Differences in Homeschool Vs Virtual School

Trying to decide between homeschool vs virtual school? Wondering what’s the difference?

Knowing the difference between homeschool vs virtual school can help you choose which one is best for your family.

Due to COVID-19, many families have to make the decision. Should we virtual school? Traditional homeschool? Let’s understand the differences between virtual school and homeschool so you can decide what will work best for your family.

So What is Virtual School?

Virtual School simply means that learning takes place in an online environment, rather than in-person. The classes and courses are all offered online, via the internet, and completed from home.  

Virtual school is often offered through the public school system. Virtual school can also be offered through other private online educational institutions. but the common thread is that schooling is done in an online environment rather than in person.

What Does Virtual School Mean for Me as a Parent/Teacher?

One important thing to note before you choose a virtual school is that as a parent, you will likely have less autonomy. You will not get as much choice in your child’s curriculum and teaching as you would in traditional homeschool.  

Working parents or parents who worry about taking full responsibility for their children’s learning may find this to be a pro to virtual school.  Since most school districts are currently offering virtual school as an option, children who enroll in this option will have designated teachers, pre-set curriculum, and a daily course of study already laid out for them.  This could likely be relief to many parents.

But for parents who want to play a more active role in the actual teaching process, then virtual school may likely feel restrictive.  Virtual school through the public school system has set curriculum, attendance policies, school grading systems, and whatever other rules the school puts in place.

Can virtual school parents supplement their own educational materials? Of course! But at the end of the day, the virtual school takes precedent as the primary educational authority.  This may be the deciding factor for many people who instead will choose to homeschool.

So What is Homeschool?

Homeschool is learning that takes place at home where the parent takes control of the child’s education.  In its purest form, parents become their child’s teacher and decide exactly what (and when) they learn.

Depending on the state, there may be legal requirements that govern homeschool and a course of study to follow.  Check the HSLDA site here to start and follow up with your state’s educational association to confirm. But for the most part, parents are free to choose their own curriculum and have a primary say-so in what their students (children) learn.

What does Homeschool Mean for Me as a Parent/Teacher?

Congratulations!! You are now a teacher! HA!  Before you panic and have flashbacks to March 2020, just remember that Quarantine School was NOT homeschool!

As a homeschool parent you can now take on full responsibility for your child’s education. You can go as fast or slow as your child needs.  You can tailor your child’s education to their strengths while taking special care to be gentle with areas where they may struggle.

“Left Behind” — no longer exists! “Moving too quickly” — no longer a problem! As teacher…you have the opportunity to teach your child how they need to be taught.

Of course, this comes with a certain responsibility. There is a level of commitment involved to be your child’s teacher and it is not one that should be taken lightly.  

But you are your child’s first teacher! Once I internalized that and applied it to our homeschool, it made all the difference in the way I teach my kids. I can honestly say that becoming a homeschool family is one of the most rewarding decisions we ever made!

So Should I Choose Homeschool or Virtual School?

I think this is a great question and the answer will vary from family to family.  Ultimately, I think it comes down to if you, as the parent, want to take full reign as the teacher.  If crafting the curriculum on your own is something that interests or excites you, then I would encourage you to give homeschool more thought.  

But if you the idea of having the course of study all planned out for you and are hopeful that schools will safely reopen so that they can return to in-person classes very soon, then virtual school may be more up your alley. 

So now that you know more about the differences between homeschool and virtual school, which do you think you will be choosing for your family this upcoming school year? As always if you have questions, let me know in the comments below!