These days it's possible to do virtually anything online. Shopping, research, making new friends and socializing all have new potential with computers. It is even possible to attend classes online. Parents of teenagers now have the option of enrolling their children in online high school. However, the jury is out on whether it is a good idea.

Types

Online high school courses can be used to augment other schooling with one or two classes or it can make up all of the requirements a student must fulfill to earn a diploma. In addition, parents who home-school their children may use online courses to assist them with disciplines they may not be familiar with themselves.

Benefits

Online high school is a good choice for some families. For instance, children who learn at a faster or slower pace may benefit from being able to complete courses in their own time. Also, teenagers who have health problems or other concerns that make traditional high school difficult may benefit from online high school, as do teenagers who move frequently, such as those in military families. Parents who are concerned with the quality of their local public schools but can't afford private schools or don't like the private schools that are nearby may prefer enrolling their children in an online high school.

When Is Online High School Not a Good Idea?

Some teenagers may not want to use an online high school, as socializing and having friends are very important, particularly during the teen years. They may resent the isolation they may face when attending an online school. For teens who aren't good at self-motivating, online high school may not be a good idea, particularly if they are left alone to complete their courses or their parents are too busy to keep up with their progress.

Examples of Online High Schools

There are now many online high schools, but it's important to make sure the one you choose is nationally accredited. The local branch of the homeschooling association may also prove to be a wealth of information.

Future

As the possibilities of the Internet expand daily, there will be more and more schooling options for children and teens. Parents should consider all options carefully and discuss the decision to use an online high school with their children, if possible.

Source:

About.com: Who Benefits from Online High Schools?

Oklahoma Virtual High School: Benefits