The Pros and Cons of Online High School
Weighing out the advantages and disadvantages of attending an online high school? Here is a list of pros and cons to help get you started.
There are three types of online high schools, each with additional upsides and accompanying downsides.
- State funded
- Virtual charter schools
- Privately funded
Make sure to also consider the differences between private and public schools - most of the same principles apply to virtual high schools. The list below is designed to be a general comparison that will apply to most online schools, no matter the type.
Online High School Pros and Cons List
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Students can work at their own pace | Less disciplined and mature students may struggle with freedom |
| No dangers of violence in school | Less social interaction and no required socialization |
| Reduced peer pressure to use cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol | Less interaction with fellow peers may encourage isolated or anti-social feelings |
| Ability to focus on the difficult subjects and breeze through the easy ones | Individualized learning speeds removes a student's opportunity to learn from others |
| Sometimes disciplined students can graduate faster than traditional high school | The student misses out on the wholesome experience of graduating with a "class" |
| Fewer distractions which leads to less wasted time | Most online schools don't have the fun aspects of schools like clubs, graduation, or prom |
| Some online schools can integrate specialization studies into the curriculum | Some students find it challenging to focus without a present teacher to encourage them. |
| Some virtual academies operate without a school year calendar | Although flexible, some students want to be "free" when their friends are |
| Reduced obstacles to learning (like snow days, holidays, lines) | Other, just as difficult, obstacles may arise for some families |
| Learn whenever and wherever | Some subjects (like math) are more difficult to learn and teach online without a teacher at hand |
Do the pros outweigh the cons?
If you think so, here is more info for anyone interested in attending a public online high school. Does your child need to change schools? These are the most important warning signs.
Maybe an online school isn't the answer, but there are still plenty of alternatives to public school.
