Disclaimer :: This article contains sponsored content provided by Lone Star Academy at Roscoe.
The throes of the pandemic may feel like a distant memory, where suddenly — and seemingly overnight — the home was the place of work, family, and school with what felt like no end in sight. A lot has changed since then, but the effects of the pandemic are still felt today.
In fact, some 33 percent of all office desks are still vacant, suggesting hybrid work environments are now the norm.
The same is true of education, where virtual schools aren’t just on the rise but offer numerous benefits to children and parents, with both daily perks and long-term benefits.
1. Flexibility
By far one of the most valuable benefits, virtual education allows students and parents to structure their days and studies in the comfort of home, on the road — or anywhere with an Internet connection — without the hassle of stressful commutes, pick-ups, and drop-offs. This flexibility also allows for more time together as a family and allows student time to pursue their passions outside of school.
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2. Personalized Learning
Online schools generally tailor education plans to meet each child’s unique needs. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” approach — teachers and learning coaches work with students and parents to determine strengths, interests, and areas of focus.
3. A Wealth of Extracurricular Activities
Despite being “virtual,” online schools typically offer clubs, activities, field trips, and opportunities to socialize outside of the classroom setting to reinforce educational goals and strengthen friendships with peers. Social and emotional development is emphasized just as much as academic achievement.
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4. Rigorous, Interactive Curriculum
Let’s debunk the myth that virtual education is easier for students. Not only is that not the case, but often the opposite is true. With no physical schools and less in-person contact, a higher degree of emphasis is given to enriching children’s learning experiences in highly interactive ways that only online classes can provide. At one virtual Texas school, for example, students are required to attend live Class Connect sessions every day to communicate with teachers and stay on track.
5. A Welcoming and Ample Support System
Virtual education by its very nature requires a different level of support for students and families. Given the remote environment, this relationship is often accompanied by resources and staff that create a personal and welcoming experience with easy access to tools, mentors and experts. Online tutoring is typically available, as are “Strong Start” programs with set students and families up for success who are new to the online learning environment.
6. A Tailored Learning Trajectory
It’s true that online schools offer a rich set of resources for students’ immediate success and advancement. They often also afford students with access to tools that can set them up for success down the road through a network of competitive online schools for college readiness, advanced course offerings, career readiness programs, and even dual enrollment options.
The pandemic obviously put a spotlight on virtual schooling. The model didn’t work for some families, but others discovered an exciting new option that was just perfect for their children — and they decided to stay with virtual schooling. For parents whose children are not thriving in a brick-and-mortar classroom, I encourage you to do your research on Texas virtual schools (many of which, like Lone Star Academy at Roscoe, are tuition-free), and discover how your family can thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Lone Star Academy at Roscoe (LSOA) is a tuition-free online K-7 public school and one of the only virtual schools in Texas approved to serve grades K-2. It’s a unique option that allows students and families to create a learning environment that helps children reach their full potential. The key to keeping students engaged is the requirement that they attend live Class Connect sessions every day. The engaging curriculum and tools are provided by Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation’s leading provider of proprietary K-12 curriculum and online education programs. For more information about LSOA, visit lsoa.k12.com.
