Why Homeschoolers are Turning to Distance Learning and Correspondence Schools

While correspondence schools used to be considered strictly post high school, the homeschooling movement has brought the market to students of all grade levels. Whether you are new to homeschooling, looking for more structure, or seeking an accredited program, a distance learning or correspondence school can be an excellent choice.

Families are turning to the option of a distance learning or correspondence school because they want higher quality education; they like the accountability, and they appreciate the ease of college admissions or entering the workforce. They appreciate that distance learning and correspondence schools allow you to study at home to get the training you need and to prepare for the future without leaving your front door.

In today’s hectic society, at-home learning is recognized as one of the most convenient methods of education. But why turn to a distance learning or correspondence school?

Distance Learning and correspondence schools often provide teacher assistance, accredited diplomas, curriculum, and other opportunities. They remove the stress involved with curriculum decisions, record keeping, state compliance, and motivation. Best of all, you still have the freedom to choose where you want to study. With on-line correspondence classes you can study in the comfort of your own home. With textbook correspondence courses or a laptop, you can anywhere-at home, while traveling to and from events, even while on vacation. That’s the beauty of at-home learning-it is up to you.

Whether a child is in kindergarten or 12th grade, there are distance learning and correspondence schools that will provide these all-inclusive programs. For instance, one such correspondence school designed specifically for homeschoolers is Bridgeway Homeschool Academy. Enrolling students from Pre-K to 12th grade, Bridgeway Academy provides distance learning and correspondence programs for students all over the world.

Curriculum is delivered to the home via the Internet, UPS, or the mail and students work at home under the direction of a Bridgeway Academy teacher/advisor. Students receive report cards, feedback, transcripts, and an accredited diploma upon graduation from this correspondence school.

Bridgeway Academy also offers college courses through their distance learning correspondence school. Students take courses in high school and receive both high school and college credit. Through partnerships with a variety of colleges who offer correspondence programs, Bridgeway is way ahead of other home school distance learning programs.

Distance learning and correspondence schools can also be an excellent starting point for post high-school individuals who are new to the job market or looking to enhance their skills. There are many private vocational or correspondence schools that train students for a variety of skilled jobs, including automotive technician, medical assistant, hair stylist, interior designer, electronics technician, paralegal, nurse’s assistant, truck driver and more. Some schools also help students identify prospective employers and apply for jobs. Check out trainingdirectusa.com, which offers both on site and correspondence training courses to adults seeking to change or further their career.

It is no secret . . . distance learning and correspondence homeschool programs are here to stay. Homeschoolers who want assistance can find it and colleges and universities are teaming up with the more reputable schools to offer dual enrollment programs (see Bridgeway Academy above). The challenge is to find the right distance learning or correspondence school for you.

Questions you must ask when selecting a distance learning or correspondence school:

1. What is the reputation of the school?

2. How long has it been established?

3. Is it accredited?

4. Do they provide report cards? Transcripts? Diplomas?

5. Do they customize programs to each individual student?

6. Are they flexible? Will they allow you to determine your own daily schedule?

7. Do they have an education website?

8. How many total courses are covered in the tuition?

9. Do they charge additional fees for curriculum? Teacher services? Testing? Other?

10. How difficult is it to contact the school?

11. Do they provide “school pride” activities? (i.e. contests, forums, blogs, etc.?)

12. Do they host a graduation ceremony for graduating seniors?

Distance learning and correspondence schools are a valuable resource for many homeschooling families. You cannot put a value on the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that there is a school backing you, a teacher supporting you, and an organization accrediting you.

If you are a current homeschooler or individual looking into homeschooling for the first time, I encourage you to look into a distance learning or correspondence school. They offer expertise, understanding of the current trends in homeschooling, knowledge of the various correspondence curriculum choices out there, and the desire to see homeschoolers succeed.



Thanks to Jessica L. Parnell for contributing this article to our Homeschooling blog:

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More and more parents are pulling their children from public and private schools to educate them themselves. The reasons vary from religious values to being tired of over crowded public school system that is trying to produce cookie cutter results. The reasons are as varied as the families. For many this seemingly daunting task becomes an epiphany of self education as well. It is a life long journey of self discovery, adventure and pure joy as you watch your children blossom and develop.

There are as many styles of home schooling as their families that are doing it. Many choose a traditional, classic way of teaching their children. Purchasing and or creating curriculum and setting schedules and dead lines. There are subject experts that many will use as an example to set up their educational program such Charlotte Mason. Many have chosen a realatively new method referred to as unschooling. This is a living aproach to educating your child(ren). Using their environment and world around them as the classroom. This is more of a lifestyle that allows children to explore and absorb knowledge naturally.

Whatever the reason or method the growing number causes some concerns for the public school system. While some states make it realatively easy to home schools others fear releasing the education of children to their parents. One of the many arguments for homeschooling is that parents know their children better than their teachers and other education professional do. Parents can created a positive learning environment with one on one education and personalized curriculums. Colleges and universities are accomadating these larger numbers of home schoolers, realizing that many may not have sat for standard testing that they require. Children who have been home schooled tend to excel in higher education more so than children who have been through the public school system. Their education has been broader and they do not feel the need to treat college as an escape. They value their education as it has been part of their life as a whole, not just a portion of their day spent away from family and rushing from class to class.

Families sometimes struggle with the decision to home school. They worry about their children learning the “right” things and socialization. Children are natural learners, every thing is new for them, and each child learns differently. Home schooling provides the atmosphere and tools for life long learning skills. Socialization does not have to be limited to a classroom of their peers. The ability to talk to any one, any where intelligently is of more value in life.

Once a family decides to home school they typically run into unsupportive reactions from family and friends, often times these well meaning people do not initially see the benefits. In most local areas and often times through discussion boards such as Yahoo Groups, home schooling families find support. A very important factor for parents. Like minds to bounce ideas off of and who enjoy sharing this educational, life journey.

It is daunting and there are always concerns about what and how your child(ren) are learning. Something to keep in mind when chosing this journey with your children. We have been home schooling since they took their first breath. We have taught them to sit, walk, crawl, talk, eat and so much more. Why should it stop because they reach a certain age? Children are still the worlds greatest resource and the love and respect necessary to create future leaders and well adjusted citizens rests with the parents.



Thanks to Tammy Curry for contributing this article to our Homeschooling blog:

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