Cyber schools may be charter schools, regular public schools or private schools. Additionally, charter schools may be run as either for-profit or nonprofit organizations. Charter schools can be good for students wishing to focus on a specific area of study. Generally speaking, online public schools provide a more uniform curriculum than online private schools. In other words, most public school students complete the same assignments in the same way, but private school students focus more on customizing their studies to suit their own unique interests and learning needs. Some students find the uniformity of public cyber schools to be a relief , but others feel their potential for learning is limited and favor the flexibility of a private curriculum. For-profit schools sometimes come under scrutiny for being more likely to pass all students and collect money in exchange for issuing a diploma. Nonprofit cyber schools tend to focus more on creating a strong curriculum. When deciding which type of cyber school is best, it's important to conduct research and consider the specific goals of your individual child.
Most cyber schools post assignments and receive student work through an online interface called a learning management system, or LMS. Some learning management systems are easier to use than others. Likewise, specific computers and software programs correlate better with specific learning management systems. Students who are not familiar with computer software may find the LMS difficult to use. However, these students may thrive in cyber schools that operate more like correspondence courses and rely on email and virtual chat more than on a LMS.
Cyber schools generally ask that parents supervise what students are learning and allow students to complete lessons at their own pace. However, some schools also require teachers to regularly monitor student work and to meet with students online at set times each week. When evaluating cyber schools, be sure that you are able to commit to a schedule if required.
Socialization is a major concern for families who choose to pursue Internet-based education. Some schools leave students on their own to complete assignments and rarely, if ever, require students to interact with their peers. Other cyber schools mandate that teachers instruct courses via webcam and that students communicate with each other in chat rooms. Occasionally, opportunities to meet in person for field trips and ceremonies are available. Carefully consider a cyber school's standards for socialization before you enroll.