to go to medical school and has had above average grades, if that matters in your recommendations.

 

Thanks for reading!

[Pamela H in Texas]

Hmmm, the main two VA programs don't have programs in NC, at least not for high school.

 

The other way to go would be an accredited program like American School, Keystone, etc. There are also colleges that have public school programs (Texas Tech, UT, Univ of Indiana, etc).

 

Generally, I wouldn't necessarily suggest a program, but I do understand if she's only out a year and needs credits to count in a high school.

 

The other option is to finish high school at home using either a set curriculum or piecing one together based on her needs.

 

Mom working full time will definitely be an obstacle in some ways, but if kiddo and parent are motivated to make sure the work gets completed appropriately, it's definitely possible.

[outtamyshell]

The public school is required by law to accomodate her with her illness. If it is just a matter of illness rather than a desire for a new school situation, she may want to become a more vocal advocate first. If she is too sick to attend school, the school should have an option to send work home - or even provide a tutor at home. I would spend some time looking into the district level policies. I've seen kids with brain cancer accomodated for their sick days and new-found learning disabilities. But it's not always easy. She may need to go over some people's heads. And I'm sure she'll need documentation from a doctor. Strangely enough, the schools don't always view the parents as an authority.

 

If she decides to homeschool, she needs to figure out if she's going to go back next year. If that's the case, she needs to work very closely with the school to make sure they will accept her credits. Taking the step to leave school without the optoin of going back is a big step and shouldn't be taken in a rush because of current grades.

 

My advice would be to help her take a deep breath and consider the big picture. She needs to figure out what her goals are. I think it's important to move toward something rather than run from something. I hope that makes sense.

 

I've heard great things about K12 education. And I know some homeschool parents work full-time (including me). So if that's what she wants to do, you can let her know it's possible. But it's not easy.

[newbie]

K12 has Inernational Academy, k12.com/int. You pay privately, you do have deadlines and teachers to answer to . It is rigorous, so will get her ready for college. This is first yr. for us and so far, so good. Great teacher interaction, they are always ready to help her, which I greatly appreciate.

 

The only downside, it is super expensive.

 

Another great school w/deadlines and teachers is apexlearning.com. DD loved this school. The only thing is they dont provide diplomas, or lots of teacher one on one interaction. They do provide transcript. Only 350 a class.

 

W/above two schools they have certain start dates.

 

Not a fan of Keystone at all.