I came upon this website today, and was wondering if anyone uses this? It sounds good......but is it too good to be true?
Run! I have heard horror stories, but I can't speak from personal experience. I have some friends who used it and they said it was awful.
I believe it is a K12 site, which uses their own curriculum. It is all online, and it is very formal - you follow their structure, use the resources they pick. The do expect a lot of work and your student needs to be online a lot, so if they like to move or need more hands on, then this may not be the way to go. If you need something more hands off for you however, this is ready to go. I think they have some sample online lessons on their web page.
Someone that goes to my church uses that. She said that it is a lot of essay type writing. They love it. I tried the Virtual Academy K12 and we hated it. It all depends on the child how they learn. I found that out, and just because it is free and you get the computers and all the books and stuff, sometimes it turns out to be too good to be true.
With both K12 and Connections, if your state uses it as their Virtual Academy, you get all the stuff free (loaner computer, all the textbooks, etc.), BUT you have to jump through their hoops, follow their curriculum exactly, log on at certain times, be checked up on by their teacher in your home, whatever. Both of these programs can be purchased privately, however, and you have more choices that way BUT it costs! ( a lot! ) I've heard both are good programs with more stuff than you can actually DO, so you have to pick and choose sometimes which projects and such. Both these are reputable companies. SOME virtual academies are not reputable companies, notably anything that Mimi Rothschild has to do with....and she has a TON of registered academy names!
Thanks for the input. I was thinking about the program....and in reality, I enjoy the flexibility that hs'ing gives us. And to go back to the 8-3:30 drill doesn't appeal to me so much. I'm like that in everything I do, I like flexibility (drives my dh crazy LOL). He thinks I should have a schedule, and I don't like being held to a certain time frame of getting things done. So, this all in all may not be in my best interest. Especially considering the essay writing stuff. I have 2 boys that DESPISE writing. I don't think it would be worth the fight. It may be great for some though, just not us.
Lindina......I could not think of that ladys' name to save my life (Mimi Rothschild). That is what I was thinking when I was on the Connections Academy website. Now, I can sleep LOL.
One thing to note - if you choose a program like that - you are NOT always considered a homeschooler.... HSLDA does not offer membership to you as you are a public school person who is schooling at home. Not the same thing as a homeschooler. Otherwise - if you want a "plugged-in" approach - I have heard good things about Progress Academy...
I think it's always wise to make sure she has nothing to do with any sites people may be interested in. She's one to stay away from.