Can You Switch to Online School in the Middle of the Year?

Considering transitioning to an online school? Here’s everything you need to know.

Each child’s education journey is unique and sometimes it’s necessary to make a change. Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a 900% global growth rate since 2000. More and more families are now seeing online learning as a viable alternative to traditional classroom teaching. But can you switch to online school in the middle of the year? 

In this article, we delve into the things you need to consider when switching to online schooling and give you all the information you need to make a smooth transition. 

Understanding Online Schooling 

Online schools offer set curriculums and qualified teachers via a virtual learning experience. This structure allows students to access learning material and support no matter where they are in the world. 

Apex Learning Virtual School delivers high-quality online education for grades 6-12 with flexible scheduling options, so learning is self-paced. The online learning industry is a relatively new addition to the world of schooling, but it can offer many benefits over traditional school learning:

Advantages of Online Schooling 

Traditional classroom learning has been the norm for years. However, modern technology now offers very unique benefits to students that can improve engagement and academic performance. 

Below, are some of the benefits associated with online schooling:

• Flexibility and convenience. The traditional school day is highly structured with set times for lunch, specific learning topics, and home time. Online learning offers much more flexibility to allow students to work around other commitments and engage in more extracurricular activities. Students can also access their learning material from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. 

• Lower cost. The costs of traveling to a traditional public school can add up over a school year. The costs are even higher for those who attend private brick and mortar schools. ALVS offers comprehensive education without these added costs because all learning is done at home. 

• Suits different learning styles. Some students learn better through visual aids while others prefer auditory cues. Online classes can be tailored to the needs of each child while reducing the distractions associated with traditional school classrooms. Online learning is particularly beneficial for children with special needs, such as autism, because they often experience sensory overload in a classroom setting.  

• Build time management skills. Online classes are student-focused, which means that children actively manage their own learning time. This helps students to be independent, learn how to multitask, and set their own deadlines, which are vital skills required in the workplace. 

Potential Disadvantages of Online Schooling 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to learning, so online education may not be suitable for everyone. However, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our experts at ALVS and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. 

Some of the disadvantages of online learning can include:

• Managing screen time. In our modern age, many parents are worried about the amount of time their children are spending staring at screens. There is also the increased risk of students getting distracted by social media or other websites.

• Feelings of isolation. Students are constantly developing their social skills in a traditional school environment because they are surrounded by their peers. Socialization can be more difficult in an online learning environment, so it's important to add in plenty of extracurricular activities and playdates to prevent isolation.

• Technology issues. Online classes require a working screen and a good internet connection. So, any technology issue can affect learning. This is also one of the biggest up-front costs of online education.

The Process of Transitioning to Online Schooling 

The most important thing you need to think about is whether online schooling is the right path for your child. Perhaps your child is facing mental or physical health issues that prevent them from attending traditional school, or you find yourself needing greater flexibility in the school day. Whatever your reason, there are factors that you need to take into consideration for a smooth transition.

Finding the right online school 

The sheer number of online schools available today can make the process of choosing one a bit overwhelming. ALVS offers a wide range of online courses that can be tailored to meet the needs of each student. However, you need to do your research to ensure you choose the best school for your child's needs. 

Some of the things you should look for are:

• Curriculum. A good online school will follow a set curriculum to make sure your child’s educational achievements are recognized by businesses and further education institutes. Many parents choose to go with accredited online schools, like ALVS, because they are evaluated by third-party organizations against nationally recognized standards. This gives you peace of mind that the services provided meet the highest educational standards. 

• Academic performance. Exam results aren’t everything, but they are important to ensure success. So, you will want to check out the average exam results for an online institution to see how effectively courses are taught and how well they support their students. At ALVS, we are proud to show that our average score on AP (advanced placement) exams is .3% higher than the national average.  

• Pastoral support. Look out for 1:1 tutorial sessions and wellbeing support to ensure your child has access to all the care and guidance they may need. This is particularly important if your child has a special educational need or a disability (SEND).

Don’t forget that you can also attend a virtual open day event or speak to someone on the administration team to alleviate any concerns you have and answer any questions. 

Can You Switch to Online School Mid-Year? 

Switching schools mid-year is possible, but it can be more stressful than switching at the end of an academic year. This is purely because every online (and traditional) educational institution has a slightly different structure which can confuse children who are in the middle of learning a specific topic. That said, ALVS can be used as a supplement to traditional schooling or homeschooling and we pride ourselves on providing the support necessary for a smooth school transition. 

You may also want to consider credit recovery to improve your child’s grade point average (GPA) and give them a new start to achieve their career aspirations. If this sounds like you, then you’re in good hands. ALVS offers a range of online courses as part of our credit recovery program to meet your student's individual educational needs. Within these courses, all of our ALVS-certified teachers offer progress monitoring, real-time guidance, and detailed feedback.  

What to Expect When Switching to Online School Mid-Year 

The switch to online learning mid-year shouldn’t be stressful or affect your child’s learning. However, the enrollment process is very similar to switching to a different traditional school, so you will need to sort a few things first.

Below are a few tips to make sure the transition to an online school is as smooth as possible:

Consider timing — You can switch at any time, but a semester break might be the easiest option because teachers will typically be starting to delve into new topics at this time. This will prevent your child from feeling overwhelmed or like they are not on the same page as the other students. 

Gather necessary paperwork — When your child transfers to a new school, whether online or to a brick-and-mortar school, certain records need to be presented to complete the transition. These include transcripts from your child’s current school to show their grade level and academic performance. Depending on the school you’re transferring too, some institutions may request personal information such as your child’s birth certificate and immunization records — ALVS does not require this type of personal information. 

Set up a home learning space — To ensure your child’s success in an online learning environment, they need to have a specific work area. If your child simply works from the kitchen table or the sofa, they will have difficulty switching off at the end of the school day. The learning space doesn’t have to be elaborate. A simple desk in a well-lit room will do just as well as a purpose-built study. You may also want to set up a schedule so your child knows when they should be completing schoolwork and when they can enjoy some downtime.   

The Role of Parents and Teachers in the Transition 

Change can be a difficult thing to go through, especially for children. So, it’s important that you involve them in the decision process to transfer to a new school and answer any questions they may have. As a parent, you will also want to offer support as your child goes through the transition to make sure they understand the new schedule and keep on track with learning.

At ALVS, we know how daunting it can be to switch to a different learning environment with new schedules, teachers, and peers. That’s why we have a group of dedicated educators and guidance counselors to offer support whenever needed. We also know that parents play a critical role in the success of their children, which is why we offer personalized monthly progress reports to keep you involved in their educational journey.  

The decision to switch to online school in the middle of the year can be daunting. However, contact the Apex team to find answers to any questions about the enrollment process or the learning environment. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I switch to an online school in the middle of the semester? 

Technically, students can switch to online schooling in the middle of a semester. However, it can be more difficult than transferring at the end of a semester or during a semester break because students may find the new teaching style confusing if they are in the middle of a topic. However, our dedicated team at ALVS is here to support your transition and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.   

Is online school harder than regular school? 

Online schools follow very similar curriculum structures and teacher support systems as traditional schools. In fact, they can offer a wider range of courses as well as more flexibility to allow for additional extracurricular activities. However, online schooling can be more challenging for students who enjoy learning in a classroom environment or those who struggle to manage their own learning time. 

Can students switch to online learning? 

Students can switch to online learning at any time. However, the enrollment process is similar to that of traditional schools. Therefore, parents should still do their research to ensure they are picking the online institution that best suits their child's needs. Parents also need to make sure they have all the necessary paperwork required for the transition, such as academic records and grade level transcripts. 

Ready to make the switch? 

Reach out to our team today to learn more about our online schooling options or enroll today!