Part-Time Online High School Courses Growing Popular.
When most people think of online high school courses they picture a student spending all day at home, in front of a computer, eyes glued to the screen, working diligently to complete their high school course work. This is a common misconception.
The truth is that a majority of students participating in online high school courses today are enrolled on a part-time basis. According to a study from the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of public school districts with high school students taking part-time online high school courses rose from 30% in 2002-03 to 53% in 2009-10. And with major technological advancements that have taken place within only the last few years, that figure is expected to continue to grow.
But why exactly are high school students all throughout the country-leaning toward online high school programs on a part-time basis? Why do students take part-time online high school courses in addition to their full-time traditional course work in brick and mortar school settings? Here’s why:
1. Credit Recovery
Not all students learn at the same pace-which in traditional school settings can cause some students to lag behind or in some cases fail. But rather than stay after class or get a tutor, students these days are turning to online courses to help retake courses they struggled in or failed altogether.. A part-time online course allows a student to try and play catch up when it’s convenient and/or most comfortable to them. Part-time online high school courses are also a great way to ensure you graduate on time.
2. Dual Credit
It’s never a bad idea to get a head start-especially when it comes to higher education. Many high school students take online learning part-time to get ahead of the game prior to entering college. Dual credit opportunities mean a student takes high school courses designed to meet college standards. This not only makes for an easy academic transition but also serves as a way to begin earning credit without even stepping onto a college campus. Not every virtual school offers dual credit opportunities, however.
3. Extracurricular Activities
Sometimes there are just never enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished. Luckily, with the advent of online programs, students can make sure they are caught up on all of their coursework and still take part in extracurricular activities like sports, band, or hold a job. Many student-athletes turn to online high school programs to maintain their education while training and competing to one day go pro.
4. Potential For Free Instruction
In some very unique cases, depending upon the online program you choose, the cost to participate is FREE. Many programs offer in-state students free tuition. And if this is the case with the virtual school program you’ve selected, how can you pass up a free education?
At Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS), part-time students make up the bulk of our enrollment. These part-time students are typically enrolled in another school, home educated, or part of some other alternative program. If you are a NH resident there are not tuition costs associated with VLACS courses. Out-of-state students are welcome to enroll in VLACS courses, but tuition fees apply.
VLACS caters to all types of students; no matter if you’re seeking an advanced learning opportunity, a flexible course load, or you’re simply working hard to keep up and don’t want to withdrawal from your traditional school. Attend an open house today to learn more about how VLACS can help you achieve your academic goals and at the same time concentrate on your extracurricular aspirations.
