If you live in Arizona, you have access to more K-12 education options than you might realize. Navigating these options can help you find a school where your child thrives, but it can also feel overwhelming. This guide will breakdown the main types of school choice in Arizona, as well as provide additional education resources.
Interested in learning more about Arizona’s ESA program? Check out our deep dive blog on the Empowerment Scholarship Account program and Arizona School Choice.
Most children in Arizona (68.3%) attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. Arizona spends an average of $9,611 per public school pupil each year. You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.
Arizona has unrestricted open enrollment for public school. What this means is that you can send your child to any public school in Arizona, regardless of where you live or where the school is located, as long as the school has capacity. Each district’s open enrollment policies must be available in English and Spanish, and must include transportation provisions. These include transportation up to about 20 miles each way for students with a disability or IEP, and can include other students, too. For example, you can read about the open enrollment process in the Scottsdale Unified School District.
Arizona has a law prohibiting public schools from charging tuition for transfer students, so this option is always free. You can take advantage of open enrollment by visiting multiple public schools near you and discovering which is the best fit for your family. Traditional public schools may differ in learning methods and one may just “feel different” than another to you.
For example, one traditional public school in Arizona we talked to, Coyote Springs Elementary School, has a unique focus on “authenticity in learning.” Pamela Clark, the school’s instructional specialist, shared one of the school’s cool practices for the beginning of the school year. It’s called “two for ten.” She said, “We want everyone on campus to spend ten minutes with a child for a couple of weeks just getting to know them, talking about things other than school, and every person on campus participates, including teachers, custodians, the cafeteria staff.”
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. Arizona has more than 500 charter schools that parents can choose from. In fact, at least 84% of Arizona students have access to at least one charter in their area.
Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. For example, Arizona Autism Charter School focuses on the educational needs of children with autism, while others may focus on language immersion or mathematics. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance.
We recently interviewed one of Arizona’s very first charter schools, Benjamin Franklin Charter School. When we asked the charter school’s Director of Education, Diana Dana, what makes her school unique, here’s what she shared: “Because we are not restricted by boundaries, we are able to welcome any family that is looking for something more than what their neighborhood school offers in a caring, wholesome environment. Many parents choose to be a part of something special with us because we provide an ‘A’ rated education and family-friendly amenities such as affordable before- and after- school childcare and free school supplies. We take pride in removing barriers to an excellent, tuition-free education.”
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Arizona Magnet Schools
You can also choose magnet schools. These free public schools allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as health sciences or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track. These might be a good option if your kid learns best by focusing in on a subject he or she is passionate about!
There are many magnet school options in Arizona. For instance, the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona currently lists twelve magnet schools. These include schools that focus on communication arts, dual language, Montessori, and gifted study. Meanwhile, in Goodyear, Centerra Mirage STEM Academy is a magnet school focusing on hands-on STEM learning and enrichment. And, Gallego Primary K-3 Fine Arts Magnet School in the Sunnyside Unified School District focuses on art and creativity.
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Arizona Private Schools
You probably know that private schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition. But did you know that, since 2018, the federal government has allowed parents to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts?
There are more than 450 private schools across the state of Arizona. These private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. Arizona’s Gateway Academy, for example, a private school located in Scottsdale, is providing an inspiring education for students with autism spectrum disorders.
The average tuition for private schools in Arizona is $9,619 for elementary schools and $13,766 for high schools. There are currently five state-run scholarship programs, which can help families afford private school tuition. One of these is the nation’s very first tax-credit scholarship program, enacted in 1997. All K-12 students interested in choosing private school are eligible to apply for aid. Arizona launched another individual income tax-credit scholarship program in 2012. Arizona also offers a tax-credit scholarship program focusing on scholarships for low-income children. Fourth, “Lexie’s Law” provides tax-credit scholarships for students with special needs.
Finally, Arizona has an Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program that was adapted in 2022 to expand eligibility to all Arizona students. Participating families can receive scholarships of about $7,000 or more for qualifying educational expenses, including private school tuition, online education, tutoring, transportation, and education therapy. As of 2024, 9.8% of Arizona students are participating in this popular program.
In order for funding to transfer to one of these schools, families switching to an online school may need to initiate withdrawal from their previous school. You can learn more about the online school community in your state at AZ Parents for Education.
Homeschooling is another school option in all 50 states. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and allows for highly customizable education. 3.4% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. If you homeschool in Arizona, your student might still be eligible to participate in sports or classes at your local public school!
If you move to a new county during the school year, you must file a letter of termination, then submit a new notice of your intent to homeschool in the county you moved to. In the case that you want to switch back to public school, you must file a letter of termination.
Keep in mind that Arizona has a funding assistance program called the Empowerment Scholarship Account program that can help make homeschooling more affordable for families.
Increasingly, Arizona families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning, close-knit relationships, and emphasizing children as individual learners.
Here are just a few examples of the many microschools and nontraditional learning choices for families in Arizona:
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account provides participating families with education funding that can be used flexibly for approved learning expenses, like private school tuition, home education, tutoring, and more.
Prenda Microschools offers tuition-free learning pod options for families through a partnership with accredited online schools in Arizona.
Endeavor Academy is a microschool situated in Mesa that follows an in-home approach to education.
Baker Creek Academy is a small, collaborative, student-driven school in Eagar that prioritizes community.
Great Hearts Online has piloted a microschool program where families can enroll in the classical online school but receive in-person learning support.
Public online schools like ASU Prep and Sequoia Choice have launched learning-pod-like models where students work on their online school curriculum in person together a few days a week.
KaiPod Learning offers learning pods for both homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools.
Based in Phoenix, Spark Community Schools offers small classroom-style learning to grades K-8.
The Black Mothers Forum has launched at least five microschools in Arizona, specifically geared toward meeting the needs of minority communities and their families.
Adamo education combines in-person instruction in small microschooling environments with digital learning.
Primer is a microschooling network with schools in Scottsdale and South Tempe.
Kino School is an example of a small, innovative private school with mixed-age learning focused on student interests. While it’s been around since the 1970s, it shares some of the characteristics of microschools today.
iCubed Learning provides personalized learning pods for homeschoolers, online students, and those enrolled in hybrid programs, offering one-on-one teaching experiences with certified educators.
Trinity Arch Preparatory School for Boys offers a tailored learning pod environment focusing on a liberal arts education and character development in a Christian, boys-only setting.
Arizona State University offers a year-long fellowship that families can apply for if they’re interested in starting their own microschool.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
If you live in Alaska and are making a decision about K-12 education for your child, this post is for you. Where you send your child to school is one of the most impactful decisions you can make, but you’re not alone in it. Thousands of Alaska parents make school choices each year. And remember, each child is unique. So, the “best” school for your child may look different than the “best” school for your neighbor’s child.
Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Alaska at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.
By far, most families in Alaska (68.8%) and around the country choose traditional public school. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by federal, state, and local government.
Did you know that Alaska spends an average of $19,540 per pupil in public school? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.
Alaska has limited open enrollment laws for public schools. What this means is that parents of students who are assigned to a particular neighborhood school may in some cases be able to transfer their children to another school in their district. For example, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has an online application portal where families can apply to a school outside their zoned “attendance area.” In other cases, children may be required to attend the school assigned to them by their district.
Open enrollment is an important way that parents have access to a broader variety of public schools. Find out more about public schools in your state at the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development and contact your school district to learn about your open enrollment options. You can also learn more about Alaska’s open enrollment options in this 50-state report.
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Alaska Charter Schools
Depending on where you live in Alaska, public charter schools may be another public school option available to you. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are public, free, and usually have no requirements for entry. What distinguishes charter schools is that they have extra freedom to innovate with learning methods and are accountable to authorizers for results.
Alaska passed charter school legislation in 1995 and currently has more than 30 charter schools that serve more than 7,000 (5.8%) students. Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. For example, one of Alaska’s newest charter schools is Knik Cultural School, which offers Alaska Native culture and values-based learning opportunities, such as fishing, moose hunting, and berry picking! If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a good old-fashioned lottery system is typically used to determine admittance.
A third free, public school option is found in Alaska’s magnet schools. Magnet schools allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as engineering or the performing arts. Magnet schools teach all subjects through the lenses of their specific track. In Alaska, 12.2% of all K-12 students attend a public magnet school.
Alaska has a handful of magnet schools scattered throughout the state. For example, Barnette Magnet School, located in the Fairbanks North Star Borough District, describes its offering this way: “Barnette’s magnet or ‘draw’ is a combination of: small exploration classes, a community-based Friday in Fairbanks Program, and quarterly all-school Exhibit Nights. These are the elements of the school that set it apart from other schools and make the Magnet School experience a rewarding one for both students and parents.”
Families in Alaska can also consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. Overall, there are more than 50 private schools across the state of Alaska serving 3.1% of all K-12 students. These private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. The average tuition for private schools in your state is $7,154 for elementary schools and $6,881 for high schools.
Unfortunately, there are no state-run scholarship options in Alaska at present, but private scholarships may be available. Additionally, Alaska has a funding assistance program that can make some private school courses more affordable for families. Essentially, the state sets aside funds in the form of an annual allotment for students enrolled in a state-funded correspondence program. Families can then use their student allotment to request reimbursements for approved educational expenses. Currently, this may include courses at private schools (though not full-time tuition).
Whether your child wants to accelerate learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. Of course, virtual school is different and may feel like “drinking from a fire hose” at first, but for many families it becomes the perfect fit. Alaska doesn’t offer any statewide online schools or multi-district online schools, but families can consider national online learning programs, like Virtual Learning Academy Charter School, The Keystone School, and Laurel Springs School, for a fee.
On the district level, middle- and high-school students in Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District can enroll in online courses through the Alaska Digital Academy. Plus, the ASD Virtual Program offers a free, fully online home learning program that Anchorage families can choose through their neighborhood or choice school. The virtual learning program is staffed by Anchorage School District teachers and allows families to maintain a connection to their local school. The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District also offers online options for grades 6-12, and you can always ask your district about whether an online program is available to you.
In 2022, the Alaska legislature approved a new virtual education consortium. Once established, this will provide a library of virtual classes available to Alaska students. Additionally, Alaska has many correspondence school offerings, some of which are free, that families can choose from.
Alaska parents can also choose homeschooling, which sets a high bar for flexibility and customization for education. Homeschooling is the process of parents educating students at home and is an option in all 50 states.
In Alaska, 10.3% of all K-12 students are homeschooled. The state only requires notice of your intent to homeschool if you are homeschooling as a religious private school. If so, you will need to provide notice by the first day of school. Of course, it is recommended that you formally withdraw from your current school so that your student is not marked truant. If you decide to switch back to public school, a portfolio of work or assessments will be used for placement.
You are not required to teach specific subjects or use specific standardized tests if you choose to homeschool in Alaska. If you homeschool, your child might still be eligible to participate in sports or activities at local public schools – reach out to your district to learn more.
Alaska stands out among the states for its flexible funding assistance program available to many homeschoolers! Essentially, the state sets aside funds in the form of an annual allotment for students (including homeschoolers) enrolled in one of more than 30 state-funded correspondence programs. According to Alaska’s Department of Education & Early Development, “This allotment can pay for items such as a student’s books, classes, school supplies, technology support, tutoring, music or activity lessons, and other items related to the student’s education.”
Today, many Alaska families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning, close-knit relationships, and emphasizing children as individual learners.
Here is one example of a microschool started by homeschoolers in Alaska: The Green Room in East Anchorage is a learning community offering in-person classes for homeschoolers, from chemistry to wholeness and health classes.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
K-12 education in America is experiencing a once-in-a-generation transformation, as tens of millions of parents rethink their children’s education and make crucial decisions about how and where their children learn. From exploring their school choice options to expressing interest in nontraditional learning models, parents are eager to find better or supplementary learning environments for their children. Parents don’t see this a dichotomous; a majority of them are open to change even as two thirds of all parents (67.9 percent) remain largely satisfied with the schools their children attend.
What do we mean by rethinking? Parents choosing new schools, parents considering options more frequently, and parents seeking to round out their children’s education by thinking outside the box and exploring new or nontraditional learning options.
These trends are led by Black and Hispanic parents, who are significantly more likely to explore the education options available for their children than white parents. Young millennial parents – those between the ages of 18 and 29 – are also rethinking their children’s K-12 education in overwhelming numbers.
These findings are from two census-balanced surveys of a combined 3,820 U.S. parents of school-aged children, conducted from January 3-6, 2023.
Half of all parents considered or are considering choosing new schools for their children.
At any point in the past year, did you think about, consider, search for, or choose a new or different school or learning environment for any of the school-aged children in your household? (N=3,820)
TOTAL
AGE
RACE OR ETHNICITY
18-29
30-44
45-60
> 60
Black or African American
Hispanic or
Latino
White
(Non-Hispanic)
Yes
53.7%
63.3%
55.7%
49.7%
42.5%
64.5%
64.6%
46.2%
No
46.3%
36.7%
44.3%
50.3%
57.5%
35.5%
35.4%
53.8%
16.6 percent of all parents chose new schools for their children within the past year, 11.3 percent considered new schools, and 25.8 percent are currently considering new schools.
In total, 53.7 percent of parents considered or are considering choosing a new school.
Black, Hispanic, and young millennial parents were most likely to consider new schools.
Do you think that your community offers the right number of schooling options for parents to consider for their children, not enough options, or too many options? (N=1,651)
TOTAL
AGE
RACE OR ETHNICITY
18-29
30-44
45-60
> 60
Black or African American
Hispanic or
Latino
White
(Non-Hispanic)
The
right amount of options
48.3%
39.8%
49.1%
51.3%
58.3%
50.4%
43.5%
51.9%
Not enough options
48.1%
53.4%
47.8%
46.2%
39.7%
45.3%
52.8%
45.2%
Too many options
3.7%
6.8%
3.1%
2.5%
1.9%
4.3%
3.7%
2.9%
64.5 percent of Black parents and 64.6 percent of Hispanic parents considered new schools for their children, compared with 46.2 percent of white parents.
63.3 percent of parents aged 18-29 explored, are exploring, or plan to explore school choice options for their children, compared with 55.7 percent of parents aged 30-44, 49.7 percent of parents aged 45-60, and 42.5 percent of parents over the age of 60.
Parents considered a wide variety of education options for their children.
Which of the following statements best describes your view of the different options that may be available for your children’s education? (N=1,651)
TOTAL
AGE
RACE OR ETHNICITY
18-29
30-44
45-60
> 60
Black or African American
Hispanic or
Latino
White
(Non-Hispanic)
I wish
I had more information about the schooling options available for my children.
64.7%
75.3%
65.1%
58.8%
56.4%
71.2%
75.7%
57.7%
I have all the information I need about the schooling options
available for my children.
35.3%
24.7%
34.9%
41.2%
43.6%
28.8%
24.3%
42.3%
Nearly half of parents (45.6 percent) said they considered traditional public schools within their neighborhoods, while 38.2 percent considered public schools outside of their district or zones.
31.5 percent of parents considered public charter schools, 29.1 percent considered private or faith-based schools, 22.9 percent considered homeschooling, 20.8 percent considered full-time online schooling, and 4 percent considered microschooling or pod learning.
Half of parents want more options for their children’s education, and most parents want more information about school choice options.
48.1 percent of parents, including majorities of Hispanic parents (52.8 percent) and young millennial parents (53.4 percent), said their community does not offer enough education options for families. Only 3.7 percent of all parents said their community offers too many education options.
64.7 percent of parents, including 75.7 percent of Hispanic parents, 71.2 percent of Black parents, and 75.3 percent of young millennial parents, said they “wish they had more information about the schooling options available for [their] children.”
As we talk about school choice, we cannot forget the importance schools play in decisions over buying or renting homes – or ignore the demand for nontraditional options.
68 percent of parents said that when choosing to rent or purchase a residence, it was important for them to find a residence within a specific school district or school zone.
At 74.4 percent, suburban parents were most likely to indicate that a school zone or district was important in their home choice, and 39.6 percent described it as “very important.”
More than a third of parents (35 percent) said their children had pursued out-of-school learning projects in cooperation with other families, including microschooling and pod learning. Black parents (48 percent), Hispanic parents (38.2 percent), and young millennial parents (38.4 percent) were among the most likely to indicate that their children had pursued out-of-school learning projects.
Head to Conoce tus Opciones Escolares‘ site to find our survey analysis in Spanish with focused insights on Hispanic and Latino parents. Find out more about National School Choice Week or how school choice works. If you’re a journalist covering education issues, we invite you to check out our coverage resources.
Teachers play a crucial role in the success of every student. Their continuous dedication knows no bounds as they guide, support, and inspire students to reach their full potential across the nation––which is more than deserving of a celebration!
Teacher Appreciation Week, which lands on May 6-10, is the perfect opportunity to show your gratitude for all the hard work that teachers do. While there are tons of ideas on the web on how to thank a teacher, we have compiled a list of some fun, easy teacher appreciation gift ideas!
This week, we appreciate the things – some big and some small – that so many teachers do every day to help kids. Often, these things are outside of any written job description, but these actions build bonds of trust between educators and families that help facilitate learning.
As it gets later in the school year and markers begin to dry out, supplies are a great way to show your appreciation for all that teachers do! But, do you know what is better than supplies? A supply cake! This is a great way to turn ordinary school supplies into a fun appreciation gift; and, it is super easy to make. We also have #schoolchoice supply gift tags to enhance your cake decorating skills.
Are you looking for a more sentimental way to thank a teacher? Nothing shows your appreciation more than giving a ‘Best Teacher Award’! These awards are a fantastic way to get your child more involved in the Teacher Appreciation Week celebration and are for those who want a more personalized touch.
The true key to unlocking anyone’s heart is food! Food is a simple yet thoughtful way to show your appreciation for all that teachers do. Add one of our food-inspired gift tags to your present to make this gift even sweeter!
Gift cards are great tokens of appreciation! They are versatile – practically any business accepts gift cards – and, with our custom National School Choice Week gift card holders, they make the perfect gift for teachers!
One of the things teachers love most is hearing from their students just how much of an impact they have had – and what better way to do this than with a poem? Whether you rhyme your words, create a haiku, or use the acrostic template below, your teacher is sure to cherish your words for years to come.
Thank you cards first started being sent in the United States in 1840 – thanks to the postage stamp! This method has been around for decades for a reason- it’s a fantastic way to let someone know you appreciate them. This teacher appreciation week, join students across the country in letting teachers know how thankful we are for them.
PS: No printer? No problem! Take a screenshot of the thank you image below, add text onto the image with your phone’s photo editor, and share it with your teacher! If you post it to social media, be sure to use #schoolchoice.
7. Specialized Thank You’s
A simple “thank you” truly goes a long way, but we’ve got some creative ways to give the message a little more ‘umph’.
Social media posts are a fun, simple way to let the world know how much you appreciate your teacher! If you want, you can add personal photos or handwritten notes to the post. We have put together a shareable graphic that you can use to let others know you are celebrating:
As parents navigating the ever-changing landscape of education, we understand the importance of providing your children with every opportunity to excel. Whether you’re supporting your child’s academic journey, helping them prepare for exams, or encouraging them to explore new skills, the internet has evolved into a treasure trove of free tutoring resources near you that can be a game-changer.
In essence, this guide will help you navigate the sea of free tutoring resources, giving you the tools to steer your child’s education towards success.
Table of Contents
How to Find Free Tutoring
If you know the right places to look, you can easily keep tabs on tutoring options in your community. We’ll walk you through a few places you can quickly search for options. You can also jump straight to our lists below for some of the national and state-specific tutoring options available at no cost to families.
Among the most common places you can find free tutoring are libraries, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs. Checking the websites or calling your local branches of these organizations can help you locate in-person homework help, tutoring, and sometimes even mentoring.
You’ll also want to check with your current school and district to ask whether they can arrange free tutoring for your child. Many offer in-school tutoring and some partner with nearby colleges or universities where undergraduate students offer homework assistance for K-12 students.
As a bit of background context, under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act from 2002-2015, low-performing and low-income schools were required by law to offer free tutoring services to eligible children. Today, under the Every Student Succeeds Act, it is up to states and schools to decide whether to offer free tutoring. Many schools have decided to continue to offer tutoring services and maintain their partnerships with tutoring providers.
Additionally, you can search for stand-alone tutoring non-profits by Googling your city and “free tutoring.” Many college and even high school students were inspired to start local tutoring initiatives during the pandemic, and some of those remain active and thriving.
Finally, don’t discount the value of in-person learning assistance from your own personal network. Do you have a friend or family member who may be able to provide homework help for your student?
Does Tutoring Work?
But hold on, does tutoring even work? Well, the short answer is yes! Many parents, educators, and researchers attest that tutoring can have tangible benefits for kids’ learning. For example, researchers writing for the Brookings Institute called tutoring “remarkably effective at helping students learn,” and said that “tutoring can reliably help students catch up.” As they go on to describe, the impact of tutoring can be more or less effective depending on who is doing the tutoring, what grade level the student is in, and other factors.
Tutoring is generally defined as one-on-one or small group class. According to that definition, the University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University, studied the impact of academic gaps during the pandemic and the effects of tutoring. According to this research, it is important to understand tutoring as a complementary effort, distinct from learning in the classroom. Most evidence in this study focuses on literacy programs for young children, but there is strong positive evidence of tutoring’s effectiveness in middle and high school, especially in math.
However, the evidence for online tutoring is mixed and still emerging. This is an area that requires more research, however, two new research from Spain and Italy offer encouraging signs that tutoring online can work to help children complete unfinished learning.
MITfound that tutoring programs show positive impacts on learning processes and are beneficial for students. Also, a recent pilot program, implemented by California University, evaluated the results of online tutoring for K-12 students and the results have shown positive results.
Of course, every child is unique. Not every tutoring resource may work well for your child. If an online tutoring experience makes your student uncomfortable, for example, you may want to evaluate whether your library or a family friend can offer in-person homework help instead.
How to know if my child needs Tutoring?
Every child is different, however, the most obvious way to identify if your child needs support is if there is a change in the usual grades your kid use to have. Is your kid failing in all classes or a specific one? There are so many factors that could influence your child’s academic performance; the environment, mental health, distractions, health problems, or difficulty learning specific topics. But don’t worry! All of this is normal and it is important to access the tools that are out there to help your child.
Other signs parents should pay attention to is if your child is having trouble organizing the assignments, experiencing anxiety about going to school, melting down over homework or spending too much time on assignments. All of this could be a clear sign of the student encountering challenges and it’s important to take actions and find solutions.
With everything students (as well as parents and educators) have faced in the last few years, it’s particularly important to identify when your child may need tutoring support. Luckily, we’ve rounded up options for free tutoring in your state.
Tips for Using Free Tutoring
If you decide to use free tutoring, keep in mind that tutoring groups differ in the subjects they cover and approaches they use. Some are small group sessions while others are one-on-one. Some are online or hotlines while others are in-person. Some have learning games and tools they provide for students, while others require students to bring their homework and specific questions.
To make the most of the tutoring experience, help your student prepare well. Work with your student to identify what topic or subject they’d like extra help in and write down questions in advance, if possible. If you are using an online platform like Zoom for the tutoring session, double-check that the technology is working before the meeting so that your student can make the most of their time with the tutor.
Experts recommend that before seeking a tutor, it’s a good idea to connect with your child’s teacher to identify the issues they think need work. Other recommendations involve creating a comfortable space to ensure your child has a space without distractions for their tutoring sessions. Also, stay involved in the process; ask about your student’s progress and how you can help at home to obtain better results. On other hand, not all tutoring modalities or tutors are a good fit for all kids, so it is important to maintain open communication with your child.
Also remember that each tutoring organization has its own requirements for tutors. Many, but not all, require background checks. If child safety policies are not listed on a tutoring program’s website, you can always ask for a copy of these policies.
Finally, some tutoring groups are staffed specifically by trained teachers or by college students, while high schoolers or even middle schoolers participate as tutors in other cases. Don’t write off homework help just because it isn’t from someone with a graduate degree! Instead, focus on finding a tutor who can explain and practice concepts well with your child.
“One of the things that makes it easier to be a tutor than to be a classroom teacher is that you’re doing a specific task with kids with materials that are designed to support that. A much broader range of people can do that… Classroom teaching is a much more complicated job.”
Bored of Boredom: Bored of Boredom is a Los Angeles-based, student-led tutoring service for kids in grades K-8. It operates nationwide and has even had international students use its resources.
Learn to Be: Learn to Be is a national nonprofit that uses a pay what you can model to act as a free or affordable option for all families. Learn to Be offers 1:1 online tutoring in all K-12 subjects. Students can bring the school work or topics they are struggling with and receive personal support.
Pandemic Professors: Pandemic Professors serves K-12 students in more than 15 states and counting. The online tutoring non-profit primarily serves students (for free) from low-income communities.
Schoolhouse.world:Founded by Sal Khan of the acclaimed Khan Academy, Schoolhouse.world is a platform for free, online, peer-to-peer tutoring. Students can receive live help in sessions with 1-10 students. Currently, Schoolhouse’s classes center around math and SAT Prep and are available to students nationwide who are at least 13 years old.
UPchieve: UPchieve is a non-profit that provides free online 1:1 high school tutoring to those who need it. Tutoring is currently available in math, science, reading & writing, SAT and college prep. The organization’s goal? To scale Upchieve to all 8 million low-income high school students in the U.S. by 2030!
Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors offers large group classes online for free, including classes on elementary reading and phonics to help students become more independent readers. Varsity Tutors also offers 1:1 individualized tutoring for a fee. Click the “Free” filter to search exclusively for free offerings.
Wave Learning Festival: Wave Tutoring is a free tutoring program that takes place via Zoom. Students can bring questions to free sessions in math, science, language, or humanities and have them answered by veteran tutors.
425 Tutoring: Founded in Seattle, 425 Tutoring is a free, student-led tutoring service with tutors across the country. Talented high school students provide group tutoring sessions in math, English, and other subjects for K-6 students over Zoom or Google Meet.
Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families: Service members, civilian personnel, and their dependents can receive free online tutoring, wherever they live. This program is a partnership with Tutor.com that provides military-connected students with online homework help 24/7.
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State-specific Free Tutoring
Click on your state on the map to learn about options near you. Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of state options. Rather, it offers a sampling of available options and suggestions for where to discover more.
Alabama:
Statewide:Homework Alabama provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Alabama students in grades K-12. Homework Alabama is available through local public libraries throughout the state. Learning Express Library is another statewide online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Jacksonville: The Teaching / Learning Center at Jacksonville State University gives teacher candidates firsthand experience while helping local students with their tutoring needs. Elementary and secondary students can receive 1-4 hours of free, one-to-one tutoring per semester week with teacher candidates.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Alaska:
Statewide: Live Homework Help provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Alaska students in grades K-12. Live Homework Help is available through local public libraries across the state.Learning Express Library is another free, statewide online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Arizona:
Statewide:Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. Varsity Tutors offers free tutoring services to eligible K-12 students through Arizona’s Achievement Program.
Tucson / Pima County:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. It is available through local library branches.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Arkansas:
Statewide:Arkansas Tutoring Corps offers free tutoring during the school year through qualified schools in Arkansas. As of 2023, Arkansas has passed the LEARNS Act that allows families to use state funding to pay for qualifying educational expenses including tutoring services.
Central Arkansas Library System: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
California:
Statewide: Harvey Mudd College operates a Homework Hotline during the school year to help students with math and science questions. The Homework Hotline welcomes callers from any city and county in the state of California. A third statewide option is MasteryHour. Founded by a teacher, MasteryHour provides free, online math tutoring for K-12 students, led by volunteer students from top colleges and universities. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring through your local library.
Bakersfield:Do the Math California allows students to call a hotline or email their math questions for free academic support.
Los Angeles County Library:Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Napa County Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
San Diego Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Southern California:School on Wheels provides one-on-one online tutoring for families experiencing homelessness or students living in a group home.
Torrance Public Library:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Colorado:
Statewide:Tutors 4 Change offers tutoring in subjects such as math, science, english, history, and SAT/ACT Math. The suggested “payment” is 99 cents per hour, as the nonprofit’s mission to provide everyone with affordable access to a good education.
Boulder Public Library and Boulder Valley School District students: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Jefferson County Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Longmont Library:Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Connecticut:
Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Hartford Area: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Greater New Haven Area: New Haven Reads offers free, one-on-one literacy tutoring to any student in grades 1-12 who is struggling with reading.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Delaware:
Delaware County Libraries:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Florida:
Statewide: As of 2023, Florida has since unveiled the Family Empowerment Scholarship that that allows families to use state funding to pay for qualifying educational expenses including tutoring services.
Broward County Library:Live Tutoring is available for students in grades K-12, in both English and Spanish.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Georgia:
Statewide:GA Tutors offers free 1:1 online tutoring in math, science, language arts, and social studies.
Metro Atlanta Area (Fulton County Public Library, Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County Public Library):Fulton County Library System offers free tutoring resources for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Hawaii:
Statewide: The Online Learning Academy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa provides free online math and science tutoring for Hawaii public school students in grades K-12. Hawai’i Tutoring provides year-round tutoring services to students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Idaho:
Boise Public Library: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Twin Falls Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Illinois:
Danville, Chicago, LaGrange, Freeport, Palatine, Collinsville, Springfield: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Elmwood Park Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Indiana:
Statewide: AskRose Homework Help serves students in grades 6-12 in math and science tutoring.
Indianapolis: Children’s Dyslexia Center provides free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Iowa:
Bettendorf Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
West Des Moines Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Kansas:
Hays Public Library: Hays Public Library has partnered with Fort Hays State University to offer tutoring services to students of all ages.
Kansas City:The Learning Club offers in-person homework help with one-on-one volunteer tutoring. Students are primarily in grades 1-6, but can be older. Also, families in the Kansas City area can access Brainfuse through the Kansas City Public Library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
“Although virtual tutoring may not be quite as effective as in-person sessions, the positive results point to a potential solution to the growing educational gap.”
Boone County Public Library: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Jessamine County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Lexington Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Scott County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Louisiana:
Statewide:Homework LA provides free online tutoring through Tutor.com for all Louisiana students in grades K-12. Homework LA is available through local public libraries throughout the state.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Maine:
Bangor, Portland: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Maryland:
Baltimore:The Dyslexia Tutoring Program offers free, one-on-one tutoring to eligible low-income children in reading, writing, and spelling. Also, families in the Baltimore area can access Brainfuse through the Baltimore County Public Library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Massachusetts:
Statewide: School on Wheels provides one-on-one online tutoring for Massachusetts families experiencing homelessness or students living in a group home.
Boston Public Library: This library offers free homework help to students in grades K-8. Homework help is provided by high-achieving high school students. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Boston North, Central Massachusetts, and Greater Boston: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Michigan:
Statewide: GVSU K-12 Connect Virtual Tutoring offers free, virtual one on one tutoring and homework support for students in grades K-12.
Ann Arbor District Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Canton Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Great Lakes Bay Region; Southeastern Michigan:Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multisensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Highland Township Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Novi: Connect Me provides free online test preparation, help with skipped topics due to COVID-19, and general tutoring for low-income students and students with essential worker parents.
Waterford Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Minnesota:
Hennepin County Library:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Saint Paul Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Mississippi:
Madison County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Missouri:
Midcontinent Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Scenic Regional Library:Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
St. Louis County Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
University City Public Library:Free tutoring and homework help is available through this library. Tutoring is provided by student members of the National Society of Black Engineers.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Montana:
Bozeman Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Omaha Public Libraries: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Nevada:
Las Vegas Clark County Library District: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Las Vegas Clark County Area: Andson Academies offers free after-school tutoring and homework help for students in grades K-12. Tutoring is delivered by licensed school teachers and aides in a small group format.
Las Vegas Valley: After-School All-Stars provides free after-school programming, which includes homework help, for at-risk youth.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
New Hampshire:
Nashua, Seacoast: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
New Jersey:
Statewide: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Use any New Jersey library card to access this resource.
Burlington, Hasbrouck Heights, Northfield, Scotch Plains, Tenafly: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Jersey City Free Public Library: Learning Express Library provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Short Hills and Basking Ridge: Middle and high school students at an independent school in the region founded TutorX to provide free homework help for other students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
New Mexico:
Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Public Libraries: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
New Mexico State Library: Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Central New York:Empower CNY provides free tutoring and leadership enrichment for students local to Central New York. Tutoring currently takes place online. But, the program is currently working to offer in-person opportunities by partnering with community centers, local libraries, and other non-profit organizations.
Central New York, Rochester: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
New York City:Common Denominator offers one-on-one math tutoring for below-level New York City kids in grades 5-8. Additionally, the Community of Volunteer Educators (COVE) supports students with free tutoring in preK-12 subjects, including science, math, social studies, foreign languages, and more. Families in the New York City area can also access Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse through their library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
North Dakota:
Statewide:Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. North Dakota residents can access this resource with their local library information.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Ohio:
Cleveland Public Library: This library offers free, in-person one-on-one and group tutoring in partnership with Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University.
Columbus: The Central Community House provides tutoring after school for children ages 5-11.The Ohio Hispanic Coalition provides an afterschool program with homework help for Latino/Hispanic students. Additionally, the Columbus Metropolitan Library offers “Virtual Reading Buddies” to help students in grades K-3 practice reading. Families in the area can also access Brainfuse through the library. Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Norwood, Southeastern Ohio: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Oklahoma:
Eastern Oklahoma Library System: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Pioneer Library System: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Southern Oklahoma Library System: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Tulsa City-County Library: Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Oregon:
Multnomah County Library: This library offers a variety of free tutoring services, such as tutoring by volunteers and college students for K-12 students.
Washington County Cooperative Library Services:Homework HelpNow by Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Pennsylvania:
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, Pittsburgh, Reading, Western Pennsylvania: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
West Philadelphia: The West Philadelphia Tutoring Project is a program at the University of Pennsylvania that provides a high-demand weekly tutoring program for Philadelphia students.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Rhode Island:
Cranston:Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
South Carolina:
Statewide: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12. South Carolina residents can access the resource with their library information.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
South Dakota:
Statewide: Learning Express Library is a free online homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Tennessee:
Statewide: Tennessee’s Homework Hotline offers over-the-phone tutoring for students in grades K-12 in a great variety of subjects. Tutors are available to offer help in seven different languages.
Knox County Tennessee Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Spring Hill Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Texas:
Statewide: Texas A&M’s Aggie Homework Helpline provides free online tutoring to students in grades pre-K-12. Tutoring can take place via phone or Zoom, and tutors can help with homework, test review, reading practice, and more.
Austin Public Library:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Brazoria County Library System: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
DeSoto Public Libraries: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Fort Bend County Libraries:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring. Learning Express Library is another free online homework help option with test practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
Houston Public Library:Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Utah:
Statewide: Learning Express Library is a free homework help option with test preparation practice in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. It is available through Utah’s Online Public Library.
Salt Lake County Library Services: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Vermont:
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Virginia:
Statewide: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring and is available through the Library of Virginia.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library: Brainfuse HelpNow provides free online tutoring in English and Spanish for students of all ages.
Northern Virginia Area: GIVE Youth is a student-run non-profit that provides free tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Richmond Public Library: The library’s Homework Help offers tutoring sessions for students in grades K-5.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Washington:
The Seattle Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
425 Tutoring: Founded by Washington students, 425 Tutoring aims to support K-6 students with free virtual tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
West Virginia:
Kanawha County Public Library: Tutor.com provides free online tutoring for students in grades K-12.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Wisconsin:
Madison, Milwaukee, Upper Wisconsin: Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide free, high-quality reading and multi-sensory tutoring for children diagnosed with dyslexia.
Milwaukee Public Library: Brainfuse offers e-learning resources and free online tutoring.
Where to look for more: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Wyoming:
Where to look: Your school, your district, your library, the nearest Boys and Girls Club or YMCA, or family, friends, or neighbors.
Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and have some fun! We are excited to announce that the NSCW dance is back this year!
Special thanks toIndian River Charter High School from Vero Beach, Florida, for hosting this year’s dance and sharing their groovy steps with to celebrate National School Choice Week 2024.
Sharing your own dance video is a great way to get people talking about school choice. We encourage you to tag us using @SchoolChoiceWeek or use #schoolchoiceweek wherever you post it online! Have fun, and thank you for celebrating with us!
This year’s song is ‘Ready Now’ performed by Golden Blue. The song is fully licensed, and you may download it for your use. Find the song’s lyrics here.
Want your school to be considered for creating next year’s dance and tutorial video? We’d love to hear from you! Tag your dance video with #schoolchoiceweek or send us a direct message on any social media platform.
As a parent, you want the best education and the best future possible for your child. If he or she is being evaluated for an IEP or you’re thinking they may need some extra help in their educational journey, it can be intimidating to enter the acronym-heavy world of special education. Our mission is to empower and support you, the parent, to make the best decisions for your child’s education, no matter what type of school you choose.
So what does the term “special education” actually mean? Special education is specially designed instruction provided at no cost to a family to meet the specific needs of a child with a disability. Whether you’re navigating the special education process with your own family or just want to better understand how special education works, we’ve created a parents guide to special education to help you along the way.
What to ask when choosing a school for a special needs child
Get a quick rundown
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What is Special Education?
Special Education Law
Special education, as we think of it today, has not always been accessible to students with disabilities. In fact, it wasn’t until 1975 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act that a federal law protected the rights of students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education and ensured access to a program that met their needs.
Child Find is a part of IDEA that legally requires schools to find children who have disabilities and need special education services (hereafter referred to as ‘services’). Child Find applies to children from birth through age 21 – including those students who are being homeschooled or are in private schools (more on that in How to Continue Your IEP, Even If You Start Homeschooling).
While the specifics vary by state and district, all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must have a process in place to identify students with disabilities regardless of their school choice. Once a student is thought to have a disability, it is the responsibility of the LEA to conduct an evaluation and make an eligibility determination. Each school district must also have a process for identifying and evaluating children who may need special education services.
Besides identifying children who may need special education and related services, Child Find also informs parents and guardians of the services available to them.
IEP vs. 504 Plan
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans offer formal assistance for K-12 students who need extra support in school. A 504 Plan is a plan for how a school will ensure a child with a disability or impairment has the same access to the learning environment as their non-impaired peers. An IEP is a plan for a child’s special ed experience to ensure they make meaningful educational progress.
Related Services provide extra help and support so kids can get the most benefit from their education. Often, related services are a part of the special education process. IDEA lists the following as possible related services, but this list is not exhaustive.
If an IEP Team sees that a child has needs in a related service area, this can be evaluated as part of the formal evaluation process. In some cases, a student’s evaluation might indicate a need only in a related service area. For example, maybe a child only needs support in the area of fine motor skills. In this situation, an IEP might be written to provide a related service only. However, federal law says it is each state’s decision whether to allow related services to stand alone on an IEP. Related services can also be provided under a 504 plan if the challenges don’t have an impact on academic learning.
Online Services
For over 20 years, online education for students with disabilities has been occurring. Currently, over 38 states have online instruction! These online schools provide special education and related services by using small group or individualized online instruction, delivery of specialized content virtually, and other related services as indicated by the students’ needs.
Here are some articles and resources that have been shared about effective online learning and special education services:
Schools can utilize online learning tools, innovative staffing models, and community partnerships to address the needs of students with disabilities and other children facing unique learning obstacles or emotional challenges.
The Special Education Process
While each state has its own process for special education, IDEA outlines some basic steps that’ll be the same wherever you live:
1. Identify Needs
There are two ways that a student may be identified as possibly needing special ed and related services: through Project Child Find or by a referral or request for evaluation. Once a student has been identified as potentially needing services, an IEP Meeting will be scheduled where the IEP Team will review all available data and determine if they are going to conduct a formal assessment. If the decision is made to move forward with formal evaluations, parental consent is required before beginning.
2. Formal Evaluation
A formal evaluation is conducted to decide if a student has a disability that requires special education and related services. The evaluation also determines the specific areas of need and the best services for addressing that need. The evaluation that takes place must be individualized to the student and their suspected area of disability. Your State’s IDEA regulations will set the timeline for completion of the evaluation. If they do not, the federal IDEA regulations of 60 days after the parent gives consent applies.
If parents disagree with the results of the evaluation, they have the right to take their child for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). If you want to learn more about IEEs, Private Evaluations: What You Need to Know by Understood is a good resource.
3. Determine Eligibility
Once the requested evaluations have been completed, the IEP Team will schedule another meeting to review results and determine eligibility for special education and related services. The IEP Team, including the student’s parent or guardian, will sit down to review evaluation results and decide if the student is a “child with a disability” as defined by IDEA. If a child is found eligible, IDEA requires that the Team must meet to write an individualized education program (IEP) for them within 30 days.
4. Write an Initial IEP
After a child has been deemed eligible for special education and related services, the school will work with the parents to schedule an IEP meeting. The meeting invitation must state the purpose of the meeting; date, time, and location; who will be attending the meeting; and let parents know that they may also invite people to the meeting.
At the initial IEP meeting, the IEP Team discusses the child’s needs and writes the IEP. An IEP is a legal, written document that has two general purposes. First, it sets reasonable learning goals for a student. Second, it states the services that the district will provide. The IEP’s learning goals address a student’s participation in the general education curriculum, extracurricular activities, and any nonacademic activities.
While the format and content of an IEP varies by state and is customized for each child, IDEA outlines specific components that must be included:
– Current Performance: A statement of the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (including how their disability affects involvement and progress in the general education curriculum)
– Annual Goals: Measurable, annual goals (academic and functional)
– Measuring Progress: Description of how progress towards annual goals will be measured and when progress reports will be provided
– Special Education & Related Services: Statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids that will be provided and a description of the program modifications or supports that will be provided (including who will be providing these supports)
– Participation with Nondisabled Children: Explanation of the extent (if any) that the child will receive services in a setting other than their regular class with nondisabled peers
– Participation in State and District-Wide Assessments: Statement of individual accommodations that are needed for the child to demonstrate their knowledge on state and districtwide assessments
– Dates and Places: The projected date for the beginning of services and modifications, as well as their anticipated frequency, location, and duration
– Transition Services Needs: If the student will turn 16 during the life of the IEP, IDEA requires:
– Measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments (related to training, education, employment, and/or independent living skills)
– Age of Majority: Beginning no later than one year before the child reaches the age of majority under State law, the IEP must include a statement that they have been informed of their rights once they reach the age of majority
Prior to a school system providing any special education and related services, parental consent must be acquired. Services will begin as soon as possible once consent has been given. If parents do not agree with the IEP that has been developed, they have the right to discuss their concerns with the IEP Team. If an agreement cannot be reached, parents or the school can work through mediation or ask for assistance from their state agency. Find more information on this process in your state’s Parental Safeguards document.
5. Provide Services
Once consent has been received, the school makes sure that the IEP is carried out exactly as written. Each of the child’s teachers and service providers has access to the IEP and is made aware of their responsibilities as outlined by the IEP.
6. Monitor Progress
The child’s teachers and service providers keep track of the progress the child makes toward educational goals. Regular progress reports are provided during the year and the results are discussed at the annual IEP review.
7. Annual Review of IEP
At least once a year the child’s IEP is reviewed by the IEP Team. However, the IEP can be reviewed more frequently if the parents or the school request it. At the annual review, the child’s progress is discussed as the child continues to grow, and the IEP Team makes appropriate updates to the IEP.
8. Reevaluation
At least every three years, the child must be reevaluated for continued eligibility for special education and related services and to determine the child’s educational needs. This evaluation is sometimes referred to as the “triennial.”
Special Education and Your School Choice
Traditional Public Schools
All traditional public schools are required to identify and provide services to students with disabilities according to IDEA law.
Public Magnet Schools
Public magnet schools are free public schools that focus on particular themes. As they are publicly funded, they are required by law to identify and provide services to students with disabilities.
Public Charter Schools
Charter schools are public schools that are created by school districts, colleges, nonprofit organizations, or other entities. These schools are allowed to determine many of their own policies and practices, but since charter schools are public schools, they are required by law to identify and provide services to students with disabilities.
Online public schools are usually run by state governments, school districts, or charter schools. All online public schools are required to identify and provide services to students with disabilities according to IDEA law.
To learn more about what special education looks like at an online public school, check out our Q&A with Sarah Betz, an online special education teacher at Ohio Distance and Electronic Learning Academy.
Special education varies widely from private school to private school. Some independent schools are designed to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities. Other private schools may offer accommodations, but not specially designed instruction. While private schools may choose to offer special education, they are not required to by law.
Students with disabilities may also receive a service plan through the local education agency (LEA). IDEA law requires that all LEAs set aside funding for students with disabilities whose parents choose to send them to private school. As this money is limited, these students receive “equitable services”. Equitable services are services similar to what the student would receive in an IEP, however, often fewer services are available than what a child would receive at a public school. These services may be provided on the private school premises or transportation may be provided to the service site.
States vary in terms of how much IDEA funding is set aside to provide services to students with disabilities in the private school and homeschool setting. In several states, this funding is used for private school students only. However, some states consider homeschooled students to be in “private schools”, making equitable services available to homeschoolers! A handful of states have specifically expanded the eligibility of equitable services to include homeschoolers.
In at least 31 states and the District of Columbia, homeschooled students may automatically qualify for special education services. To see what is available in your state, check out our round-up here.
DoDEA Schools
Did you know – the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) operates 160 schools in 8 districts across 11 countries, 7 states, and 2 territories serving our military families? DoDEA schools follow IDEA law to identify and provide students with disabilities with a free, appropriate education. All military families should know about the Exceptional Family Member Program which connects families to the resources and programs they’ll need as they relocate around the country and the world. They may also be eligible for the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) which provides financial assistance to beneficiaries with special needs for an integrated set of services and supplies.
All schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education are required by IDEA law to identify and provide services to students with special needs. These schools must utilize the special ed eligibility criteria and the state standards and assessment system in which they are located, in addition to the processes laid out by the Bureau of Indian Education.
Native American Disability Law Center – The Native American Disability Law Center’s mission is to advocate to ensure the rights of Native Americans with disabilities are enforced, strengthened, and brought into harmony with their communities.
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Alabama all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Alabama are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Alabama have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students are not eligible for special education services provided by their school district for free.
These are some Alabama-specific resources to help you further understand school choice for students with disabilities:
The Plan Language of Special Education – Auburn University, Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling (SERC) & the Alabama State Department of Education
Autism Society of Alabama – The Autism Society of Alabama works to improve services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy.
Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL) – FV of AL aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities by providing tools to make informed decisions, advocacy, partnerships, and resources on health care.
The Arc of Alabama – The Arc of Alabama is a nonprofit, volunteer-based membership organization who advocates for the rights and protections of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing information and referral services, educational opportunities, and public policy initiatives.
Special Needs Resource Project – Alabama – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Alabama.
Alaska
In Alaska, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Alaska are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Alaska considers homeschooled students taught via correspondence courses in the state to be privately schooled for the purposes of determining access to special education services. Read more about the rules at State of Alaska Correspondence Program Regulations. To learn more about homeschooling your student with disabilities, check out our round-up of resources!
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Alaska:
Stone Soup Group – a statewide nonprofit that provides information, support, training, and resources for families caring for children with special needs.
The Arc of Anchorage – The Arc of Anchorage has a full array of disability services from birth throughout life.
Special Needs Resource Project – Alaska – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Alaska.
Arizona
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Arizona all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Arizona are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Arizona have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may qualify for equitable services. Parents of homeschooled children can also apply for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) and other state-run scholarships. For more information about homeschooling your students with disabilities, check out our guide!
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Arizona:
The Arc of Arizona – The Arc of Arizona advocates for the rights and full community participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by improving systems of supports and services, connecting families, inspiring communication, and influencing public policy.
Parent Support Arizona – Parent Support Arizona offers education and civil rights advocacy; connects families with local resources and supports families as they navigate the public education system, state developmental disability system, and behavioral health system.
Special Needs Resource Project – Arizona – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Arizona.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Arkansas are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state of Arkansas considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purpose of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may qualify for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide!
These are some Arkansas-specific resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Your Rights Under the IDEA Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in Englishand Spanish
Arkansas Disability Coalition – a statewide nonprofit that empowers individuals and families to pursue opportunities for improvement in health, education, quality of life, and inclusion.
The Center for Exceptional Families – works to improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities, including students transitioning to adult life beyond high school.
Special Needs Resource Project – Arkansas – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Arkansas.
California
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in California all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in California are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in California have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities in California, check out our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in California:
Parent Training and Information Center – parent-directed nonprofit organization that provides parents with training and information they need to enable them to participate effectively in helping their children with disabilities.
California Community Parent Resource Centers – helps ensure that underserved parents have the training and information they need to enable the parents effectively in helping their children with disabilities.
Special Needs In My City – a one-stop online resource offering information, parent advocacy, emotional support, and social connections for families.
The Arc of California – The Arc promotes and protects human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – California – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in California.
Colorado
In Colorado, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Colorado are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Colorado considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with special needs, check out our guide!
Here are some Colorado-specific resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Parent and Child Rights in Special Education: Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in English, Spanish, and more.
PEAK Parent Center – offers an array of free and low-cost services to families of children with disabilities and self-advocates.
Thrive Center – The THRIVE Center exists to provide parents with information and training about disabilities; parent and children’s rights under IDEA and other laws; and resources in the Denver Metro area.
Disability Law Colorado – offers legal representation, information and referrals to people with disabilities, older people, and their families.
SWAAAC (Statewide Assistive Technology, Augmentative, and Alternative Communication) – provides multidisciplinary Assistive Technology services to provide students with disabilities equal access to the curriculum and full participation in their education and classroom.
Colorado Talking Book Library – CTBL provides audio, Braille, and large print books for people who can’t read standard print.
Parent to Parent of Colorado – an organization that connects families with their network of families across Colorado and to the resources that they need.
The Arc of Colorado– The Arc of Colorado promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – Colorado – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Colorado.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Connecticut are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not eligible for special education services provided by their school district for free.
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for student with disabilities in Connecticut:
The Arc of Connecticut – The Arc of Connecticut is an advocacy organization committed to protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and promoting opportunities for their full inclusion in their communities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Connecticut – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Connecticut.
Delaware
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools in Delaware all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Delaware are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Delaware have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. As of 2021, homeschooled students may be eligible for some special education services provided by their school district. For more information regarding homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide!
These Delaware-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
The Arc of Delaware – The Arc of Delaware is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and serving Delawareans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – Delaware – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Delaware.
Florida
In Florida, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Florida are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Florida considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. Parents of students with disabilities can also apply for the Family Empowerment Scholarship. For more information regarding homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide!
Here are some Florida-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for student with disabilities:
Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Student with Disabilities – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc of Florida – The Arc of Florida is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Florida – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Florida.
Georgia
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools in Georgia all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Georgia are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Georgia have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. In Georgia, homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide.
These Georgia-specific resources will help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Parent to Parent of Georgia – offers a variety of services to Georgia families such as support, information, education, and leadership development.
The Arc of Georgia – The Arc Georgia works alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to promote and protect the human rights for all and actively support full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lives.
Special Needs Resource Project – Georgia – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Georgia.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, traditional public schools and charter schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Hawaii are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state of Hawaii considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide!
Here are some Hawaii-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Parent Information Network: Hawaii – this parent to parent organization in Hawaii that provides information, support and referral to parents of children and young adults with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.
Hawaii Autism Foundation – helps families identify needs and find solutions that will assure individuals have the tools and transitional support they need.
The Arc of Hawaii – The Arc in Hawai’i provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Oahu.
Special Needs Resource Project – Hawaii – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Hawaii.
Idaho
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Idaho all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Idaho are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Idaho have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students can dual enroll in their public school; however, under state regulations, homeschooled students may not dually enroll solely for the purpose of receiving special education services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Idaho:
The Arc Idaho – Idaho The Arc is committed to serving individuals with developmental disabilities by working to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the supports they need to achieve independence in all facets of their lives.
Special Needs Resource Project – Idaho – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Idaho.
Illinois
In Illinois, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Illinois are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state of Illinois considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information regarding homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Illinois-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
The Arc of Illinois – The Arc of Illinois advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and community organizations to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn, and play in communities across the state.
Special Needs Resource Project – Illinois – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Illinois.
Indiana
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Idaho all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Idaho are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Indiana have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students in Indiana are considered privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Indiana:
Indiana Department of Education Notice of Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Navigating the Course: Finding Your Way through Indiana’s Special Education Rules – a practical resource to help parents available in English and Spanish.
Indiana IEP Resource Center – the IEPRC provides resources, professional learning opportunities, and technical assistance to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Indiana Family to Family – Indiana’s Parent to Parent organization that works to give support, answer questions, and provide information and resources to families of children with special needs.
The Arc of Indiana – The Arc of Indiana is committed to all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities realizing their goals of living, learning, working, and fully participating in the community.
Special Needs Resource Project – Indiana – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Indiana.
Iowa
In Iowa, traditional public schools, charter schools, online public schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Illinois are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Iowa homeschooled students taught through a program of “competent private instruction” may dual enroll in their local public school for the purposes of receiving special education services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, check out our guide.
Here are some Iowa specific resources to help you understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Procedural Safeguards Manual for Parents (Parental Rights in Special Education) – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Unilateral Placement by Parents – Iowa Department of Education guidance for parents who choose to place their students with disabilities in a private school.
ASK Resource Center – The state of Iowa’s Parent Training and Information Center for families of children with disabilities that provides advocacy, training, resources, and supports.
The Arc of Iowa – The Arc represents, supports, and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of ability or membership in The Arc.
Special Needs Resource Project – Iowa – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Iowa.
Kansas
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Kansas all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Kansas are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Idaho have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students are considered as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. To find out more about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Kansas-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Parent Guide to Special Education: A Companion to the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook – available in English and Spanish.
Families Together, Inc. – The Kansas Parent Training and Information & Family-to-Family Health Information Center providing support and information for families of children with disabilities.
Kansas Parent Information Resource Center – promotes meaningful family engagement by developing resources, developing parent advocacy, offering professional learning to educators, and providing technical assistance to educators.
Special Needs Resource Project – Kansas – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Kansas.
Kentucky
Traditional public schools and magnet schools in Kentucky all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Kentucky are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Kentucky have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state of Kentucky considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Kentucky:
KY-SPIN– KY-SPIN is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to link families and individuals with disabilities to valuable resources.
The Arc of Kentucky – The Arc of Kentucky holds a vision of a positive future for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; a future for communities with services and supports that will promote lives of value.
Special Needs Resource Project – Kentucky – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Kentucky.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, traditional public schools, charter schools, online public schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Louisiana are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for services from their school district for free.
These Louisiana-based resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Louisiana’s Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities: Special Education Processes + Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans – Families Helping Families is a resource center staffed by trained, knowledgeable parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs.
The Arc of Louisiana – The Arc of Louisiana advocates with and for all people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families so that they shall live to their fullest potential.
Special Needs Resource Project – Louisiana – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Louisiana.
Maine
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Maine all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Maine are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Maine have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services, provided that the student is enrolled in a program “recognized by the Department as providing equivalent instruction” to private schools. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Maine:
Notice of Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Special Needs Resource Project – Maine – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Maine.
Maryland
In Maryland, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Maryland are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students in Maryland do not automatically qualify for special education services provided under IDEA, although local districts can choose to make services available. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Maryland-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:
Nonpublic Special Education – Information regarding tuition assistance for students placed in nonpublic education settings by the IEP Team as part of the IEP process.
The Arc of Maryland – The Arc of Maryland is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the rights and quality of life of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – Maryland – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Maryland.
Massachusetts
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Massachusetts all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Massachusetts are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Massachusetts have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Massachusetts:
The Arc of Massachusetts – The Arc of Massachusetts provides education and systems of advocacy to families, the public, and more.
Federation for Children with Special Needs – The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.
Family Ties of Massachusetts – Family TIES is a project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs that provides information and referral services, emotional support, and training to parents of children and youth with special needs.
Parent/Professional Advocacy League – The Parent/Professional Advocacy League is a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth and their families.
DisabiliyInfo.org is a website run through INDEX, a program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, a Center for Excellence at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. INDEX collects and keeps up-to-date information on programs, providers, and services in Massachusetts that have something to offer people with disabilities.
In Michigan, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Michigan are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and may be eligible for equitable services, provided the parents have registered their homeschool with the Michigan Department of Education. For more information on homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Michigan-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Education Process Fact Sheet explaining the special education process including the steps from evaluation to eligibility, program, specialized instruction, and placement – available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Family Matters – Family Matters is an outreach effort from the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education to provide parents with information about special education and other resources.
Michigan Alliance for Families – Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children’s education.
The Arc of Michigan – The vision of the Arc of Michigan is that all people realize and fulfill their dreams of having employment, education, meaningful relationships, and living independently within their community.
Special Needs Resource Project – Michigan – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Michigan.
Minnesota
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Minnesota all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Minnesota are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Minnesota have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible to receive equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Minnesota-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Minnesota Department of Education: Part B Notice of Procedural Safeguards Parental Rights for Public School Special Education Students – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc of Minnesota – The Arc of Minnesota promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing information, assistance, and education.
Special Needs Resource Project – Minnesota – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Minnesota.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Mississippi are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Parents of students who wish to attend private schools can also apply for the Educational Savings Account program, which provides parents with funding to pay for special education services. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information regarding homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Mississippi:
The Arc of Mississippi – The Arc of Mississippi works to include all children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in every community.
Special Needs Resource Project – Mississippi – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Mississippi.
Missouri
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Missouri all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Missouri are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Missouri have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible to receive equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Missouri-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
The Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Missouri – available in English and Spanish.
Procedural Safeguards Notice: Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – available in English, Spanish, and ASL (Part 1 & Part 2).
Project ACCESS – Project ACCESS is a collaboration between Missouri State and The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that offers training, resources, and support services to school district personnel who serve students.
The Arc of Missouri – The Arc of Missouri works to support and empower persons with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy and education, expanding individual choices and promoting community inclusion.
Special Needs Resource Project – Missouri – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Missouri.
Montana
In Montana, traditional public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities. Private schools in Montana are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Montana-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
IDEA Special Education Part B: Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in English and Spanish.
Montana Empowerment Center – Montana Empowerment Center provides online resources and individualized assistance to help Montana parents and educators support and enrich the lives of children with disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Montana – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Montana.
Nebraska
Traditional public schools and magnet schools in Nebraska all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Nebraska are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Nebraska have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for student with disabilities in Nebraska:
Disability Rights Nebraska – Disability Rights Nebraska protects, supports, and promotes the rights of people with disabilities in Nebraska.
The Arc of Nebraska – The Arc of Nebraska provides advocacy to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – Nebraska – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Nebraska.
Nevada
In Nevada, traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities. Private schools in Nevada are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Nevada considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Nevada-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Education Rights of Parents and Children – available in English and Spanish.
Special Needs Resource Project – Nevada – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Nevada.
NEAT Services – NEAT Services is an educational advocacy, tutoring, and homeschool help provider in Southern Nevada for children and young adults with disabilities and learning difficulties.
New Hampshire
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in New Hampshire all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in New Hampshire are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in New Hampshire have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students in New Hampshire are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for special education services provided by the school district. Parents may qualify for income-based scholarships that can fund special education services, tutoring, or homeschool expenses.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in New Hampshire:
New Hampshire Special Education Procedural Safeguards Handbook – available as both written and audio files in English, Spanish, and more.
Parent Information Center – The Parent Information Center (PIC) provides services designed to help parents understand their child’s special needs and the laws that govern the special education process.
A Family Guide to Special Education in New Hampshire by the Parent Information Center – available in English and Spanish.
NH Connections – NH Connections provides child care, early learning and afterschool resources & referrals for families, providers and communities.
University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability/UCED – The IOD promotes full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons by strengthening communities and advancing policy and systems change, promising practices, education, and research.
In New Jersey, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities. Private schools in New Jersey are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. In New Jersey, homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible to receive equitable services from their school district for free.
These New Jersey-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
New Jersey Department of Education Parental Rights in Special Education – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Learning Resource Center (LRC) Network – The LRC Network provides materials and resources to support the education of students with disabilities. The Centers provide regional and targeted professional development and technical assistance to both educators and families of student with disabilities.
The Arc of New Jersey – The Arc of New Jersey is the state’s largest organization advocating for and serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – New Jersey– This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in New Jersey.
New Mexico
Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in New Mexico all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in New Mexico are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in New Mexico have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. In New Mexico, homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in New Mexico:
EPICS – is a Community Parent Resource Center serving families who have Native American children with disabilities or developmental delays in NM, including those with special healthcare needs, and the professionals that work with them.
Parents Reaching Out – Parents Reaching Out is a nonprofit organization that works with parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals.
The Arc of New Mexico – The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – New Mexico – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in New Mexico.
New York
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools in New York all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in New York are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in New York have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state of New York considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible to receive equitable services for free. For more information about homeschooling your student with disabilities, check out our round-up here!
These are some state-specific resources to help you further understand special education and school choice in New York:
Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3-21: A Parent’s Guide – in English and Spanish
New York State Education Department Procedural Safeguards Notice: Rights for Parents of Children with Disabilities, Ages 3-21 – available in English, Spanish, and more!
The Arc New York – A family-based organization for people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – New York – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in New York.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in North Carolina are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschool students may be eligible for special education services provided by their district for free. For more information about homeschooling your student with disabilities in North Carolina, visit our round-up here!
Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for your student with a disability in North Carolina:
The Arc of North Carolina – The Arc of North Carolina is committed to securing for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work, and play.
Traditional public schools in North Dakota all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in North Dakota are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in North Dakota have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students are not considered as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education and are not eligible for free services from their district.
These North Dakota-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Needs Resource Project – North Dakota – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in North Dakota.
Ohio
In Ohio, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Ohio are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Ohio homeschool and private school students with disabilities are eligible for the Jon Peterson Scholarship program, which provides parents with scholarships of up to $27,000 annually in lieu of providing them with a free and appropriate public education. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Ohio-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
The Arc of Ohio – The Arc of Ohio advocates for human rights, personal dignity, and community participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Ohio – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Ohio.
Oklahoma
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Oklahoma all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Oklahoma are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Oklahoma have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Parents or guardians can apply for the Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarship to attend a participating private school. In Oklahoma, homeschooled students with disabilities are not eligible for special education services to be provided by their school district for free.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Oklahoma:
Parents Rights in Special Education: Notice of Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc of Oklahoma – The Arc of Oklahoma educates, empowers, advocates, and supports individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, through a network of programs and services designed to ensure a high quality of life for all Oklahomans.
Special Needs Resource Project – Oklahoma – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Oklahoma.
Oregon
In Oregon, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Oregon are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state considers homeschool students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services provided by the district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Oregon-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Procedural Safeguards Notice: Parent Rights for Special Education K-21 – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc of Oregon – The Arc of Oregon promotes and defends the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – Oregon – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Oregon.
Pennsylvania
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Pennsylvania all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Pennsylvania are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Pennsylvania have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Pennsylvania homeschool students may be considered eligible for special education services provided by their local district. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Pennsylvania-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Parents’ Rights: Understanding the Procedural Safeguards Notice by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network – available in English and Spanish.
Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education for School-Age Children by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network – available in English and Spanish.
PEAL Center – The PEAL Center is an organization of parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs who educates and empowers families to ensure that children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs lead rich, active lives.
The Arc of Pennsylvania – The Arc of Pennsylvania promotes the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Special Needs Resource Project – Pennsylvania – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Rhode Island are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Rhode Island:
Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) – RIPIN’s mission is to help individuals, parents, families, and children achieve their goals by providing information, training, education, support, and advocacy.
The Arc Rhode Island – The Arc Rhode Island leads state-level public policy activities as well as provides training, public awareness and education, and grassroots advocacy building to protect the rights of Rhode Islanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Rhode Island – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Rhode Island.
South Carolina
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in South Carolina all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in South Carolina are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in South Carolina have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Parents can apply to the Exceptional Needs Children Fund to receive a scholarship towards private school if your child has a disability and you believe that the assigned public school does not meet their needs. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These South Carolina-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Federation of Families of South Carolina – The Federation of Families of South Carolina works to provide leadership in the area of children’s mental health through education, awareness, support, and advocacy for families.
Family Connection South Carolina – Family Connection of South Carolina works to change lives by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for those with disabilities and special healthcare needs.
The Arc of South Carolina – The Arc of South Carolina promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetime.
In South Dakota, traditional public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in South Dakota are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.
Here are some South Dakota-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
South Dakota Parent Connection – The South Dakota Parent Connection provides individual assistance to families and professionals, workshops for families and professionals, electronic and printed publications and online resources, and connects families to other organizations that can provide assistance.
Special Needs Resource Project – South Dakota – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Tennessee all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Tennessee are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Tennessee have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide. Parents of special needs students can also apply for the Individualized Education Account program, which gives parents funds to pay for special education services. If you’re interested in the Individualized Education Account program, you can obtain more information and an application at the Tennessee Department of Education.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Tennessee:
Tennessee Department of Education Notice of Procedural Safeguards: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – available in English, Spanish, and more.
The Arc Tennessee – The Arc Tennessee empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to actively participate in the community throughout their lifetime.
Special Needs Resource Project – Tennessee – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Tennessee.
Texas
In Texas, traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Texas are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Texas-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Special Education in Texas A-Z Index – This index by the Texas Education Agency has listed many education-related topics alphabetically linking to where they are used on the TEA’s website.
Notice of Procedural Safeguards – available in English, Spanish, and more.
SPEDTex – SPEDTex provides information and resources to help parents understand their child’s disability, their rights and responsibilities under IDEA,and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services.
Partners Resource Network – The Partners Resource Network is a nonprofit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers that help parents understand their child’s disability; understand their rights & responsibilities; obtain and evaluate resources and services; and participate in planning services.
The Arc of Texas – The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Needs Resource Project – Texas – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Texas.
Utah
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Utah all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Utah are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Utah have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Parents of students with disabilities who would like to enroll their students in a private school can apply for the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship Program (CSS) to help with tuition. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education and are not eligible for services by the school district for free unless they are dually enrolled in a public school. However, starting in 2024, the Utah Fits All Scholarship will provide flexible funding for families choosing to enroll in a nonpublic school option, like homeschooling. Families can use this funding for customized learning needs, including occupational, behavioral, physical, audiology, or speech-language therapies.
These Utah-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Utah State Board of Education Special Education Rights of Parents and Children Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Utah Parent Center – The Utah Parent Center (UPC) helps parents, children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities to live included, productive lives by providing information, peer support, training, and advocacy.
Autism Council of Utah – The Autism Council of Utah works to foster collaboration, communication, and learning among families and agencies by promoting access to resources and responsible information.
Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE) – TAESE works to improve results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities by providing access to expertise and technical assistance services; facilitating activities to help agencies meet state and federal requirements; and designing, organizing, and implementing a variety of professional development activities.
Utah Developmental Disabilities Council (UDDC) – The Utah Developmental Disabilities Council advocates for, and strengthen leadership skills in, individuals with disabilities and their families.
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind – The Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind support students across the state of Utah and serves as a leader across the country and around the world for the education of students who are deaf, blind, or deaf-blind.
Utah State Instructional Materials Access Center (USIMAC) – The USIMAC provides the proper materials in the format that will give students the greatest success in the classroom – including Braille, Large Print, and PDF/DAISY/EPUB
Special Needs Resource Project – Utah – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Utah.
Vermont
In Vermont, traditional public schools and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Vermont are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. In some cases, Vermont homeschool students may be eligible for special education services provided by their school district for free. While not strictly required by law, some districts elect to provide special education services to homeschoolers through a Services Plan. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Vermont:
Vermont Association of the Deaf (VTAD) – VTAD’s goal is to create a better world for the deaf individuals and their families through community outreach, advocacy, education, legislative efforts, and collaboration.
Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health – The Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health supports families and children where a child or youth (0-22) by providing families with peer support and information; empowering families, youth, and young adults to navigate service and support systems; and advocating for accessible, flexible, and quality family centered and driven services.
Vermont Interdisciplinary Team (I-Team) – The Vermont I-Team provides technical assistance for teams working with students (3-22), along with training to school district personnel, family members, community service providers, and general community members.
Vermont Family Network – The Vermont Family Network works to empower and support all Vermont children, youth, and families, especially those with disabilities or special health needs.
Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) – VATP helps individuals of all ages find accessible solutions to overcome barriers at home, work, and in the community as related to disability and aging related needs.
Special Needs Resource Project – Vermont – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Vermont.
Virginia
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Virginia all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Vermont are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Vermont have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services provided by their school district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some Virginia-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Virginia Department of Education Parent Ombudsman for Special Education website – An Ombudsman is a person who serves as a designated neutral party who advocates for a fair process and provides confidential, informal assistance and support to parents, guardians, advocates, educators, and students with disabilities in non-legal special education matters.
PEATC – PEATC provides tools and information to empower Virginia students with disabilities (birth-age 26) and their families.
Center for Family Involvement – The Center for Family Involvement works with families to increase their skills as advocates, mentors, and leaders so that families, children and young adults with disabilities can lead the lives they want.
Virginia Family Special Education Connection – The Virginia Family Special Education Connection website provides a one-stop-shop for parents, families, and caregivers of children with special needs.
I’m Determined – Critical Decision Points – This guide, created by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, assists in helping families make decisions at critical points in their education.
The Arc of Virginia – The Arc of Virginia is the statewide advocacy organization made up of people with developmental disabilities, their family members and their allies, who are fighting for A Life Like Yours, for Virginians.
Special Needs Resource Project – Virginia – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Virginia.
Washington
In Washington, traditional public schools and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Washington are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students in Washington can receive “ancillary services” from their home district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities in Washington, visit our guide.
These Washington-state-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Washington Sensory Disability Services – Washington Sensory Disability Services supports the developmental and learning needs of children aged birth to 21 who are deaf or hard of hearing; are blind or low vision; are deafblind.
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) – WATAP provides resources and services to persons who face challenges related to disability and aging to help in the selection and use of assistive technology.
WEA Special Education Support Center – The WEA Special Education Support Center provides training to all educators, parents, and service organizations.
The Arc of Washington State – The Arc of Washington State advocates for and beside children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
Special Needs Resource Project – Washington – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Washington.
West Virginia
Traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools in West Virginia all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in West Virginia are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in West Virginia have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschool students are not considered privately schooled students for determining access to special education services and are not eligible to receive equitable services from their school district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in West Virginia:
West Virginia Parent Training and Information (WVPTI) – WVPTI is a nonprofit parent organization that works to empower families as advocates and partners in improving education, health, and transition outcomes for their children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs.
The Arc of West Virginia – The Arc of West Virginia works to ensure a satisfying and productive life for the citizens we serve with intellectual, cognitive, and related developmental disabilities and their families.
In Wisconsin, traditional public schools and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Wisconsin are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Local districts do not have to provide special education services to homeschooled students; however, they may choose to do so. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Wisconsin-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
Part B: Procedural Safeguards Notice – available in English, Spanish, and more.
An Introduction to Special Education by the Wisconsin Department of Instruction – available in English, Spanish, and more.
Special Education in Plain Language: A User-Friendly Handbook on Special Education Laws, Policies, and Practices in Wisconsin – available in English and Spanish
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI) – WSPEI helps families and school districts by assisting families with navigating special education and partnering with schools through technical assistance, trainings, and programs.
Wisconsin Family Ties – Wisconsin Family Ties provides information and referrals, family support, education, and Parent Peer Specialists to assist families of children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders.
Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones – Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones is a nonprofit organization that provides educational workshops, parent support groups, family events, community building activities, and service referrals to families of children and youth with diverse abilities.
Arc of Wisconsin – The Arc of Wisconsin provides information and referral services, individual advocacy to address education, employment, health care and other concerns, self-advocacy initiatives, residential support, employment programs, leisure and recreational programs.
Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin (ASW) – The ASW builds relationships and partnerships with other community agencies with the goal of building autism friendly, inclusive communities.
Family Voices of Wisconsin – Family Voices of Wisconsin is a statewide network of families who have children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities by providing information, training, and leadership opportunities.
Well Badger Resource Center – The Well Badger Resource Center is a health information and referral program that assists in finding needed programs and services such as early intervention screening.
Special Needs Resource Project – Wisconsin – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Traditional public schools, charter schools, and online public schools in Wyoming all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Wyoming are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Wyoming have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. The state considers homeschooled students as privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services provided by their school district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
Here are some resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Wyoming:
Special Needs Resource Project – Wyoming – This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Wisconsin.
Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., traditional public schools and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Washington, D.C. are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. In D.C., homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services; therefore, they may be eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.
These Washington, D.C.-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:
10 Basic Steps in Special Education takes the special education process and breaks it down into the basic steps, linking to more information for each step. (PDF) (web)
The Contents of the IEP post shares what parents can expect to be part of their child’s Individualized Education Program.
The Office of the Student Advocate by the State Board of Education of Washington, D.C. created Knowing the Difference: 504 Plan or IEP to provide quick and accessible information on some of the major differences.
The PROGRESS Center put together a list of Resources for Families and Students that highlight the resources that can be used to support the development and implementation of high-quality educational programs for students with disabilities.
Special Education Guide is an online resource for parents and educators who want to master the terminology, procedures, and best practices in special education. Here are some of their resources:
The Center for Learner Equity provides family resources that cover a range of topics relevant to families, including informative research projects surrounding navigating special education and school choice.
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) focuses on encouraging the use of mediation, facilitation, and other collaborative processes as strategies for resolving disagreements between parents and schools about children’s educational programs and support services.
The TIES Center works to create sustainable changes so that students with significant cognitive disabilities can fully engage in the same instructional and non-instructional activities as their peers while being instructed in a way that meets individual learning needs.
Understood put together What is Child Find? – an article discussing how Child Find works, what happens when an evaluation is requested, and what happens when schools don’t follow Child Find.
The information in this guide to special education is designed to help families who are interested in learning more about the school choice options for students with disabilities in their state. Our mission is to provide families with the information they need about all the school options available – traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, and at home – so they can choose the right fit for their child. Read more guides about the other types of schools.
Educational Innovations: A 50-State Guide to Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning
Microschooling. Course choice. Parentpreneurs. Youth-directed education. Enrichment center. Freedom to play. Educational innovation. Unbundling education. Education a la carte.
Education is evolving, and if you’ve stumbled into an education conversation or joined a parent discussion group recently, chances are you’ve heard of learning arrangements or styles you didn’t even know existed. Today, many families are finding the flexibility, customization, and community they desire in learning arrangements at least partially outside their traditional public school or parochial school. Today, more than 1 million families participate in “microschooling,” localized learning groups they’ve discovered or designed. While families who microschool may legally be homeschoolers or private schoolers, they share an entrepreneurial mindset that sets them apart.
Beyond microschooling, many families are simply mixing and matching different education types; for example, enrolling part-time in public school classes, online classes, or apprenticeship programs while homeschooling. To help you understand microschooling and other unconventional learning choices in your state, we’ve created this guide.
What are microschools?
The basic concept of microschooling is pretty easy to understand: students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Usually, microschools address a local need and are formed when families in the same vicinity bring children similar in age together. Microschools are always “micro,” that is, somewhat small. They’ve been called “modern one-room schoolhouses.”
You may hear two different families use “microschool” to refer to two learning environments that look very different. Perhaps one is an at-home learning group of five students while the other is a private school serving nearly 100 children. Education researcher Kerry McDonald describes that the term “microschool” encompasses education models from “homeschooling collaboratives that may meet a few days a week in a local community space, to learning pods in a private home, to full-time, small, low-cost private schools that prioritize individualized learning and don’t plan to grow beyond a few dozen students.” Microschools can take place in homes, churches, libraries, public outdoor spaces, or commercial spaces.
While many think of microschooling as a pandemic phenomenon, there were small, creative learning environments like microschools long before that. QuantumCamp and Acton Academy were founded in 2009, and are two examples of early microschool learning programs. Outschool was founded in 2015 to offer small group, live online classes for K-12 students. That same year, Education Next wrote about how “from San Francisco to Austin, Texas, to New York, new forms of schooling termed micro-schools are popping up.”And it was back in 2018 that an Arizona dad started using the microschool learning model he’d call Prenda. Under the Prenda model, small groups of just 5-10 kids collaborate on project-based learning with the help of an adult mentor or guide. From one microschool in 2018, the Prenda model has spread to more than 300 microschools as of 2023.
Pre-pandemic microschool families were drawn to the microschool model because of their desire for freer, more creative learning environments than were otherwise available. Families who microschool today share that motivation. As Mara Linaberger, education consultant at MicroschooolBuilders.com, described, microschools are often focused on creating viable, sustainable education communities that leave a lasting legacy. Often microschools are inspired by a desire for students to be more self-directed, and educators to have more freedom in teaching methods. “I began to learn about all of the alternative forms of education,” Linaberger said. “And as I learned my excitement grew! As I learned about small schools using models such as Montessori, Waldorf, or Reggio Emelia, I started to dream about the possibility of new kinds of schools… one-room schools that were modern, innovative, and joy-filled spaces.”
What do microschools look like? Are they a completely new school type?
Here are the three most common formats you’ll see microschools take across the country today:
Learning centers for homeschoolers. A report by the National Microschooling Center indicates that about 44% of microschools take this format, catering to homeschool students. In states with strict private school regulations, this may be the most accessible format for families wanting to create a custom group-learning experience.
For example: Freestyle Learning Microschool in Chicago Heights, Illinois is a drop-off center where homeschool children can participate in academic workshops or receive support with their schoolwork.
In-person private schools. Many microschools operate as mini private schools. These microschools have done the work of meeting their state’s requirements for private education. Families enroll their students as private school students. Microschools in this format are particularly prevalent in states — like Arizona and Florida — that offer flexible scholarships called education savings accounts that families can use for private school. Families and microschool leaders in these states know that these programs can offer their microschool valuable resources while making it an accessible option for all families.
For example: Acton Academies are a network of “one-room-schoolhouses” across the country, typically launched by parent entrepreneurs looking for small classrooms and an inspiring learning environment for their child. Many, though not all, Acton Academies are formatted as small private schools.
Hybrid schools. Another popular microschooling format is a hybrid one. Hybrid formatting consists of lending a few days of learning each week in a brick-and-mortar school with a few days of at-home learning. Hybrid schools can have many names, including hybrid homeschools, collaborative schools, and collegiate model schools.
For example: Providence Hybrid Academy students in Pennsylvania spend six hours on campus on Thursdays and Fridays, and work from home Mondays through Wednesdays. While participating families at this school are legally homeschooling, they choose to commit to the curriculum and guidance of teachers at the school.
You can find examples of different programs that identify as microschools in your state in the State-by-State section of this post. While the above three types may be the most common forms you’ll see microschools take, there are others, like private membership associations. Some microschools simultaneously offer both private school and homeschool options, so families can choose whichever they prefer.
Plus, many traditional public school districts created small learning cohorts during the pandemic that allowed students to learn and socialize in-person. Some of these still exist today! In fact, a number of online public schools have created learning pod-like groups as an option for families.
In short, microschooling can fall under practically any school type —- traditional public, public charter, public magnet, online, homeschool, or private — and is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases!
“Micro-schools tend to… provide a much more personalized and self-directed learning experience for their students. If you did some research on small schools you’d likely find as many varieties of micro-schools as you do something like coffee houses, yoga studios, or nonchain restaurants.”
To get a sense of day-to-day life in a microschool, we recommend you check out the podcast LiberatED, hosted by Kerry McDonald. You’ll find stories of microschool founders and families from across the country.
What do microschools cost?
What about costs? As you can already see, microschools don’t fit into a mold. Some can be completely free to create and design, while others might cost hundreds of dollars each month. Many homeschool hybrids, microschools, and other unconventional learning programs do charge a tuition fee from participants. While this varies widely, it may be in the range of $175-$650 a month.
Both local communities and national organizations, like VELA Education Fund, are working to support families who wish to found or participate in microschools. In fact, some surveys indicate that educational entrepreneurship is happening across income levels, but especially among low and middle-income teachers and parents. Many of these teachers and parents are sacrificing their own money to start school initiatives customized to their children.
“A micro-school is not the right environment for every student, but there are students of all income levels who could potentially thrive in a micro-school’s highly relational, personalized setting.”
Melissa Steel King
As you’ll read about in the next section, there are some state-run scholarship programs that can help to offset the learning fees for homeschoolers who participate in a microschool, or the tuition fees at microschools that are arranged as private schools.
Beyond microschooling: Mixing and matching education through course choice, part-time enrollment, and more
As you can already see, microschooling often takes the raw ingredients of homeschooling or private schooling and rearranges those into something with a new, distinct character.
But educational entrepreneurship isn’t limited to microschools! Keep in mind that there are also many innovative private schools that, while they don’t identify as microschools, share some of the same tenets, such as an emphasis on self-directed learning. Just one striking example is the Sudbury Valley School, which has generated several similarly-styled schools across the U.S. At Sudbury, children freely pursue their own interests on a 10-acre campus with no traditional classrooms.
Parentpreneurs and course unbundling
There are also many families today who don’t consider themselves microschoolers yet who are undoubtedly innovators in education: They mix and match education formats — taking some classes through a local public school or an online school while also having the flexibility for family adventures and at-home learning. Here are three fictionalized examples based on the real stories we hear from families:
10-year old Shamika in Arizona is homeschooled but participates regularly in her local Barefoot University group, a forest school opportunity for homeschoolers. During the summer, she enrolls in ASU Prep Digital’s online summer school program, where students work 2-4 hours a day in both live lessons with a teacher and independent digital activities.
The Ramirez family live in Orlando and participate in Florida’s education savings account program, which means they receive about $8,000 for learning expenses for their son. They use these funds to choose a values-based education at their Catholic parish school, but still participate in a Spanish class and tutoring program at a nearby public school.
Adam is a highschooler in Nevada who participates in Nevada State High School, a free charter school for juniors and seniors who want to get a headstart on earning college credits. Since the early college school doesn’t offer sports teams, Adam has petitioned his local district public school, which has agreed to let him participate in their football program.
A growing number of states — like Arkansas,Florida, and Utah — have created state-run scholarship programs that homeschoolers are either already eligible for or will be eligible for once the programs phase in. Other states — like Oklahoma, Indiana, and Ohio — offer tax credit or tax deduction programs. These can make it easier for homeschoolers to pay for the curriculum, educational tutoring, or extracurricular activities they’re most interested in.
Many states are also recognizing the benefits of allowing part-time enrollment at public schools, which allows homeschoolers to take advantage of specific district offerings and provides an additional revenue stream for public schools. Both of these trends are “unbundling education,” expanding families’ abilities to mix and match.
Innovative education providers
Education providers also see state scholarships as valuable for offering families cost-free options. Open Sky Education, for example, is a non-profit developing faith-based and character-formation education in areas that offer scholarship programs. The network has created private schools that utilize a voucher program in Wisconsin, and charter schools in Arizona where students can tap into an education savings account.Microschools are among the network’s newest initiatives.
There are also some innovative programs developing to give families pre-built frameworks they can then customize. For example, Utah-based My Tech High is an education program administered by various public schools. While participating students are technically “public school students,” they can choose to take all classes at home or online if they wish. They can use the program’s flexibility to travel, take early college courses, or participate in local community activities.
Other educational innovations today emphasize how learning doesn’t have to take place on a campus. For those interested in apprenticeships, for example, start-ups like unCommon Construction offer highschoolers the opportunity to earn pay and high school credits while learning how to build houses. Online organizations like Preppy partner with schools to offer online career training for high schoolers. And, initiatives like Liberated Learners Centers focus on self-directed education at learning centers.
Some entrepreneurial learning environments are entirely online. The Socratic Experience is a private online school that shares many characteristics with today’s microschools. For example, it commits to learning cohorts of 15 students or less and focuses on making learning a purpose-driven experience for students.
Others utilize global travel. Project World School immerses teens in cultures through worldschooling. The program describes, “Designed for homeschoolers, unschoolers and democratic learners alike, we offer immersive multi-day retreats formed as Temporary Learning Communities. Each retreat utilizes the enigmatic landscape of our host country as the canvas for exploration and discovery.” Additionally, Clonlara Global Learning Community is an educational initiative serving families in more than 60 countries. Students can live anywhere in the world and travel while enrolled in the program.
Know what you’ve signed up for
As you’ve already seen, microschools and unconventional learning environments can take a variety of legal forms! Some are legally small private schools, others are support groups for online school students, and some are simply homeschool co-ops. Whether you’re microschooling with a group or just mixing and matching education options for your child, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for and whether it meets your child’s necessary school requirements.
If you are un-enrolling your child from their existing traditional public school, charter school, magnet school, or private school to homeschool or found a microschool, you are solely responsible for determining their own curriculum, lesson plans, and methods of instruction, in accordance with state laws and regulations. In many self-directed microschool arrangements, parents serve as teachers. In others, parents pool resources to hire teachers, tutors, or instructors. Each state has its own rules for homeschooling. Keep in mind that homeschooling is not just a style of instruction, it’s also a legal term that means that parents have taken full responsibility for educating their children in the home.
In some states, there is a limit on the number of students who can learn together before that group or microschool might be classified as a standalone private school. If a microschool offers a more formal education arrangement and families officially enroll in the learning group and exchange money for services, this may indicate that it is functioning as a private school. Acton Academy microschools, for instance, are usually established as private schools that charge tuition and use state-certified teachers.
There are also situations where parents keep their children enrolled in their local public, charter, or private school, but also participate in a local learning support group. The purpose of these learning support groups is to help students better acclimate to learning provided by existing schools so that students can learn together and parents can accommodate their individual work needs. Under the supervision of a parent, several parents, or a guardian, students may work together on lessons, classes, and activities provided by the children’s existing schools. Learning support groups may meet during the day, in the case of online learning, or after school.
Keep in mind that, in some cases where microschools are regulated as distance learning programs, arrangements that families make to regularly meet in person for their children to complete assignments together may be classified as in-home childcare. This has been the case, for example, with some Prenda microschools in Arizona.
State by state: Educational entrepreneurship examples
Below you’ll find a sampling of entrepreneurial education initiatives in your state!
Here are just a few examples of microschools and innovative learning choices in Alabama:
Hope United Academy in Madison is a Christian microschool specifically designed to serve students with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, high-functioning autism, or processing issues.
Legacy Builders Academy provides a microschool setting focused on personalized education, nurturing each student’s unique talents and fostering family involvement.
Morae Classical Schools, which aims to open campuses near military bases in Alabama, will blend classical education, online learning, and in-person activities, offering character-based education for children of military families.
Build UP in Birmingham is a small, early-college workforce development high school that provides low-income youth with career skills and paid apprenticeships.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Alabama may still be eligible to participate in sports at local public schools provided they meet their district’s requirements.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Alaska:
Here is one example of a microschool started by homeschoolers in Alaska:
The Green Room in East Anchorage is a learning community offering in-person classes for homeschoolers, from chemistry to wholeness and health classes.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Alaska may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In fact, Alaska is one of the most flexible states when it comes to non-public students enrolling in public school offerings. Excel in Ed describes, “Alaska does not restrict the number of courses a non-public student may enroll in nor does the state restrict students to core or non-core academic courses. Alaska homeschool students could join the local marching band or take AP Chemistry from a qualified teacher.”
Here are just a few examples of the many microschools and nontraditional learning choices for families in Arizona:
The Arizona Innovation Hub launched in 2023 to help Arizona innovators launch schools and education services in the state. The Hub seeks to provide support and networking for a variety of innovators, “from the mom who is thinking about starting to offer a single class to an individual student or small group, to a season innovator launching a microschool or private school.”
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account provides participating families with education funding that can be used flexibly for approved learning expenses, like private school tuition, home education, tutoring, and more.
Endeavor Academy is a microschool situated in Mesa that follows an in-home approach to education.
Prenda Microschools offers tuition-free learning pod options for families through a partnership with accredited online schools in Arizona.
Great Hearts Online has piloted a microschool program where families can enroll in the classical online school but receive in-person learning support.
Public online schools like ASU Prep and Sequoia Choice have launched learning-pod-like models where students work on their online school curriculum in person together a few days a week.
KaiPod Learning offers learning pods for both homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools.
iCubed Learning provides personalized learning pods for homeschoolers, online students, and those enrolled in hybrid programs, offering one-on-one teaching experiences with certified educators.
Based in Phoenix, Spark Community Schools offers small classroom-style learning to grades K-8.
Baker Creek Academy is a small, collaborative, student-driven school in Eagar that prioritizes community.
Trinity Arch Preparatory School for Boys offers a tailored learning pod environment focusing on a liberal arts education and character development in a Christian, boys-only setting.
The Black Mothers Forum has launched at least five microschools in Arizona, specifically geared toward meeting the needs of minority communities and their families.
Adamo education combines in-person instruction in small microschooling environments with digital learning.
Primer is a microschooling network with schools in Scottsdale and South Tempe.
Kino School is an example of a small, innovative private school with mixed-age learning focused on student interests. While it’s been around since the 1970s, it shares some of the characteristics of microschools today.
Arizona State University offers a year-long fellowship that families can apply for if they’re interested in starting their own microschool.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Arizona may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including permanent, full-time online schools that are available to K-12 students statewide.
Arkansas:
Here are a few examples of innovative learning options in Arkansas:
ACRES is a microschool in Brookland that opened in fall 2023. Families register as homeschoolers but come together for mixed-age learning with a Socratic style.
The Decker School in central Arkansas reimagines education through child-led exploration. Families can enroll part-time as homeschoolers, or participate in a full-time program.
Arkansas’ new Educational Freedom Account, which is phasing in over the next two years, will provide participating families with flexible funding that can be used for private school expenses, tutoring, and more.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students with disabilities in Arkansas may be eligible to access special education services from their local school districts. Additionally, homeschooled students in Arkansas may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools, though restrictions may apply.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
California:
Here are just a few examples of the many microschools and innovative learning choices in California:
Silicon Schools ““funds the creation of new schools that foster innovation and personalization to discover the next generation of schools in America.” Their grantees include several microschools and other innovative educational initiatives.
Chronos Academy, a microschool in Larkspur, evolved from a cohort program for homeschoolers to a private school with intentionally small classes.
The Players Academy, a network of full-time learning centers that offer hybrid learning for student athletes, is opening locations in Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, and Walnut Creek.
Acton Academy Venice Beach is part of that Acton Academy network that primarily emphasizes self-directed learning and entrepreneurial thinking in a collaborative environment.
Inner Fire Academy provides an intimate and tailored learning environment for homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools, specializing in gifted children aged 8-12 with a focus on customized, engaging education.
In Oakland, the Oakland REACH offers virtual learning hubs to help students receive support and academic and social enrichment.
Global Village School is a homeschool/private school hybrid that was founded back in 1999. The school focuses on self-directed distance learning, social justice, and sustainability.
Praxis Elite offers an innovative middle school curriculum that combines academics and athletics in equal measure.
Seeds of Love Collective focuses on developing holistic educational pathways in connection with nature. Their Open Wilderness Literacy & Science (OWLS) microschool offers outdoor education with hands-on learning experiences for learners aged 6-11 to cultivate community, friendships, and joy in learning.
The Open School is a small, self-directed school for creative learners. The Open School has a campus in Santa Ana and a virtual program for non-local families.
Ellemercito Academy is a Los Angeles-based microschool focused on experiential, place-based learning.
Angeles Workshop School is a student-led private school in Los Angeles serving up to just 20 students.
Brightworks in San Francisco is a small school that seeks to foster students’ advocacy and love of learning through project-based experiences.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including permanent, full-time online schools that are available to K-12 students statewide.
Colorado:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and innovative education solutions in Colorado:
Zealous Schools is one organization operating a few microschools as independent schools in Colorado.
In Denver, Embark Education blends study and real world experience, allowing students to work half-hour shifts at a nearby coffee shop and bike shop.
Anastasis Academy is a Christian microschool in Centennial focusing on experiential learning and small, mixed-age classes.
North Star Microschool is a home-based learning center modeled after the one-room schoolhouse.
Ascend Micro School, a faith-based hybrid school in Colorado Springs, offers a community-rooted, learner-driven education for students in grades K-8.
La Luz Education is an independent microschool / homeschool enrichment program for sixth and seventh graders. The program is tuition-free and offers education in both English and Spanish.
Montessori Peaks Academy is a Colorado public charter school, but offers several free enrichment programs for homeschool students.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Colorado may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Connecticut:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
One example of homeschoolers gathering in a pod-like community is LearnerSpace in Bethel.
From Seeds to Sprouts is a Private Education Association establishing a one-room schoolhouse with collaborative homeschooling. From Seeds to Sprouts is located in Shelton.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
One of Delaware’s newest private schools is Cedar Creek, an Acton Academy school that focuses on curiosity, independence, and lifelong learning.
R.O.O.T.S. (Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling) is a family-founded initiative to teach self-sufficiency and altruism in the Georgetown community. The program is located on a family homestead and teaches life-skills workshops.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Florida is one of the most vibrant states in the country for microschooling options. Here are just a few real examples of microschools and related resources in the Sunshine State:
As of 2023, two of Florida’s state scholarship programs are open to every student who wishes to enroll in a nonpublic school option, like private school or homeschool. Participating families are able to receive flexible funds for learning expenses like part-time tutoring, part-time enrollment in a college as part of a dual-enrollment program, or online learning costs.
Microschool Florida offers an awesome directory of learning pods and microschools around the state.
KaiPod Learning offers learning pods for homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools. One of KaiPod Learning’s partners in Florida, for example, is Steps Learning Center, which focuses on learning and self-advocacy for children with special learning needs.
Surf Skate Science is a non-profit South Florida homeschool co-op and education program.
Tapestry Academy in Boca Raton is an in-home microschool that describes itself as “homeschool meets day school.”
Steps Learning Center LLC offers a supportive learning pod environment for homeschool and online school students, focusing on hands-on, sensory, and technology-integrated education for non-traditional learners.
Colossal Academy is a micro-middle school that prioritizes learning through a humanistic approach.
Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale is a microschool that focuses on developing critical thinking skills through hands-on, technology-driven education.
Kind Academy in Coral Springs offers hybrid, part-time and full-time learning options for a small number of students, focusing on nature, art, and sensory learning.
FLEX Learning Academy is a hybrid homeschool program where you may find students out on field trips, engaging in Socratic discussion, learning through projects, or even doing yoga with goats.
Colossal Academy in South Florida is a progressive microschool centered on individualized learning, learning around the community, and engaging in real-world skills like cooking, farming, and video creation.
Compass Outreach and Education Center in Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of personalized learning choices, including homeschool support, tutoring services, virtual learning, and a full K-7 private microschool.
Kipe Academy is a microschool located in Polk City and offers hands-on learning for Kindergarten through fifth-grade students.
The Urban Cottage Educational Collaborative offers individualized, small-group sessions for homeschoolers, as well as tutoring for students enrolled in traditional school environments.
CREATE Conservatory in Mount Dora is a non-profit K-7 private microschool where “STEM meets the Arts.”
Spring Valley School is a student-led, Sudbury-style private school in Palm Harbor.
The Innovative Educators Network is a network of educators in South Florida committed to finding new and innovative ways to teach and inspire students.
Miami Mircrolearn Hub is a 6-12 microschool that offers a technology-infused education.
P.L.A.Y. School Academy offers a range of holistic K-12 education, enrichments and family wellness programs to serve homeschoolers and “afterschoolers”.
Primer Microschools has eight campuses throughout Florida and offers self-paced, passion-driven learning.
Broward County officials have issued guidance about learning pods, saying, “Programs that provide care and supervision to elementary school aged children must be licensed as child care unless they are registered as a private school with the Florida Department of Education or qualify for an exemption with our office.”
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students with special needs are eligible to receive “testing and evaluation services at diagnostic and resource centers” in Florida. Additionally, homeschooled students in Florida may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are real examples of microschools and other innovative learning resources in Georgia:
KaiPod Learning recently opened a Learning Support Group for Atlanta-area students. Students who homeschool or use an accredited virtual school can join the pod for community and educational support.
The Attuned Community School offers a diverse learning pod environment focusing on play-based, nature-based, and project and inquiry-based learning experiences.
TwiddleU specializes in education and therapy for Autistic and neurodiverse children, emphasizing hands-on and digital learning in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Spectacular Start is a homeschool learning pod in Atlanta that blends at-home learning with in-person classes in a supportive environment.
St. John the Baptist Hybrid School, a PK-12th program in Cobb County, offers Cognia-accredited classes up to 3 days a week. With alternating on-campus and homeschool days each week, families enjoy schedule flexibility and a strong academic setting.
Georgia Fugees Academy is a small charter school designed to meet the needs of refugee and new American students through wraparound services and soccer school.
Pass Pod is a microschool in South Atlanta that provides a curriculum centered around African American culture and real-world experiences.
St. John Bosco Academy is a hybrid school that blends in-person learning with at-home study.
Sometimes Learning Support Groups are district-run. For example, the DeKalb County School District won a grant to partner with a community non-profit and serve alternative education students through learning hubs.
Mercer University has announced the establishment of a transitional school, opening in fall 2024, for children with dyslexia. The innovative school will help prepare students to master skills to succeed in a more traditional school setting, and will also serve as a hub of dyslexia study and teacher training.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students with special needs may still be eligible for additional support from the State of Georgia. Additionally, homeschooled students in Georgia are eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools, provided they meet certain requirements.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Hawaii:
Here is one example of an innovative microschool resource in Hawaii:
Hawaii Kids Can has started an Ohana Pods initiative to connect and support families who are learning together either online or in-person.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Here are just a few examples of Idaho microschools and related resources:
One Idaho online school, Gem Prep Online, is starting pods called “learning societies” for interested families. While using the online school’s curriculum, small groups of students will work in the same space, whether that’s a church, home, or other building.
Low-income Idaho families can apply to the Empowering Parents Grant Program to receive funding for learning materials and services for their K-12 student. The program is open to homeschool and private school students as well as public school students.
Idaho has passed a bill that allows groups of parents to partner with their school district on “innovation classrooms,” like microschools within the public school setting. Similar to pods, these “innovation classrooms” could be small learning groups where kids use an alternative curriculum and are taught by a specific teacher.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Idaho may be eligible to take classes at local public schools, or participate in sports or activities, through the state’s dual enrollment programs.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Illinois:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in Illinois:
At The Classroom microschool in Bartlett, students meet for 20 hours a week of customized learning.
Freestyle Learning Microschool in Chicago Heights operates as a dropoff and enrichment center for homeschooled children.
Kairos Patriot Academy is a microschool operating out of Testament of Love Church in Carpentersville, with Biblical and constitutional focuses.
In 2022, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services issued a memo encouraging families operating pods out of homes to become licensed.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers with special learning needs may be eligible for services and support from local school districts in Illinois. Additionally, homeschooled students may enroll part time at local public schools and request to participate in sports and activities, though schools are not required by law to grant this request.
There are three Wildflower Montessori microschools in Indiana, in South Bend, Fort Wayne, and Clarksville.
All 10-12th grade students, including homeschoolers, are eligible to apply for the state’s new Career Scholarship Program. The program allows students who create a graduation plan to receive a flexible grant of about $5,000 for approved “earn-and-learn opportunities.”
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers are eligible to receive some special education services from Indiana school districts. Additionally, homeschool students in Indiana may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools, though restrictions apply.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Iowa:
Here are real examples of microschools and innovative learning options in Iowa:
The Community Academy Microschool aims to develop and offer year-round, community-based, extracurricular programming for community youth.
Yirah School House is a microschool based in Knoxville that offers a project-based learning style to students aged 7-11.
While not as “micro” as a microschool, Iowa BIG is an innovative, interdistrict public school initiative. Participating students learn by working on projects and in project teams developing initiatives they care about in their community.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers are eligible to receive some special education services from Iowa school districts. Additionally, homeschool students in Iowa may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools through dual enrollment.
Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators is a community group that supports families and educators who are seeking alternative education models for children. You can find a directory on their site of more than 20 alternative schools and educational co-ops.
Hear the story of one parent who started a Prenda-affiliated learning pod in Wichita on the LiberatED podcast.
Urban Preparatory Academy in Wichita provides alternative educational opportunities for children from low-income and working-class families. Most students use the state’s low-income tax-credit scholarship program to attend the small private school.
Arise Microschool is an intentionally small community-based microschool in Topeka, Kansas.
Wildflower Community School is a small independent school specializing in serving neurodivergent learners in Wichita.
ReWild is a microschool community in Hutchinson that seeks to restore and protect the natural rhymes of families and create more diverse, harmonious, and sustainable homes.
Some cities in Kansas, such as Shawnee, have developed city code to regulate remote learning support programs. You can always check with your local governance about whether they are developing regulations applicable to your learning pod.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Kentucky:
Here are a couple examples of microschools and related resources in Kentucky:
Wilmore Crossing Academy is a microschool with intentionally small class sizes that are often held outdoors.
Sphinx Academy is a full-time microschool in Lexington for gifted and talented highschoolers.
City Schoolhouse is a Christian neighborhood private school in Shively where students come to learn academic, social, and practical life skills.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling your child in a private, full-time online school for a fee.
Louisiana:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Louisiana:
De Beau Microschool families participate in three hours a day of individualized learning, Tuesday through Friday.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help microschool is a small school community in Belle Chasse immersed in the Catholic tradition.
Sequitur Classical Academy in Baton Rouge offers a classical learning environment. While students are legally homeschooled, they participate in a common classical core, activities, and fellowship.
In 2021, Louisiana created a pod law that lays out some guidelines for school districts wanting to establish pods. Under this law, districts can create pods of at least 10 students that are linked to a school under their jurisdiction. Students in such a pod are taught by teachers and staff in the district. While established by a district, these pods can take place in unique locations like museums or libraries, or through virtual means.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschool students in Louisiana may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools, though restrictions may apply.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Maine:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Maine:
With small group classes and multi-age learning, Roots Academy in Cape Elizabeth offers a “place-based, child-led, play-inspired approach” to education.
Learning support groups for students formally enrolled in a school may require licenses in Maine if instruction is compensated and there are more than three students in addition to any children living in the home.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschool students in Maine may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools. “ Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services has issued a statement that “Families who elect to provide home instruction completely themselves or through private arrangements with another adult—without involvement in their local school administrative unit (SAU)—need to formally submit a notice of intent to provide home instruction to the local superintendent and the Maine Department of Education (DOE).”
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including two free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Maryland:
Here are a couple of real examples of microschools in Maryland:
Montessori Luna is a bilingual Montessori school in Pikesville with a nature-inspired program.
Mysa Microschool in nearby Washington, D.C. offers place-based education with crowdsourced curriculum from around the world.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a private, full-time online school for a fee.
Massachusetts:
Here are a few of the innovative learning offerings around Massachusetts:
Sudbury Valley School in Framingham is a self-directed learning private school that has inspired similarly-modeled schools around the world.
Life Rediscovered is a learning center and community hub for homeschoolers in Westborough and North Easton. The center offers full-day academic and social programming, events, trips, and extracurricular classes, and monthly support groups.
Symbiosis Learning Center is an alternative to traditional middle and high school that welcomes a diverse student body, including those who may have social or emotional challenges, anxiety, or ADHD.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools, though restrictions apply.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including free public virtual schools that are available to students statewide and private online schools available for a fee.
Michigan:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
The Future of Learning Council in Michigan explores and promotes next-generation learning models, including microschools.
Blue Bridge School in Grand Rapids is a part-time, self-directed learning community for homeschooled children.
The online school WAY Michigan offers a microschool option to support online learning students.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Instruction did release a memo back in 2020 detailing rules applying to school-age child care, some of which may apply to microschooling arrangements.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers in Michigan may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Minnesota:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Founded by a teacher, Skola is a Christian microschool with a flexible schedule, emphasis on the outdoors, and values-based education.
The Gathering Learning Studio offers learning pods with a focus on small group learning, career exploration, and skill development in a faith-infused environment.
An example of a Learning Support Group that ran during the pandemic was Hope Youth Center, which provided full-time distance learners with tech, tutors, snacks, mental health support, and more.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers may be eligible to receive limited tax exemptions from the State of Minnesota to cover costs related to instruction, field trips, and parental time. Additionally, Minnesota homeschoolers may still be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Mississippi:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Micah’s Mission School offers a hybrid learning and resource environment for at-risk students. Students can participate in online independent learning, pre-work training, project-based learning, dyslexia therapy, and more.
Ivy Greene Academy is an Acton Academy-affiliated microschool focusing on each student taking a “hero’s journey.”
Kingdom Leadership Academy is a Christian microschool and homeschool hybrid learning center in Gulfport offering one-on-one instruction in small groups.
Harper Learning Academy is a non-profit program in Byram serving students with learning differences.
Embark, an initiative of Empower Mississippi, is a new schools accelerator that works with school founders to help them launch new innovative options, like microschools.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Here are real examples of microschools and innovative learning resources in Missouri:
CASCO Learning in St. Louis is a Spanish immersive learning collaborative center for families. The learning center offers enrichment classes, parent workshops, and even international learning trips.
Cale Academy is a learning environment based in Columbia that prioritizes student-centered and learning-style education.
Little Leaders Academy is an in-home program for pre-K through 1st grade children. The academy focuses on outdoor experiences, whole child learning, leadership, and hands-on activities.
EDGE is a globally-focused microschool serving highschoolers residing within Liberty Public Schools.
An annual “Remake Learning Days” event in Kansas City encourages teachers, students, and families to learn in-person in the community through events and hands-on learning.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers in Missouri may be eligible to participate in classes, sports, or activities at local public schools if they enroll there part-time.
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in Montana:
Great Beginnings is a nature-based Montessori school and summer camp in Bozeman.
Peak Potential Academy is a project-based learning school for middle schoolers in Bozeman.
Opt Out is an intentionally small, “outside the box” learning program for Bozeman students in grades K-6. Opt Out combines project-based learning, outdoor education, Montessori, and Waldorf methods.
Montana Hybrid Academy in Whitefish blends remote learning with “bushcraft” (homesteading).
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Montana may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In fact, a bill passed in 2023 clarified that homeschool students can enroll part-time in public schools, making it easier for families to blend home and public options.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time online private school for a fee.
Nebraska:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Nebraska:
Trinity Academy, a Lutheran microschool in the classical liberal arts educational tradition, recently launched on the campus of Nebraska’s Concordia University in Seward.
Masterpiece Academy in Omaha is a microschool founded by a former public school teacher to help small groups of learners discover their passions and overcome challenges. Full-time and part-time educational support is available.
Acton Academy Lincoln is a learner-driven microschool serving all grades K-12 in Lincoln.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Nebraska who enroll part-time at their local public school may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes. In Nebraska, homeschooled families who come together to learn, such as in a microschool, are classified by the Nebraska Department of Education as a “multi-family unit.” There were at least 35 multi-family units registered for the 2022-23 school year in the state.
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
The National Microschooling Center is based out of Las Vegas and offers a plethora of resources for families and educators interested in microschooling. MicroschoolingNV is the National Center’s local partner.
Bloom Academy is the first and only self-directed microschool learning center in Las Vegas.
The Learning Outpost is a project-based homeschool learning center founded by a teacher.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers with special needs are eligible to receive special education services from local school districts. Additionally, homeschooled students in Nevada may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in New Hampshire:
Latitude Learning Resources offers enrichment programs — from Lego clubs to language classes — for homeschoolers in Derry.
New Hampshire’s Learn Everywhere initiative aims to allow high school students to gain high school credits outside of schools, through community activities and extracurriculars.
nLighten Learning provides small learning pods for both homeschoolers and students enrolled in accredited virtual schools, focusing on individualized, mastery-based education in a nurturing environment.
The Harkness House caps classes at 12 students and offers a student-led curriculum that aims to foster discovery and life-long learning.
For homeschool students and virtual school students in New Hampshire, KaiPod Learning offers free Learning Support Groups. Students attending “KaiPods” receive opportunities to socialize, collaborate, and receive educational support while completing their chosen curriculum.
New Hampshire’s state commissioner of education has said that learning pods are permitted by New Hampshire law and families may have family members or friends supervise children in the parent’s absence.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in New Hampshire may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in New Jersey:
Tranquil Teachings Learning Center is a private membership association offering flexible learning opportunities, including half-day and full day options, in Monmouth County.
The Village Electric is a flexible learning center in Mountainside that describes its offering as “colearning,” blending the benefits of homeschooling with the resources, staff, and community of a private school.
Founded by parents, Metsada Learning Network provides legal, technological, and administrative support to brick-and-mortar alternative learning initiatives in New Jersey.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time private online school for a fee.
New Mexico:
Here are a couple of real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Inspira Learning in Albuquerque is a Christian microschool offering K-5 instruction from a professional teacher, as well as tutoring and enrichment programs.
Acton Academy microschools currently serve families in Albuquerque and Cedar Crest.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in New Mexico may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools, though requirements can vary by school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
New York:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
There are at least four Acton Academy microschools either open or planning to open in New York — these are in Riverhead, Mount Vision, Rochester, and New York City.
Joyful Learning Academy in Brooklyn is a learning center for homeschoolers founded by a former public school teacher, focused on holistic living and creative learning.
Art of Words Community School is a small private school in Brooklyn focused on art, literature, community, and project-based learning.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time private online school for a fee.
North Carolina:
Here are a few real examples of microschools and innovative learning resources in your state:
Roots School is a private membership association based out of Durham that provides families the freedom to choose how their child will learn.
Burbrella Learning Academy operates an in-person microschool in Burlington, as well as an online learning microschool for non-local families.
Sometimes learning pods are district-run. For example, Edgecombe County Public Schools in rural North Carolina won a grant to test out learning hubs as a way to give students of all ages more flexibility in their education. The district is also experimenting with early learning pods for three and four-year-olds. Similarly, Guilford County Public Schools has partnered with community organizations to launch learning hubs and give students a blended learning option.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has required organizations to obtain a license in order to provide childcare for school-age children. Organizations contracting with a public school are exempt. Read about an affordable Learning Support Group in Charlotte that partnered with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers are eligible to enroll in North Carolina Virtual Public School, for a fee, to supplement their coursework, if approved by their school board. If your child was enrolled for one previous semester in a public school and had an IEP, they are eligible for the special education tax credit of up to $3,000 per semester, per child, that can be spent on special education expenses.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including two permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
North Dakota:
Here is one example of innovative, microschool-style learning in North Dakota:
Northern Cass School District has reimagined itself over the past five years as it has committed to creating a more personalized learning experience: “Middle school learners participate in studios where educators coach 6-week learner-centered high-engagement projects. This past fall, one studio was built around a Farm to Fork concept to teach about agricultural careers and to experience the world of food production by going out and exploring the real world.” A microschool program is also being piloted in high schools.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that, in some cases, homeschooled students in North Dakota may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time private online school for a fee.
Ohio:
Here are a couple of real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Founded in 2019, Bloom Learning Community is the first learner-centered microschool in Cleveland. Families can choose the program to supplement homeschooling or as an affordable private school option.
Acton Academy Columbus utilizes multi-age classrooms, self-directed learning, and peer-to-peer collaboration in a small, private school environment.
Azalea Montessori School is a microschool providing an authentic Montessori education for children up to the age of 12 in Norwood, Ohio.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Ohio may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Oklahoma:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Edupreneur Academy offers a free guide for parents interested in learning pods in Oklahoma.
Revise Collective MicroSchool is a “modern learning studio” serving grades 6-12. The microschool also offers virtual, homeschool, tutoring and afterschool offerings.
Cimarron School of Living Education in Edmund is a Charlotte Mason school combining homeschooling and private schooling. Students learn two days a week at the school and three days a week at home.
Through Oklahoma’s new Parental Tax Credit Act program, all private and homeschool students can apply for a refundable income tax credit.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Oregon:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Activate is a full-time microschool in Portland specializing in serving students with dyslexia.
Anchored Hope is an independent microschool in Sherwood that partners with and provides enrichment for families who homeschool, unschool, attend charters, or make other choices.
Madrona Folk School is a microschool in Grants Pass offering classes for homeschoolers in inspired academics, arts, and land-based living skills.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Oregon may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschoolers with special learning needs are eligible to receive special education support and resources from local public school districts. Additionally, homeschooled students in Pennsylvania may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Orchid Montessori is a Wildflower Montessori-affiliated microschool for young learners in East Providence.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Rhode Island may in some cases be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
In Charleston, Classeteria is a growing learning where homeschoolers come together for enrichment classes and hands-on projects.
A Home For School offers a student-centered approach for homeschoolers and students in accredited virtual schools, where diversity is celebrated and each child’s unique culture is honored.
The Success Center in Goose Creek offers tutoring services and microschool learning for K-12 students.
Ignite Learning Center in Greenville offers a two-day class model supporting homeschoolers, un-schoolers, and other families looking for non-traditional education.
Hart Academy is a cottage school in Charleston founded by a former public school teacher inspired by the idea of hybrid homeschooling.
Peace of Mind microschool in Columbia offers individualized, small group work that blends online learning and hands-on lessons.
Mariner Learning Collaborative is a non-profit learning center for ages 10 to 19 that combines homeschooling with classes, workshops, and tutoring taught by staff, parents, and community volunteers.
South Carolina’s new Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (launched in 2024) makes private school, tutoring, and other personalized learning expenses a more affordable choice for economically disadvantaged children.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in South Carolina may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are examples of innovative, microschool-style learning environments in your state:
Grounding Roots is a homeschool co-op of holistically minded families teaching project-based learning and nature learning, from candle-making to art techniques.
Onward Learning is a community-led school that serves preschool to 8th-grade students with a child-centered and love-based approach to learning.
St. Joseph Academy is a Catholic classical school for Pre-K to 8th grade opening at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in South Dakota may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including enrolling in a full-time private online school for a fee.
Tennessee:
Here are just a few real examples of microschools in Tennessee:
The Lab School is an innovative microschool located in the heart of Memphis that serves children ages 5-11.
Discovery Learners’ Academy is a nontraditional microschool in Chattanooga offering personalized academics, social emotional coaching, and discovery-based science and social studies.
Imani Montessori is a microschool and homeschool umbrella in East Nashville that seeks to cultivate free thinkers, creative, compassionate, and committed global citizens in service to humanity.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Tennessee may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Texas:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in Texas:
Spyrja Academy offers a blended learning environment for homeschoolers and students enrolled in online schools, with a focus on innovative instruction and community engagement for high school students.
Safari Small Schools is an innovative microschool that specializes in serving children with behavioral challenges.
Hedge School Cooperative is an Austin-based homeschooling cooperative that focuses on providing quality education.
Dallas Hybrid Preparatory is a district-run, hybrid learning arrangement that allows students in grades 4-6 to learn at a “small, boutique campus” two days a week, and at home three three days a week.
Leading Little Arrows is a hybrid school and multi-cultural co-op located in Arlington that embraces and celebrates students’ diverse cultural backgrounds.
Great Hearts Online, a classical virtual academy, is piloting classical learning microschools in Texas for families enrolled in their online program.
One Acre Farm’s “Farm School” is a learning pod in Porter for children ages four through seven to receive supplemental education with an outdoor focus.
Veritas Academy is a “collaborative” hybrid school that focuses on family leadership and togetherness in learning.
In an effort to keep learning pods a flexible choice for families, Texas legislators passed a bill in 2021 to protect learning pods from burdensome government regulations.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that in some cases homeschooled students in Texas may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Utah:
Here are a few real examples of innovative learning choices and related resources in Utah:
CHOICE Learning Center is an Acton Academy affiliate in Bountiful with a focus on learning as a lifelong endeavor. Aim Academy also operates Acton-affiliated campuses in Utah.
My Tech High, based out of Utah, offers flexible, student-tailored learning arrangements where students enroll full-time in a public school but learn online, locally in-person, or in a hybrid format.
Besides offering support for homeschoolers, Homeschool Hub Utah offers a list of hybrid education options for homeschool families wanting to partner with schools for specialized instruction and special education resources.
Family Lyceum in Clearfield began as a homeschool co-op but has evolved into a part-time, private education program that includes both personal mentoring for students and occasional classes for parents.
In this Forbes article, Kerry McDonald has shone light on some of the regulatory challenges that microschools in Utah face.
Once it launches in 2024, the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program will offer families flexible funding to customize their child’s learning.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Utah may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Vermont:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Mysa Microschool in Mad River Valley seeks to offer children a learning environment that is kind and cozy, where everyone knows them and they can develop confidence, self-advocacy, agency, and time management proficiency.
New World Adventure School in Springfield is a nature-based, inquiry-centered microschool for ages 3-6. The school believes that “children’s social-emotional well-being has ample space to expand in the great outdoors.”
Vermont Village School is a microschool that “reimagines school as a liberatory space for people of color.”
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Vermont may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools.
Here are a few real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
The Grand Magnolia School, a microschool in Richmond, has a cohort-based learning model and 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, allowing children to receive an extremely customized, intentional education.
Path of Life Learning offers a nurturing, faith-based learning pod environment for homeschoolers online school students.
Cultural Roots Homeschool Cooperative is a learning community with programming around the diverse cultural attributes, traditions, and histories of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
Solstice Hybrid Academy provides homeschool-style learning with personalized guidance and creative opportunities in Norfolk.
Richmond Primary School is a private microschool located in Richmond that offers education for students from kindergarten to fifth grade.
Aquinas Learning, based out of Manassas, offers a classical homeschool curriculum that some families use together at Aquinas Learning centers, either in-person or virtual.
RISE Hybrid Academy evolved from a small community homeschool program to a nationally accredited, K-12th grade private school. The school offers on-site learning options as well as homeschool curriculum.
Dream Tech Academy in Hopewell was founded to give children a more personalized learning opportunity through small-group classes. The small school also offers tutoring and summer camp opportunities.
Path of Life Learning is a modern, God-centered small-group learning center. K-2 students use a classical homeschool curriculum while families of older students can choose the online or homeschooling curriculum that works best for them.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Washington may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In addition, Washington homeschoolers are eligible to receive ancillary services, including “counseling, psychological services, testing, remedial instruction, speech and hearing therapy, health-care services, [and] tutorial services” offered by local school districts, at no additional cost.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including several permanent, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
West Virginia:
Here are a few examples of innovative education options in West Virginia:
The Midian Leadership Project in Charleston aims to develop community leaders through holistic educational and social support and sports-related programming for young people ages 10 and up. The project hopes to expand into a small private school for boys.
City on a Hill in Fairmont is a microschool aiming to provide excellent academics with a Biblical worldview and focus on servant leadership.
Eyes and Brains Stem Center is a microschool located in Elkins that fosters critical thinking building and STEM-based learning.
Vandalia Community School in Charleston draws on Montessori principles and outdoors learning for its small-group learning experience.
MicroschoolingWV is West Virginia’s local partner of the National Microschooling Center.
Expression Prep Academy, starting in Huntington, is a microschool that emphasizes parent partnerships and critical thinking skills.
In most states, microschooling is more of a mentality than a legal distinction. Often, families participate in microschooling while homeschooling or being enrolled in a private school or online school. However, in 2022, West Virginia became one of the first states to sign official definitions of learning pods and microschools into law, distinguishing them from other types of schooling. According to the bill, a learning pod in the state is ““a voluntary association of parents choosing to group their children together to participate in their elementary or secondary academic studies as an alternative to enrolling in a public school, private school, homeschool, or microschool.”
West Virginia law defines a microschool as “a school initiated by one or more teachers or an entity created to operate a school that charges tuition for the students who enroll and is an alternative to enrolling in a public school, private school, homeschool, or learning pod.”
In West Virginia, families participating in learning pods or microschools are exempt from compulsory school attendance, but must meet certain requirements. For example, parents must notify the county superintendent or county board of their intent to participate in a learning pod or microschool, and students must complete annual assessments that are submitted to the county superintendent. With approval from their county board, students participating in a learning pod or microschool in West Virginia may participate in part-time classes at their local school.
Wisconsin:
Here are real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Hickory Hill Academy is an innovative 10-acre private school that offers enrichment opportunities, like an afterschool environmental program.
Acton Academy Madison West is a private project-based and learner-driven elementary school in the Acton Academy network.
Kickapoo Valley Forest School, technically a public charter school, is an outdoor education program committed to an 1:8 child to adult ratio.
Field Workshop in Greendale, along with the Greendale School District and Greendale Parks and Recreation, has launched a pilot program to offer enrichment learning for homeschool and virtual learning students.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Wisconsin may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. Wisconsin allows homeschool students to access up to two courses per semester at a public school.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including multiple free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Wyoming:
Here are a couple of real examples of microschools and related resources in your state:
Impact Wyoming is a group established in March 2020 to build stronger Wyoming communities through youth engagement.
Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school.
Read more about the requirements for homeschooling and get tips from HSLDA. Note that homeschooled students in Wyoming may still be eligible to participate in sports, activities, or classes at local public schools. In 2023, legislators expanded the definition of homeschooling in Wyoming so that it can include more than one family. This makes it easier for homeschoolers to form co-ops and collaborate without losing homeschool protections.
Keep in mind that you have multiple online learning options, including free, full-time online schools that are available to students statewide.
Additional resources
If you’re looking for more resources about microschooling and other mix-and-match education options, here are some next steps:
Join online communities and Facebook groups. Here are a couple of groups to give you a taste of what’s available:
Rebel Educator is a resource hub for parents, teachers, and entrepreneurs who are seeking or building alternative education models that challenge traditional schooling.
Modulo is an online resource offering tips on curriculum, social enrichment, childcare and navigating working from home with kids.
The National Center for Microschooling launched in 2022 to serve as a hub for microschooling stories and resources. Through it, families can find information about all types of microschools, from parent-led initiatives to corporate microschools to learning pods that partner with school districts.
The Yass Prize awards funding to education changemakers from any sector of education.
VELA Education Fund aims to support a diverse ecosystem of creative learning environments by providing microgrants to everyday entrepreneurs, as well as large grants for scalable learning models.
KaiPod Catalyst is an accelerator program for entrepreneurial educators to launch their own microschools in their communities over the course of 18 weeks.
Microschool Builders offers intensives, workshops, and collectives for parents and educators interested in starting their own microschool.
Keep an eye on new ed tech products developing. Some examples of these are a.school, an education management platform for microschools, Labster, which offers science lab simulations, Outschool, a hub of online class offerings, Lexia Learning, which offers literacy curriculum, and Beast Academy Math and Zearn Math. Sites like Get Selected and LearningPodsHub work to connect schools or families with teachers. SitterStream matches families with tutors who offer virtual classes in subjects like coding, dance, and theater.
Know how education innovation can support special needs children. One big motivator for families to customize education is a special learning need. In fact, one parent who discovered microschooling had this to say, “I have seen children who have struggled for years in a traditional school setting be transformed after only a few months in a Prenda microschool classroom. And because of their small size and supportive, personalized environment, microschools excel at embracing and accepting students with learning differences.”
The information in this guide is designed to help families who are considering microschools in their decision-making process. Our mission is to provide families with the information they need about all the school options available – traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, and at home – so they can choose the right fit for their child.
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Ya sea por problemas de salud u otras razones, muchos padres buscan una opción de aprendizaje que no sea en persona. Si el aprendizaje en línea o la escuela en línea K-12 son sus mejores opciones para el año escolar 2021-2022, ¡esta página es para usted!
[bctt tweet=”¿Está pensando en cambiarse a la educación en línea? O tal vez se esté preguntando si su estado tiene una opción que le permite ir a la escuela en línea de forma gratuita. @SchoolChoiceWk creó esta guía para responder sus preguntas.” url=”https://schoolchoiceweek.com/escuelas-en-linea/” via=”no”]
Tal vez está pensando en cambiar a sus hijos a la educación en línea, pero no está seguro de cómo hacer el cambio. ¿Cómo funciona la escuela en línea? O tal vez se pregunte si su estado tiene una opción que le permita estudiar en línea de forma gratuita. Hemos creado esta guía completa de la escuela en línea responda a esas preguntas.
Aunque la pandemia ha hecho que aumente el interés por el aprendizaje en línea, las familias han estado usando programas de aprendizaje en línea durante años. El acceso a Internet ha transformado nuestra vida social y está transformando la escuela también. Es importante que los programas de aprendizaje en línea ofrezcan a los estudiantes la posibilidad de trabajar desde casa (o en cualquier lugar con Internet). Esa flexibilidad hace que se adapte bien a muchas familias.
Como Chris McBride, superintendente de una escuela en línea en Nevada, describe, “Hay muchas razones por las que los estudiantes pueden necesitar horarios flexibles, desde cuestiones médicas hasta atletas competitivos o artistas del espectáculo. Algunas familias se inscriben en nuestra escuela porque están escapando de algunos de los problemas de intimidación y otros problemas culturales/climáticos que están presentes en las escuelas presenciales. Otras familias se inscriben porque lo ven como una excelente alternativa a la educación en casa.”
¿Te gusta lo que ves? ¡Ingrese su correo electrónico para obtener más recursos educativos gratuitos!
¿Es esta la primera vez que navega por el sistema educativo en los Estados Unidos? Si es así, es esencial saber que la educación K-12 es obligatoria, gratuita y abierta a todos los niños de este país, independientemente de los ingresos familiares, el estado migratorio o la religión. Cada familia tiene una escuela pública local asignada a la que es gratis asistir, pero en la mayoría de los lugares usted puede elegir entre otras escuelas públicas gratuitas como escuelas chárter, escuelas magnet o escuelas en línea; o seleccionar una escuela privada o educación en el hogar. Encuentre más información sobre la estructura del sistema educativo aquí y algunas preguntas frecuentes para padres migrantes de primera generación que buscan opciones de elección de escuela aquí.
Cómo cambiarse a una escuela en línea
¿Cómo funciona la escuela en línea?
En los Estados Unidos, aproximadamente 375,000 estudiantes de K-12 asistieron a una escuela en línea en el 2019. Los estudiantes de las escuelas en línea trabajan desde casa y siguen un plan de estudios establecido, enviando sus tareas a través de un portal en línea. Además, los estudiantes reciben comentarios y calificaciones de profesores acreditados que pueden comunicarse por correo electrónico, conferencia web o llamadas telefónicas.
Mientras que a los padres no se les pide que sean maestros, los programas escolares en línea suelen pedir a los padres que se involucren en la educación de sus hijos. Los padres actúan como un entrenador de aprendizaje, ayudando a su estudiante a mantenerse en el camino.
Estás mucho más en sintonía con lo que están haciendo. Ese es un beneficio que no tendrías al enviar a tu hijo a otra opción de escolarización. – Tara Boedigheimer, madre en la escuela en línea
Dos de los mayores programas escolares en línea de K-12 en este país son Connections Academy y K12 Learning. Las escuelas apoyadas por Connections Academy son escuelas públicas en línea gratuitas que actualmente están disponibles en más de 30 estados. Del mismo modo, K12 Learning ofrece escuelas públicas gratuitas en muchos estados, así como cursos independientes de pago y clases sobre carreras.
Mientras que algunas escuelas virtuales son completamente en línea, otras son “escuelas mixtas”. Pero, ¿qué son las escuelas mixtas? Las escuelas mixtas son escuelas en línea que ofrecen establecimientos donde los estudiantes asisten de vez en cuando. La Academia GOAL en Colorado, por ejemplo, tiene “centros de acogida” donde los estudiantes pueden recibir clases particulares, participar en actividades o simplemente pasar tiempo con sus compañeros.
Además del aprendizaje combinado, se están desarrollando cada vez más variaciones de la educación en línea; en algunos estados, los estudiantes pueden incluso crear una “lista de reproducción” de clases entre la escuela de su vecindario y una escuela en línea. Es por eso que algunos líderes en línea dicen que el poder real del aprendizaje en línea es la personalización. El plan de estudios se puede diferenciar para satisfacer las necesidades de los estudiantes, y los estudiantes pueden ajustar el ritmo del trabajo del curso y probar el material que han dominado.
Cómo hacer el cambio
Si acaba de empezar, aquí tiene los pasos que puede seguir para cambiar a la educación en línea:
2.Contacte a la escuela que le interesa: Segundo, contacte la escuela en línea que le interese y obtenga así más detalles. Algunas pueden permitir la inscripción en cualquier momento, mientras que otras pueden tener fechas límite. Las escuelas públicas en línea deben aceptar a todos los estudiantes, sin importar su rendimiento académico o sus necesidades.
Además, los estudiantes no están obligados a tomar pruebas especiales de ingreso para inscribirse en las escuelas públicas en línea. Sin embargo, algunos estados ponen límites de asistencia o financiación, así que asegúrate de que haya disponibilidad en la escuela que elijas.
Cuando se comunique con la escuela en línea, también puede preguntar sobre las expectativas de la escuela y qué recursos necesitará en casa. Por ejemplo, ¿proporcionará la escuela una computadora para su estudiante? ¿Necesita su estudiante una cámara web? ¿Cómo es un día típico? ¿Cuánta supervisión de los padres se requiere?
3.Retírese oficialmente (si es aplicable): En muchos casos, si actualmente está inscrito en una escuela pública o privada, tendrá que enviar una carta de retirada a su distrito escolar. Es una buena idea guardar una copia de la carta, en caso de que surja alguna pregunta. Además, puede aprovechar esta oportunidad para solicitar las transcripciones de su hijo a la escuela.
Por supuesto, las directrices de su estado son lo primero. Tenga en cuenta que en algunos estados, como Missouri, West Virginia y Rhode Island los estudiantes sólo tienen acceso a las escuelas gratuitas en línea a través de su distrito de residencia. En estos casos, ya que el distrito es responsable de pagar por el acceso, las familias deben permanecer inscriptas en el distrito cuando se cambian a la escuela en línea.
4.Inscríbase y empiece: Ahora, inscríbase en la escuela de su elección en línea. Asóciese con su hijo para decidir cómo será su nueva rutina de aprendizaje. Por ejemplo, ¿a qué hora empezará su estudiante la escuela por la mañana? ¿Con qué frecuencia se trabajará el ejercicio y las actividades externas durante la semana?
Espere una curva de aprendizaje
Si la escuela en línea es algo que usted y su estudiante deciden probar, aunque sea temporalmente, es importante darse cuenta de que habrá una curva de aprendizaje. ¡No deje que eso le deprima!
“Sólo tienes que tener la mente abierta”, dijo Bryan Klochack, director de una escuela en línea en Michigan. “A menudo nos referimos a ello como beber de una boca de incendios al principio porque es muy diferente”.
Aunque la escuela en línea no es para todos los estudiantes y todas las familias, puede marcar una gran diferencia para algunos.
Como dijo Klochack, “Tener esa opción para que las familias pongan a sus hijos donde van a encontrar un gran éxito: Eso es lo que hacemos.”
¿Cómo Encontrar las Leyes de su Estado?
¿Qué opciones tiene para aprender en línea? Revise su guía del estado para padres, o vaya más abajo para saber si su estado ofrece escuela en línea gratuita.
En 33 estados, escuelas públicas en línea han sido establecidas por las autoridades del estado, por los distritos escolares, o escuelas chárter, lo que significa que los estudiantes pueden asistir a esas escuelas tiempo completo, sin costo de matrícula. Además, al menos en 36 estados ofrecen educación pública en línea a tiempo parcial a través del acceso a cursos, lo que permite a los estudiantes usar cursos en línea para complementar su educación con clases específicas. En muchos estados, esto es accesible, y a veces incluso gratuito, para estudiantes de escuelas privadas o educados en el hogar.
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Fuentes: Grupo de Educación Evergreen e investigación independiente por NSCW
Si bien no cada estado ofrece escuelas en línea gratuita, programas escolares en línea pagados, están disponibles en todos los 50 estados. Por ejemplo, opciones pagadas como Escuela Chárter Academia de Aprendizaje Virtual (la cual es gratuita para los residentes de New Hampshire), La Escuela Keystone, y Escuela Laurel Springs están disponibles para las familias en cualquier estado. Usted puede informarse más sobre las escuelas públicas en línea y recursos en el Aprendizaje Digital Colaborativo.
Para clases gratuitas tiempo parcial, ACCESS Alabama funciona como escuela virtual del estado y está diseñado para que los estudiantes de secundaria tomen cursos que puede que no estén disponibles (o que no son fáciles de programar) en sus escuelas. Los estudiantes de escuelas públicas en grados 9-12 pueden tomar clases gratis; los estudiantes de escuelas no públicas pueden tomar cursos por una tarifa.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Alabama para 2021-2022?
Alabama Virtual Academy, Alabama Connections Academy, Alabama Destinations Career Academy y Genesis Innovative School ofrecen fechas límite de inscripción continuas.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
A partir de septiembre de 2021, Alabama Connections Academy y Alabama Destinations Career Academy tienen asientos disponibles para los grados K-12. Alabama Virtual Academy todavía está aceptando solicitudes, pero la inscripción para el décimo grado está cerrada y reabrirá el 1 de octubre para una fecha de inicio del segundo semestre.
¿Las escuelas proporcionan equipo e internet?
Alabama Virtual Academy proporciona una computadora y un estipendio de Internet si la familia cumple con los requisitos financieros y académicos. En Alabama Destinations Career Academy, los estudiantes calificados pueden recibir una computadora e impresora en préstamo. Alabama Connections Academy y Genesis Innovative School no ofrecen tecnología ni wifi.
Además, Alaska tiene muchas ofertas de escuelas por correspondencia, algunas de las cuales son gratuitas, entre las que las familias pueden elegir. Por último, el programa ASD FLEX ofrece un programa gratuito de aprendizaje en el hogar completamente en línea que las familias de Anchorage pueden elegir a través de su vecindario o escuela de elección. El programa de aprendizaje virtual cuenta con maestros del Distrito Escolar de Anchorage y permite a las familias mantener una conexión con su escuela local.
Para que los fondos se transfieran a una de estas escuelas, las familias que se cambian a una escuela en línea pueden necesitar iniciar el retiro de su escuela anterior. Puede obtener más información sobre la comunidad escolar en línea de su estado en AZ Parents for Education.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Arizona para 2021-2022?
Leman Virtual Academy y Hope High School Online se inscriben durante todo el año. Arizona Connections Academy ofrece inscripción continua, pero la inscripción se detendrá del 4 al 18 de octubre de 2021. ASU Prep Digital ofrece inscripción continua, pero el 3 de octubre es la fecha límite para tomar cursos universitarios concurrentes. En Primavera Online School, los estudiantes en los grados 11-12 aún pueden solicitar cursos de seis semanas disponibles este otoño. Para otros grados, la solicitud para el segundo semestre es el 17 de diciembre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Arizona Virtual Academy, ASU Prep Digital y Primavera Online School tienen cupos disponibles para los grados K-12. Insight Academy of Arizona y Hope High School Online tienen cupos disponibles para los grados 7-12 y Leman Virtual Academy tienen cupos disponibles para los grados K-8. En Arizona Connections Academy, los grados K-5 están limitados, pero los cupos todavía están disponibles en los grados 6-11.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Arizona Connections Academy, una familia puede optar por un subsidio de computadora portátil e Internet por hogar. En Arizona Virtual Academy, una familia puede recibir una computadora si califica para almuerzo gratis o reducido o si es educación especial. Un estipendio de wifi puede estar disponible al final del año escolar. En Insight Academy of Arizona, una computadora en préstamo está disponible para familias calificadas. Primavera Online School, Hope High School, ASU Prep y Leman Virtual Academy no ofrecen computadoras ni wifi.
Arkansas:
Arkansas ofrece varias opciones de aprendizaje en líneas gratuitas a tiempo completo para estudiantes, como la Arkansas Connections Academy y la Arkansas Virtual Academy. También hay opciones de escuelas en línea del distrito; por ejemplo, los estudiantes del distrito escolar de Siloam Springs o los estudiantes que utilizan la inscripción abierta también pueden elegir la Academia virtual de Siloam Springs.
Para tiempo parcial, Virtual Arkansas ofrece opciones en línea para cualquier estudiante de Arkansas, aunque las clases en línea para estudiantes de grados K-6 están limitadas. Los estudiantes inscritos en una escuela pública pueden tomar todas o algunas clases en línea en su Virtual Arkansas. Si bien el sitio web Virtual Arkansas enumera tarifas para cursos, el distrito escolar local paga esos, no los estudiantes o sus familiares.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Arkansas para 2020-2021?
Arkansas Connections Academy ofrece inscripción continua. En Arkansas Virtual Academy, los grados K-8 tienen inscripción continua. Mientras que, los grados 9-12 tienen inscripción abierta hasta octubre y nuevamente de enero a marzo.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2020-2021?
Tanto Arkansas Connections Academy como Arkansas Virtual Academy tienen asientos disponibles para los grados K-12.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Arkansas Connections Academy ofrece asistencia tecnológica y wifi basada en los ingresos. De manera similar, en Arkansas Virtual Academy, si califica para almuerzo gratis o reducido, se le podría proporcionar una computadora y un estipendio de wifi.
Los estudiantes de K-12 en los condados de Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern y Orange también pueden considerar IQ Academy-Los Ángeles. Si bien gran parte del aprendizaje es facilitado por la tecnología, estos programas de aprendizaje también ofrecen viajes de campo en persona y reuniones. Los estudiantes en los grados 9-12 que necesiten apoyo académico adicional para superar obstáculos pueden considerar Insight Schools of California.
Además, algunos distritos han creado sus propias escuelas en línea, como Davis School for Independent Study. Los estudiantes del distrito o que hayan recibido una transferencia entre distritos pueden presentar una solicitud.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en California para el período 2021-2022?
En IQ Academy California, la fecha límite para los grados 9-12 fue el 22 de septiembre, mientras que la fecha límite para los grados K-8 es el 2 de noviembre. Debido al gran interés, California Connections Academy cerró las inscripciones para el semestre de otoño. Las escuelas autónomas Compass y las escuelas autónomas de California Pacific ofrecen admisión continua hasta que alcancen su capacidad máxima.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, IQ Academy California tiene asientos disponibles para los grados K-12. Las escuelas Charter Compass y las escuelas Charter de California Pacific también tienen asientos disponibles. California Connections Academy no tiene asientos disponibles para el semestre de otoño.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En California Connections Academy, se puede solicitar una computadora por hogar y un subsidio de Internet. En las Academias Virtuales de California, un estipendio para computadora y wifi puede estar disponible. Tanto Insight Schools of California como IQ Academy California proporcionan computadoras según la necesidad financiera.
Colorado:
Colorado ofrece varias opciones gratuitas de aprendizaje en línea a tiempo completo para los estudiantes, como Colorado Connections Academy, Colorado Virtual Academy y Colorado Preparatory Academy. Puede sumergirse en una lista completa de opciones en línea, algunas de las cuales son específicas del distrito y otras a nivel estatal, en el Departamento de Educación de Colorado. Los estudiantes de 6º a 12º grado interesados en educación vocacional pueden desear visitar Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, que se especializa en capacitación del mundo real para carreras específicas. Los estudiantes en los grados 9-12 que necesitan apoyo académico y social adicional para sobresalir pueden considerar la escuela en línea Pikes Peak.
Además, Colorado Digital Learning Solutions ofrece cursos de medio tiempo para estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria. Si bien Colorado Digital Learning Solutions cobra tarifas, los estudiantes que asisten a las escuelas públicas tradicionales y las escuelas charter de Colorado pueden tener sus tarifas subsidiadas. Otra opción de medio tiempo para algunos estudiantes de Colorado es My Tech High, que se asocia con Colorado Early Colleges, el distrito escolar de Vilas y el distrito escolar del condado de Kiowa RE-2 para ofrecer a los estudiantes de 5 a 18 años aprendizaje en línea.
Recientemente entrevistamos a una escuela en línea de Colorado, GOAL Academy. Esta escuela en línea tiene centros donde los estudiantes pueden trabajar y excursiones escolares frecuentes, ofreciendo a las familias una combinación única de educación virtual y en persona. Para obtener más información sobre la comunidad escolar en línea de su estado, consulte la Coalición de Familias Cyberschool en Colorado.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Colorado para el período 2021-2022?
Las familias pueden inscribirse en Colorado Virtual Academy de forma continua. En Connections Academy, la inscripción para el primer semestre cerró el 23 de septiembre, pero los grados K-11 pueden postularse para el segundo semestre. En Pikes Peak Online School, la inscripción finaliza a mediados de septiembre, pero ocasionalmente hay lugares disponibles para el segundo semestre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Colorado Virtual Academy tiene asientos disponibles para los grados K-12, mientras que Pikes Peak Online School tiene asientos disponibles para los grados 9-12. Colorado Connections Academy está aceptando solicitudes para el segundo semestre para los grados K-11.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Colorado Connections Academy proporciona a los estudiantes una computadora de escritorio y un reembolso por Internet. La escuela en línea Pikes Peak proporciona computadoras en préstamo y reembolsos por servicios de Internet en casos de necesidad financiera. Los estudiantes de Destinations Career Academy pueden recibir una computadora portátil en préstamo. Colorado Virtual Academy y Colorado Preparatory Academy no ofrecen tecnología ni wifi, pero es posible que existan excepciones debido a necesidades económicas.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en una escuela en línea en Florida para el período 2021-2022?
Para la opción de tiempo completo de Florida Virtual School, la inscripción comienza el 1 de noviembre para el semestre de primavera. FLVS Flex ofrece opciones de cursos con fechas de inicio flexibles durante todo el año. La fecha límite para Florida Connections Academy y Coastal Connections Academy fue el 17 de septiembre. La fecha límite para Digital Academy of Florida fue el 20 de septiembre. Mientras tanto, Florida Cyber Charter Academy acepta estudiantes hasta que se haya completado la capacidad.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, se han cumplido los límites de Florida Connections Academy y Florida Cyber Charter Academy y todos los nuevos solicitantes se incluirán en una lista de espera. Coastal Connections Academy y Digital Academy of Florida todavía tienen asientos disponibles para los grados K-12. En Florida Virtual School, la inscripción se cerró para los estudiantes de tiempo completo durante el semestre de otoño. Los estudiantes en los grados 6-12 aún pueden inscribirse en cursos individuales a través de FLVS Flex.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Florida Connections Academy, Coastal Connections Academy y Florida Cyber Charter Academy brindan computadoras en préstamo y reembolsos por servicios de Internet en caso de dificultades financieras. Florida Virtual School y Digital Academy of Florida proporcionan computadoras en préstamo a familias elegibles.
Georgia:
La Georgia Virtual School ofrece cursos en línea a nivel de escuela secundaria, más algunos cursos de escuela intermedia también. Los estudiantes de escuela pública pueden inscribirse a tiempo completo o parcial sin costo. Algunos fondos estatales están disponibles para cubrir la matrícula de los estudiantes privados y la educación en el hogar por orden de llegada. También hay disponibles otras opciones de aprendizaje gratuitas a tiempo completo, como la Georgia Connections Academy y Georgia Cyber Academy.
Algunos distritos de Georgia han desarrollado escuelas en línea y las familias pueden transferirse a una de estas escuelas. Por ejemplo, el Programa Virtual del Condado de Thomas atiende a estudiantes K-12 en el condado de Thomas y los condados vecinos. Y los estudiantes en los grados 3-11 en el condado de Fulton también pueden elegir la Academia de Excelencia Virtual de Fulton.
Debido a COVID-19, el estado ha asignado $ 1.2 millones en fondos para contratar nuevos maestros en la Escuela Virtual de Georgia y proporcionar un mayor acceso a los cursos para los grados 6-12. El estado también ha asignado $ 3 millones en fondos para aumentar la disponibilidad de wifi en vecindarios de alta necesidad y $ 1 millón para adquirir puntos de acceso de Internet personales para estudiantes.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Georgia para 2021-2022?
La fecha límite para inscribirse en Georgia Cyber Academy fue el 29 de agosto. Si bien la inscripción del primer semestre está cerrada para Georgia Connections Academy, la inscripción del segundo semestre comienza el 10 de octubre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
A partir de septiembre de 2021, la Escuela Virtual de Georgia está aceptando solicitudes para sus cursos de primavera de 2022. Georgia Connections Academy ha alcanzado su límite de inscripción para los grados 5, 8-9 y 11-12, pero tiene vacantes disponibles para los grados 6, 7 y 10. Georgia Cyber Academy ya no acepta solicitudes para el año escolar 2021-2022. La escuela ofrece excepciones para que los hermanos y los estudiantes sin hogar se inscriban en enero.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Georgia Connections Academy no proporciona tecnología ni wifi a los estudiantes. En Georgia Cyber Academy, se proporciona una computadora, una impresora y un punto de acceso a las familias que lo solicitan y cumplen con criterios específicos.
Además, para el año escolar 2021-2022, algunos distritos ofrecen planes de aprendizaje en línea. Puede encontrar una lista completa de estas opciones en el Departamento de Educación de Hawái.
Los padres que deseen inscribir a sus hijos en la escuela en línea a tiempo completo pueden contratar a un proveedor privado. Las opciones pagadas como la escuela secundaria en línea de la Universidad George Washington, la escuela Keystone y la Academia Internacional K12 están disponibles en cualquier estado.
Los estudiantes en los grados 6-12 también pueden considerar Idaho Connects Online School, y los estudiantes en los grados 9-12 también pueden considerar Idaho Technical Career Academy, una escuela en línea de tiempo completo centrada en la preparación profesional.
Para las opciones de parte del tiempo, los estudiantes de Idaho en grados 6-12 pueden inscribirse en clases en línea a través de Idaho Digital Learning. Aprendiendo Digital en Idaho está disponible para los estudiantes en cualquier tipo de entorno educativo, público o privado. Pero los padres deben consultar con su escuela pública local o el distrito para detalles, ya que pueden aplicar tarifas.
Los estudiantes en Boise que deseen asistir a la escuela en línea en 2020-2021 también pueden postularse a la Escuela en línea de Boise, que comienza el 17 de agosto de 2020. Comuníquese con su escuela para obtener más información sobre cómo inscribirse.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Idaho para el período 2021-2022?
Idaho Connects Online School ofrece admisión continua, con solicitudes aceptadas en cualquier época del año. En Inspire Connections Academy, la fecha límite para inscribirse fue el 1 de octubre. En Idaho Technical Career Academy, la fecha límite para inscribirse era el 30 de agosto. En Idaho Virtual Academy, hay varias fechas límite que la escuela ofrece para inicios tardíos durante todo el año.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Inspire Connections Academy tiene asientos disponibles para los grados K-12 e Idaho Connects Online tiene asientos disponibles para los grados 6-12. Idaho Virtual Academy tiene asientos disponibles y ofrece fechas de inicio mensuales en las que los estudiantes pueden inscribirse durante el año escolar. Estos se extienden hasta febrero. La Academia de Carreras Técnicas de Idaho tiene asientos disponibles para los grados 9-12.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Inspire Connections Academy, hay una computadora portátil y un subsidio de Internet disponibles por hogar. En Idaho Virtual Academy, una computadora portátil en préstamo está disponible para las familias elegibles. En Idaho Technical Career Academy, cada estudiante recibe una computadora e impresora en préstamo y, en algunos casos, hay subsidios disponibles para Internet. En Idaho Connects Online School, se puede solicitar una computadora.
Illinois:
Los estudiantes de Illinois en grados 5-12 pueden tomar cursos adicionales en línea a través de la Escuela Virtual de Illinois. Mientras que la Escuela Virtual de Illinois cobra tarifas, algunas escuelas y distritos pagan por esas a nombre de sus estudiantes. Los estudiantes pueden registrarse a través de su escuela local o como un estudiante de educación en el hogar.
Las familias que califican para el programa de vales del estado pueden aplicar esos vales a dos escuelas virtuales privadas recientemente acreditadas, GEO Focus Academy y Faith Prep.
Otra opción que pueden elegir los estudiantes de Indiana es IU High School, una escuela secundaria privada en línea totalmente acreditada dirigida por la Universidad de Indiana. Los estudiantes de IU High School pueden tomar cursos para complementar sus experiencias educativas en instituciones físicas, o los estudiantes pueden obtener un diploma de escuela secundaria en línea a tiempo completo. La escuela secundaria IU se fundó en 1925, por lo que ha permitido que los estudiantes obtengan un diploma de escuela secundaria a distancia durante casi un siglo.
Finalmente, algunas escuelas cubrirán los costos para que los estudiantes tomen cursos de secundaria a tiempo parcial a través de Indiana Online.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Indiana para el período 2021-2022?
Indiana Digital Learning School, Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy y Achieve Virtual ofrecen políticas de inscripción continua. En Indiana Connections Career Academy e Indiana Connections Academy, la inscripción para el primer semestre está cerrada, pero los grados 6-11 pueden inscribirse para el segundo semestre a partir del 13 de octubre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
A partir de septiembre de 2021, Indiana Digital Learning School tiene vacantes disponibles para los grados K-12. Indiana Connections Academy tiene cupos disponibles para los grados 6-11, y la inscripción en los grados K-5 está sujeta a una lista de espera. Indiana Connections Career Academy tiene asientos disponibles para los grados 6-11. Insight School of Indiana tiene asientos disponibles para los grados 7-12.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Indiana Digital Learning School, todos los estudiantes tienen la opción de recibir una computadora; Las familias de bajos ingresos pueden solicitar un estipendio de wifi que se distribuirá a fin de año. En Indiana Connections Academy e Indiana Connections Career Academy, las familias no reciben tecnología ni wifi a menos que soliciten una exención por dificultades. Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy y Achieve Virtual no brindan tecnología ni wifi a los estudiantes. En Insight School of Indiana, los estudiantes elegibles pueden solicitar una computadora e Internet.
Iowa:
Iowa ofrece varias opciones gratuitas de aprendizaje en línea a tiempo completo para estudiantes, como Iowa Connections Academy y Iowa Virtual Academy. Para que los fondos sigan a un niño a la escuela en línea, las familias deben completar la Solicitud de Inscripción Abierta de Iowa con su distrito asignado para su aprobación; esto podría potencialmente ser denegado si se completa después del cierre del período de inscripción abierta en la primavera.
Además de estas opciones estatales, varios distritos ofrecen actualmente programas en línea. Puede encontrar una lista de estas escuelas en línea en el Departamento de Educación de Iowa.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Iowa para 2021-2022?
Iowa Connections Academy tiene una política de inscripción continua basada en la capacidad y la aprobación de la escuela asignada al solicitante. La fecha límite de la Academia Virtual de Iowa fue el 10 de septiembre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Iowa Connections Academy todavía tiene capacidad para los grados K-5, y la Academia Virtual de Iowa está aceptando solicitudes para los grados K-12.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Iowa Connections Academy, hay subsidios para computadoras e Internet disponibles para las familias elegibles. La Academia Virtual de Iowa no suele ofrecer tecnología ni wifi, pero, en función de la ayuda económica, es posible que haya disponible una computadora en préstamo.
El Departamento de Educación del Estado de Kansas también mantiene un directorio completo de programas escolares virtuales, que incluye muchas escuelas en línea del distrito. Puede buscar en la lista programas que permitan la transferencia de estudiantes de fuera del distrito.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Kansas para el período 2021-2022?
En Kansas Connections Academy, la fecha límite para inscribirse era el 3 de septiembre. La inscripción de otoño en Kansas Virtual Academy está cerrada, pero las familias pueden solicitar los espacios disponibles en la primavera. Insight School of Kansas tiene una política de inscripción continua hasta el 11 de diciembre para los grados 7-8 y hasta el 3 de septiembre para los grados 9-12. La inscripción se cerró para el semestre de otoño en el Programa de aprendizaje en línea de Kansas.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
A partir de septiembre de 2021, Kansas Virtual Academy está aceptando solicitudes de lista de espera para los grados K-6. Insight School of Kansas está aceptando solicitudes de lista de espera para los grados 7-8.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Según la necesidad, Kansas Connections Academy, Kansas Virtual Academy, Insight School of Kansas y Kansas Online Learning Program pueden proporcionar computadoras en préstamo a los estudiantes.
Kentucky:
Mientras que muchos estados tienen escuela virtual disponible a tiempo completo, gratuita, Kentucky no tiene todavía esa opción. Sin embargo, los cursos de tiempo parcial o de tiempo completo pueden estar disponibles a un costo a través de BAVEL, The Corbin School of Innovation o JCPS eSchool. En algunos casos, las escuelas pueden cubrir los costos de los cursos en línea de un estudiante. Más información sobre estas opciones pagas está disponible en el sitio web del Departamento de Educación de KY.
Los estudiantes en Louisiana de grados K-12 pueden asistir a la Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy, una escuela chárter en línea, a tiempo completo o a University View Academy Para las opciones de tiempo parcial, los proveedores en línea participan en el programa del estado Supplement Course Academy Program, el cual ofrece clases gratuitas a los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas públicas de bajo rendimiento, escuelas públicas que no ofrecen un determinado curso, o escuelas privadas en becas de oportunidad. Los estudiantes que no califican para clases gratuitas pueden tomar esos cursos por una tarifa.
Si un estudiante desea cambiarse a una escuela en línea, su padre o tutor legal debe notificar a la escuela actualmente inscrita para poder retirarse e identificar la escuela en línea a la que se está transfiriendo.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Louisiana para 2021-2022?
La fecha límite de inscripción de otoño de Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy es a mediados de septiembre y la fecha límite de inscripción de primavera es a mediados de enero. University View Academy ofrece inscripción continua.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, en University View Academy, los grados 3, 8 y 12 están en la lista de espera para el año escolar 2021-2022, pero hay un número limitado de lugares en otros grados. Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy está llena.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy no suele ofrecer tecnología ni wifi. Pero, según la necesidad económica, es posible que haya disponible una computadora en préstamo. En University View Academy, se proporciona una computadora portátil y se puede recibir un estipendio de Internet al finalizar el año escolar.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Maine para 2021-2022?
Maine Connections Academy tiene una política de inscripción continua. La fecha límite de la Academia Virtual de Maine es el 29 de septiembre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Maine Connections Academy todavía acepta solicitudes para los grados 7-12, pero se ha alcanzado el límite, por lo que las nuevas solicitudes se colocarán en una lista de espera hasta que haya espacio disponible. La Academia Virtual de Maine tiene disponibilidad limitada para el año académico 2021-2022.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Maine Connections Academy, los estudiantes pueden solicitar una computadora portátil por hogar. En Maine Virtual Academy, se pueden solicitar computadoras, impresoras y subsidios de Internet.
Maryland:
Maryland no cuenta actualmente con un programa de aprendizaje en línea gratis y de tiempo completo, pero hay opciones con pago disponibles. Algunos de estos proveedores pagos son la escuela secundaria en línea de la Universidad George Washington, la escuela Keystone y la Academia Internacional K12.
Una opción local privada en línea que las familias de Maryland pueden elegir es Bryn Mawr Online, una escuela en línea para niñas que otorga un diploma, está acreditada por AIMS, aprobada por la NCAA y autorizada por AP. La escuela es una consecuencia de Bryn Mawr School en Baltimore, que está clasificada como la escuela preparatoria universitaria número uno en Maryland. Bryn Mawr Online actualmente está inscribiendo a estudiantes de noveno y décimo grado para una cohorte inicial para el año escolar 2022-2023.
Además, el Programa Virtual Combinado de Eastern Shore of Maryland ofrece un programa de aprendizaje combinado para estudiantes de escuelas públicas en los grados 6-12 en ciertos distritos de Maryland. Estos incluyen: condado de Caroline, condado de Cecil, condado de Dorchester, condado de Kent, condado de Queen Anne, condado de Somerset, condado de Talbot, condado de Wicomico y escuelas públicas del condado de Worcester.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Massachusetts para el período 2021-2022?
Tanto Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School como TEC Connections Academy ofrecen una política de inscripción continua. Las escuelas operan en una serie de períodos abiertos de solicitud hasta que se alcanza el límite de inscripción.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School está aceptando solicitudes para su lista de espera.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School, hay un Chromebook disponible para todos los estudiantes inscritos y es posible que existan subsidios para Internet. En TEC Connections Academy, se puede solicitar una computadora portátil por hogar.
Además, Michigan Virtual ofrece clases en línea a tiempo parcial para estudiantes de escuela intermedia y preparatoria; se pueden aplicar tar yifas.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en una escuela en línea en Michigan para el período 2021-2022?
La fecha límite de inscripción de Insight School of Michigan fue el 7 de septiembre. La fecha límite de Michigan Connections Academy fue el 6 de octubre. La fecha límite de la Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy fue el 29 de septiembre. Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan y Michigan Virtual Academy tienen fechas límite renovables.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En Michigan Connections Academy, Michigan International Prep School, Michigan Virtual Charter Academy y Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan, hay asientos disponibles para los grados K-12. Insight School of Michigan tiene vacantes disponibles para los grados 9-12.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Michigan Connections Academy, los estudiantes pueden solicitar una computadora y un subsidio de Internet por hogar. En Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan, las computadoras en préstamo y los subsidios de Internet pueden estar disponibles según la necesidad financiera y la elegibilidad. Los estudiantes de Insight School of Michigan reciben una computadora e impresora. Las familias de Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy y Michigan Virtual Charter Academy reciben una computadora y un estipendio de Internet. Todos los estudiantes de Michigan International Prep School reciben un Chromebook emitido por la escuela en préstamo, así como un punto de acceso MiFi o un paquete básico de Internet.
Muchos distritos de Minnesota también ofrecen escuelas en línea, como 279 Online (para estudiantes en las escuelas del área de Ossea) y New Code Academy de Bloomington. Algunos de estos, como las Escuelas Públicas de Minnesota en línea, están abiertos a estudiantes de todo el estado. Y, a partir del otoño de 2021, las familias con estudiantes en los grados K-8 también pueden elegir Cologne Academy Online, una escuela pública autónoma con un enfoque en Core Knowledge.
Hay opciones gratuitas a tiempo parcial disponibles para los estudiantes matriculados en escuelas públicas (incluidas las escuelas autónomas). Además, hay opciones pagas de medio tiempo disponibles para estudiantes de escuelas privadas. Obtenga más información sobre las opciones de aprendizaje en línea a tiempo completo y a tiempo parcial en el Departamento de Educación de Minnesota, que proporciona una lista completa de opciones en línea. Para que los fondos sigan a un estudiante que cambia a la escuela en línea, la familia debe completar un formulario de Opciones de inscripción para todo el estado.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Minnesota para 2021-2022?
Minnesota Connections Academy, Minnesota Virtual School for Success, Cologne Academy Online e IQ Academy of Minnesota tienen políticas de inscripción continua. La fecha límite para Insight School of Minnesota fue el 8 de septiembre. La fecha límite para la escuela secundaria Minnesota Online High School es el 8 de noviembre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, IQ Academy Minnesota y Minnesota Virtual Academy tienen vacantes disponibles en los grados K-12, mientras que Insight Academy of Minnesota tiene vacantes abiertas en los grados 6-12. Minnesota Online High School tiene cupos disponibles para los grados 9-12 y Cologne Academy Online tiene cupos disponibles para los grados K-8.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Minnesota Connections Academy, los estudiantes de los grados K-5 deben proporcionar su propia computadora, pero los estudiantes de los grados 6-12 reciben una computadora. En Minnesota Virtual Academy, un estipendio de computadora e Internet puede estar disponible según la necesidad financiera y la elegibilidad. Cologne Academy Online y Blue Sky Online no proporcionan tecnología ni wifi. Insight School of Minnesota ofrece a los estudiantes elegibles un subsidio para computadoras e Internet. Minnesota Online High School puede proporcionar apoyo informático y de Internet en casos de dificultades económicas.
Mississippi:
Mississippi no ofrece escuela en línea gratis a tiempo completo. Sin embargo, los estudiantes pueden inscribirse en clases a tiempo parcial en la Escuela Pública Virtual de Mississippi, y tener sus tarifas pagadas por su distrito local.
Los estudiantes de escuela pública en Missouri tienen acceso a cursos individuales en línea o a programas en línea gratuitos a tiempo completo a través de MOCAP (Acceso a Cursos y Programa de Escuela Virtual de Missouri). Para participar, los estudiantes deben obtener la inscripción aprobada por su distrito escolar de residencia. Algunos distritos solo permiten que las clases se tomen en el campus, otros permiten el aprendizaje virtual de tiempo completo. Los estudiantes deben estar inscritos actualmente en una escuela pública de Missouri para cambiarse a MOCAP o Missouri Connections Academy.
También, cualquier estudiante de escuela privada en Missouri, desde kindergarten hasta el grado 12, puede tomar cursos en línea a través de MOCAP por una tarifa. En algunos casos, como los estudiantes que tienen ciertas afecciones médicas, se les puede eximir la matrícula.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Missouri para 2021-2022?
Los plazos de inscripción para MOCAP dependen de cada distrito escolar, por lo que las familias interesadas deben comunicarse con su escuela pública. Missouri Connections Academy tiene una política de inscripción continua.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
La disponibilidad de MOCAP varía según el distrito escolar.
¿Podrán las familias cambiar a mitad del año escolar, si es necesario?
En MOCAP, si una familia puede transferirse a la escuela en línea a mitad del año escolar depende de su distrito escolar. En Missouri Connections Academy, se aceptan transferencias de mitad de año siempre que no se cumpla con el límite de inscripción de la escuela.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
La disponibilidad gratuita de tecnología y wifi para los estudiantes de MOCAP depende de cada distrito escolar. Missouri Connections Academy no proporciona tecnología ni wifi a los estudiantes.
Montana:
Mientras que Montana no tiene actualmente una opción de aprendizaje gratuita, en línea a tiempo completo, la Academia Digital de Montana les permite a todos los estudiantes tomar clases en línea a base de tiempo parcial. Además, como se mencionó anteriormente, las familias en cualquier estado pueden escoger entre proveedores de aprendizaje en línea pagados para una opción de tiempo completo.
En algunas áreas, las familias también pueden elegir una escuela en línea administrada por el distrito. Por ejemplo, el Distrito Escolar de Bozeman ha establecido una escuela secundaria en línea para los estudiantes del distrito y recientemente agregó una escuela autónoma en línea para los estudiantes en los grados K-8.
Nebraska:
Si bien la mayoría de los estados tienen programas públicos gratuitos en línea que las familias pueden elegir, Nebraska actualmente no tiene esa opción. Las opciones pagas como la Escuela Secundaria de la Universidad de Nebraska, en línea, pueden estar disponibles. Opciones pagadas como la escuela secundaria en línea de la Universidad George Washington, la escuela Keystone y la Academia Internacional K12 están disponibles en cualquier estado incluyendo el estado de Nebraska.
Las familias interesadas en inscribirse en University of Nebraska High School Online pueden hacerlo en cualquier momento durante el año; no hay fecha límite para la inscripción. La escuela no proporciona a las familias tecnología ni wifi.
Además, las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha ofrecen a los estudiantes la Escuela Virtual de Omaha, un programa de aprendizaje combinado que incorpora sesiones presenciales y clases en línea en el hogar.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Nevada para 2021-2022?
Nevada Learning Academy no tiene una fecha límite establecida para la inscripción, permanece abierta a nuevos estudiantes hasta que se llenen todas las vacantes. Nevada Virtual Academy también tiene una política de inscripción continua. En Nevada Connections Academy, la fecha límite para inscribirse es el 12 de noviembre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, en Nevada Learning Academy, actualmente hay cupos disponibles para los grados K-12. En Nevada Connections Academy, hay cupos disponibles solo para los grados 9-10. La Academia Virtual de Nevada tiene disponibilidad limitada para estudiantes nuevos.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Nevada Learning Academy, Nevada Connections Academy y Nevada Virtual Academy, algunos estudiantes son elegibles para recibir computadoras en préstamo y subsidios de Internet. En Leadership Academy of Nevada, se proporcionan computadoras a los estudiantes elegibles.
New Hampshire:
Los residentes de New Hampshire, de escuela secundaria y adultos, pueden tomar cursos libre de cargos, tiempo completo o parcial, en la Virtual Learning Academy Charter School. Si habrá una brecha entre la asistencia a la escuela anterior de un estudiante y su comienzo en la escuela virtual, el estudiante debe presentar un aviso de intención en su escuela pública local.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en New Hampshire para el período 2021-2022?
En Virtual Learning Academy Charter, el registro continuo está disponible; puede inscribirse en cualquier momento del año.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
La Carta de la Academia Virtual de Aprendizaje no tiene un límite en la cantidad de estudiantes que inscribe.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
La Carta de la Academia Virtual de Aprendizaje no proporciona tecnología ni wifi a los estudiantes.
New Jersey:
Desafortunadamente, New Jersey no tiene una opción de escuela en línea gratuita a tiempo completo. Sin embargo, la Escuela Virtual de New Jersey ofrece inscripción a tiempo completo y recuperación de crédito a estudiantes en los grados 6-12 por una tarifa. La inscripción comienza el 7 de septiembre. Si los estudiantes están interesados en inscribirse a mitad de año, es posible que puedan inscribirse en cursos solo semestrales para la primavera. Los estudiantes que asisten a la Escuela Virtual de Nueva Jersey deben tener acceso a tecnología y wifi; la escuela no proporciona estos para las familias.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Nuevo México para 2021-2022?
Todas las escuelas en línea de Nuevo México tienen políticas de inscripción continua: por orden de llegada.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
A partir de septiembre de 2021, New Mexico Connections Academy tiene cupos disponibles para los grados 4-11, pero el grado 12 está lleno. Pecos Cyber Academy, eCademy K8 New Mexico Destinations Career Academy todavía están aceptando solicitudes. eCademy High School está llena y solo acepta estudiantes en situaciones de emergencia.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En New Mexico Connections Academy, las familias pueden solicitar una computadora y un subsidio de Internet por hogar. eCademy High School proporciona una computadora para los estudiantes. Destinations Career Academy ofrece una computadora y un punto de acceso wifi. eCademy K8 proporciona una computadora y un reembolso por Internet.
New York:
Si bien la mayoría de los estados ofrecen un programa de aprendizaje en línea gratuito y de tiempo completo, Nueva York actualmente no lo hace. Sin embargo, las opciones de pago en línea están disponibles.
En North Carolina, los estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria pueden matricularse a tiempo completo o parcial en la North Carolina Virtual School. Los estudiantes que no estén matriculados en escuelas públicas puede ser que necesiten pagar la matrícula. También hay disponibles otras opciones de aprendizaje en línea gratuitas a tiempo completo, como la Academia Virtual de North Carolina (North Carolina Virtual Academy.)
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Carolina del Norte para el período 2021-2022?
En North Carolina Cyber Academy, las solicitudes para los grados 9-11 para el semestre de primavera serán aceptadas hasta el 17 de diciembre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, la Academia Virtual de Carolina del Norte está llena y la inscripción está cerrada para el año escolar 2021-2022.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
La Escuela Pública Virtual de Carolina del Norte no proporciona tecnología ni wifi a los estudiantes. En North Carolina Virtual Academy, una computadora, una impresora, un software y un estipendio de Internet pueden estar disponibles según la necesidad financiera y la elegibilidad. La Academia Cibernética de Carolina del Norte ofrece un subsidio para computadoras e Internet para los estudiantes elegibles.
North Dakota:
Si bien actualmente no existe una opción gratuita de tiempo completo para los estudiantes de Dakota del Norte, los estudiantes de primaria y secundaria pueden inscribirse en cursos a través del North Dakota Center for Distance Education por una tarifa. Las familias pueden inscribirse en los cursos en cualquier momento del año y la mayoría de los cursos no tienen una fecha límite establecida. El Centro de Educación a Distancia de Dakota del Norte tiene disponibilidad para todos los grados para el año escolar 2021-2022, aunque algunos cursos de cada grado pueden estar completos. La escuela no ofrece tecnología gratuita y wifi a las familias, por lo que los estudiantes deben tener acceso a estos en casa.
Además, algunos distritos de Dakota del Norte ofrecen programas en línea, como Mandan Virtual Academy. En algunos casos, los estudiantes de fuera del distrito pueden transferirse mediante un acuerdo con el distrito de origen del estudiante.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en una escuela en línea en Ohio para el período 2021-2022?
Ohio Connections Academy, Ohio Digital Learning School y Ohio Virtual Academy tienen inscripción continua. Los plazos de inscripción para la Escuela de Aprendizaje Digital de Ohio varían según el distrito.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, el límite de Ohio Connections Academy no se ha cumplido y todavía está aceptando solicitudes, al igual que la Academia de Educación Alternativa. Ohio Virtual Academy tiene vacantes para que los estudiantes se inscriban en los grados K-12. La Escuela de Aprendizaje Digital de Ohio tiene asientos disponibles para estudiantes en los grados 9-12 que tienen entre 16 y 21 años de edad.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Ohio Connections Academy, se proporcionará a las familias una computadora y un subsidio de Internet. En Ohio Virtual Academy, se proporcionará a las familias una computadora, una impresora, un software y un subsidio de Internet. La Escuela de Aprendizaje Digital de Ohio proporciona una computadora si el estudiante califica para almuerzo gratis o reducido. La Academia de Educación Alternativa y la Escuela en Línea para el Éxito Buckeye brindan un subsidio para computadoras e Internet para las familias elegibles. TRECA Digital Academy proporciona a los estudiantes una computadora y un iPhone, así como un reembolso por Internet o Internet. Quaker Digital Academy proporciona computadoras en préstamo a los estudiantes, así como reembolsos por Internet.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Oklahoma para el período 2021-2022?
La fecha límite para inscribirse en Oklahoma Connections Academy es el 10 de noviembre. Epic Charter School, Insight School of Oklahoma y E-School Virtual Charter Academy tienen políticas de inscripción continua. La fecha límite para inscribirse en la Escuela de Tecnología e Información de Oklahoma es el 1 de octubre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy y Oklahoma Connections Academy tienen asientos disponibles en todos los grados K-12, mientras que Epic Charter School tiene disponibilidad en los grados 3-12. Insight School of Oklahoma tiene disponibilidad en los grados 6-12. Oklahoma Information and Technology School tiene disponibilidad en los grados 6-9 Oklahoma, e Insight School of Oklahoma tiene disponibilidad en los grados 6-12.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Todas las escuelas enumeradas anteriormente proporcionan computadoras para los estudiantes elegibles. En Epic Charter School, un “fondo de aprendizaje” puede estar disponible para cubrir los gastos. En Oklahoma Information and Technology School, Insight School of Oklahoma y E-School Virtual Academy Charter, se pueden solicitar puntos de acceso wifi o reembolsos de Internet.
Para que los fondos sigan a un estudiante a la escuela en línea, la familia del estudiante debe enviar una carta de intención, indicando que se inscribirá en una escuela virtual. Puede obtener más información sobre la comunidad escolar en línea en Oregon Virtual Public School Alliance.
Otra opción para algunas familias de Oregon es asistir a una escuela en línea administrada por el distrito. Algunos distritos, como el distrito escolar de Beaverton, planean continuar la educación en línea como una opción después de la pandemia.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en una escuela en línea en Oregon para el período 2021-2022?
Oregon Connections Academy tiene una política de admisión continua siempre y cuando no se haya cumplido con el límite estatal del 3% (solo hasta el tres por ciento de los estudiantes en cualquier distrito escolar público del estado pueden inscribirse en una de las escuelas virtuales de tiempo completo de Oregon). Frontier Charter Academy también ofrece inscripción continua.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En Frontier Charter Academy, la mayoría de los grados están actualmente al límite de su capacidad, pero la escuela aún acepta solicitudes en caso de que haya espacios disponibles. A partir de septiembre de 2021, Baker Web Academy todavía acepta solicitudes para los grados K-11.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Oregon Connections Academy, se puede solicitar una computadora portátil y un estipendio de Internet por hogar. Oregon Virtual Academy proporciona a las familias una computadora y un estipendio dos veces al año para compensar los costos de tecnología y wifi. Baker Web Academy proporciona computadoras portátiles a los estudiantes inscritos en programas en línea.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en una escuela en línea en Pensilvania para el período 2021-2022?
PA Virtual Charter School, Reach Cyber Charter School, Insight PA Cyber Charter School, 21st Century Cyber Charter School y Commonwealth Charter School tienen políticas de inscripción continua.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Insight PA Cyber Charter School, PA Virtual Charter School, Reach Cyber Charter School y Commonwealth Charter Academy tienen asientos disponibles en todos los grados.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En PA Virtual Charter School, se proporcionará una computadora portátil, una impresora y un estipendio de Internet a los estudiantes elegibles. En Reach Cyber Charter School, los estudiantes pueden solicitar una computadora y un subsidio de Internet por hogar. En Insight PA Cyber Charter School, se proporciona una computadora portátil a cada familia. En Commonwealth Charter Academy, los estudiantes tienen a su disposición una computadora, una impresora y un subsidio de Internet. La escuela autónoma 21st Century proporciona computadoras a los estudiantes. En PA Leadership Charter School, cada estudiante recibe una computadora portátil, una impresora y conectividad en línea.
Rhode Island:
A partir del otoño de 2021, Rhode Island Connections Academy ofrecerá una opción de aprendizaje en línea gratuita y de tiempo completo para los estudiantes de Rhode Island. Los estudiantes que participan permanecen inscritos en su distrito escolar y deben tener la aprobación de su superintendente.
Además, en algunos distritos de Rhode Island, los estudiantes de los grados 3-12 pueden inscribirse en cursos en línea a tiempo parcial a través de su distrito escolar local. Puede comunicarse con su escuela pública local para preguntar si hay opciones en línea gratuitas o de pago disponibles en su distrito.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Rhode Island para 2021-2022?
Rhode Island Connections Academy ofrece una política de inscripción continua.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
A partir de septiembre de 2021, Rhode Island Connections Academy está aceptando solicitudes para todos los grados.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Rhode Island Connections Academy solo proporciona subsidios de tecnología e Internet en caso de dificultades financieras.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Carolina del Sur para 2021-2022?
South Carolina Connections Academy, South Carolina Virtual Charter School, Odyssey Online High School y SC Whitmore School tienen políticas de inscripción continua.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, la escuela autónoma virtual de Carolina del Sur tiene cupos disponibles para los grados K-12. En South Carolina Connections Academy, la inscripción está limitada a 6,500 estudiantes, y se ha alcanzado el límite para los grados K, 2, 3, 4 y 5. Hay espacio limitado disponible en los grados 6-11. En Odyssey Online Learning, los estudiantes que presenten su solicitud más allá de finales de septiembre probablemente estarán en una lista de espera para el segundo semestre.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
South Carolina Connections Academy no proporciona a las familias tecnología gratuita, pero los subsidios de Internet pueden estar disponibles en caso de dificultades. La Escuela Virtual Charter de Carolina del Sur y la Escuela SC Whitmore no brindan tecnología ni wifi en la mayoría de los casos.
South Dakota:
Las familias de Dakota del Sur pueden obtener cursos gratuitos de aprendizaje en línea a través de Comunidad de Aprendizaje en Línea de Black Hills (Black Hills Online Learning Community), el cual se asocia con K12 y distritos escolares locales. Algunos distritos permiten que los estudiantes tomen clases en línea a tiempo completo, algunos permiten que los estudiantes tomen clases en línea a tiempo parcial y algunos no permiten el aprendizaje en línea. Los estudiantes que toman cursos en línea permanecen inscritos en su distrito de origen y siguen los procedimientos y políticas de su distrito. Por lo general, el registro solo está abierto en ciertas épocas del año y las familias deben proporcionar su propia computadora y acceso a Internet.
Además, la South Dakota’s Virtual School, junto con el Departamento de Educación del estado, ofrece una lista de proveedores aprobados para cursos de medio tiempo. Los estudiantes se coordinan y se registran a través de su distrito local para tomar estas clases en línea. Si el distrito del estudiante absorberá el costo de las clases o requerirá que el estudiante pague una tarifa varía según el distrito.
Para el año escolar 2021-2022, Tennessee tiene 57 escuelas virtuales, ¡29 de las cuales son nuevas! Las escuelas virtuales en Tennessee son supervisadas por distritos escolares. Si bien algunas escuelas virtuales pueden estar abiertas solo para estudiantes del distrito, otras (como Tennessee Virtual Academy y Tennessee Connections Academy) brindan servicios a estudiantes en todo el estado.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en escuelas en línea en Tennessee para 2021-2022?
Tennessee Connections Academy tiene una política de inscripción continua. En Tennessee Virtual Academy, la escuela permite que grupos de nuevos estudiantes comiencen durante todo el año.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Tennessee Connections Academy tiene asientos disponibles para los grados K-11. La Academia Virtual de Tennessee pronto creará una lista de espera.
En Tennessee Connections Academy, se aceptan estudiantes transferidos a mitad de año siempre que no se cumpla con el límite de inscripción de la escuela. Tennessee Virtual Academy también acepta estudiantes a mitad del año escolar; establece fechas para que diferentes cohortes de nuevos estudiantes comiencen a lo largo del año.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Tennessee Connections Academy y Tennessee Virtual Academy no suelen ofrecer tecnología ni wifi, pero las familias pueden solicitar la tecnología según sus necesidades económicas.
Texas:
Texas ofrece varias opciones de aprendizaje en línea gratuitas y de tiempo para estudiantes, incluyendo la matrícula gratis, incluyendo escuela gratuita a través de la Escuela en Línea de la Red de Escuelas Virtuales de Texas (Texas Virtual School Network). Para el año escolar 2021-2022, había siete escuelas en línea de tiempo completo para elegir en la Red de escuelas virtuales de Texas. Además, los estudiantes pueden encontrar opciones de medio tiempo a través de la Red de Escuelas Virtuales de Texas.
En el caso de las escuelas charter y del distrito de Texas, la financiación estatal se ha basado históricamente en la cantidad de estudiantes físicamente presentes en las aulas, lo que ha dificultado que las escuelas financien el aprendizaje virtual. Aún así, algunos distritos escolares han desarrollado escuelas en línea, como la nueva oferta virtual de las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony. En 2021, los legisladores de Texas aprobaron un proyecto de ley de financiación para ayudar a los distritos a cubrir los costos del aprendizaje virtual. De acuerdo con la ley, las escuelas autónomas y del distrito que recibieron una C o más en las últimas calificaciones de responsabilidad pueden recibir fondos para los estudiantes inscritos en el aprendizaje remoto a tiempo completo en sus límites. En algunos casos, las opciones en línea del distrito pueden estar disponibles para estudiantes fuera del distrito a través de inscripción abierta.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Texas para 2021-2022?
La Red de Escuelas Virtuales de Texas ofrece a las familias siete opciones diferentes en línea, algunas de las cuales tienen fechas límite renovables. Las opciones en línea del distrito tienen diferentes fechas límite.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
Si es flexible en cuanto a la plataforma que elige, hay disponibilidad para este año escolar a través de la Red de Escuelas Virtuales de Texas.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Algunas de las opciones de la Red de Escuelas Virtuales de Texas ofrecen una computadora portátil, mientras que otras no. Para las escuelas que no lo hacen, es posible que pueda solicitar una excepción basada en dificultades financieras.
Utah:
Todos los estudiantes de Utah, grados K-12, pueden inscribirse en cursos en línea a tiempo completo o parcial a través de la Utah Online School. Todos los cursos tienen matrícula gratis. Otras opciones de aprendizaje gratuito están disponibles, tales como la Academia de Conexiones de Utah (Utah Connections Academy) y la Academia Virtual Utah (Utah Virtual Academy). Además, My Tech High se asocia con escuelas públicas para ofrecer programas de educación a distancia a tiempo completo, personalizado, para estudiantes de 5 a 18 años.
Mountain Heights Academy es otra opción pública en línea gratuita para estudiantes en los grados 7-12. La escuela es la primera escuela secundaria del país en crear y publicar su propio plan de estudios como un “recurso educativo abierto” disponible gratuitamente para cualquier persona.
Además, varios distritos escolares de Utah han desarrollado programas escolares en línea, algunos de los cuales pueden ser opciones incluso para estudiantes de fuera del distrito.
Padres, educadores y miembros de la comunidad pueden encontrar datos relacionados con la educación sobre todas las escuelas públicas, incluidas las escuelas públicas en línea, en Data Gateway de la Junta de Educación del Estado de Utah.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Utah para el período 2021-2022?
En Utah Online School, la fecha límite para K-5 fue el 28 de septiembre y hay inscripciones continuas para los grados 6-12. Utah Connections Academy tiene inscripción continua siempre y cuando no se haya alcanzado el límite de la escuela. My Tech High ofrece inscripción continua todos los días del año. En Mountain Heights Academy, se pueden aceptar nuevos estudiantes en los grados 6 a 10 cada nuevo trimestre (agosto, octubre, enero y marzo). Alumnos seniors (grado 12) solo son aceptados para tiempo completo en agosto. Los estudiantes de grado 11 solo se aceptan en agosto y enero.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Utah Online School, Utah Connections Academy, My Tech High y Mountain Heights Academy tienen asientos disponibles en todos los grados.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Las familias que asisten a Utah Online School pueden completar una solicitud para una computadora según sus necesidades. Las familias en los grados K-6 en Utah Connections Academy pueden solicitar un subsidio para una computadora portátil y para Internet; las familias en los grados 7-12 deben proporcionar las suyas propias. En Utah Virtual Academy, una familia puede solicitar una computadora si califica para el almuerzo gratis o reducido. En My Tech High, se puede proporcionar un subsidio tecnológico de hasta $ 300 al año.
Vermont:
Si bien Vermont aún no ofrece una opción de aprendizaje en línea gratuita y de tiempo completo, todos los estudiantes pueden tomar cursos de tiempo parcial a través de la Cooperativa de Aprendizaje Virtual de Vermont. Una variedad de factores determina si la escuela o los padres pagarán la matrícula. Para más información, contacte a su escuela pública local.
Virginia ofrece a los estudiantes la opción de aprendizaje en línea gratuito y de tiempo completo, como a través de la Virginia Virtual Academy.
Para las clases a tiempo parcial, los estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria pueden tomar clases en línea a través de Virginia Virtual; la matrícula generalmente está cubierta por la escuela pública o privada en la que está inscrito el estudiante, o los padres si el estudiante recibe educación en el hogar. En algunas áreas, los distritos también han desarrollado sus propios programas escolares en línea.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Virginia para el período 2021-2022?
En agosto de 2021, Virginia Virtual Academy había alcanzado su capacidad para aceptar estudiantes para el año escolar 2021-2022.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
Virginia Virtual Academy ya no acepta solicitudes para el año académico 2021-2022.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Virginia Virtual Academy no proporciona a las familias tecnología ni wifi.
Para que los fondos sigan al estudiante, las familias de un niño que cambia a la escuela en línea deben obtener una autorización de transferencia de elección de su distrito escolar cada año. Para obtener más información sobre el aprendizaje en línea en Washington, también puede consultar a la Alianza para la Escuela Pública Digital – WA.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Washington en 2021-2022?
En Washington Connections Academy, el último día para registrarse para el semestre de otoño es el 18 de octubre. Después de eso, los estudiantes en los grados K-11 todavía pueden solicitar el segundo semestre. En Insight School of Washington, hay varias fechas de inicio de cohortes para cada trimestre. Pero, si no comienza al comienzo de un semestre, el número de cursos que se pueden tomar es limitado.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
A partir de septiembre de 2021, Washington Connections Academy, Washington Virtual Academies, Virtual Prep Academy of Washington y Insight School of Washington todavía se están inscribiendo.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
Washington Connections Academy no suele proporcionar tecnología, pero una familia puede presentar una solicitud por dificultades tecnológicas. En Insight School of Washington, las familias pueden solicitar una computadora portátil en función de sus necesidades económicas, pero no se proporciona Internet. Washington Virtual Academies no proporciona tecnología ni wifi a los estudiantes.
West Virginia:
Ya sea que su hijo quiera acelerar su aprendizaje o necesite un entorno más tranquilo en el que concentrarse, es posible que le interese probar la escuela virtual. Los estudiantes de las escuelas públicas de West Virginia pueden acceder al aprendizaje en línea a tiempo parcial o completo de forma gratuita a través de la Escuela Virtual de West Virginia. La inscripción se realiza a través del distrito escolar local del estudiante, que puede establecer pautas y determinar la cantidad de cursos que un estudiante puede tomar. Los estudiantes de escuelas privadas y los estudiantes de educacion desde casa pueden acceder a los cursos virtuales inscribiéndose como estudiantes a tiempo parcial en su escuela local. Se aplican tarifas para los cursos en línea de verano y en algunos otros casos.
En Wisconsin, los estudiantes pueden acceder a varios programas escolares gratuitos y de tiempo completo en línea. Éstos incluyen la Wisconsin Connections Academy,Wisconsin Virtual Learning,Wisconsin Virtual Academy. K12, el proveedor de educación en línea que apoya la Academia Virtual de Wisconsin, también ofrece Destination Career Academy of Wisconsin, una escuela en línea basada en habilidades técnicas para estudiantes en los grados 9-12. Además, K-12 ofrece un programa para estudiantes en riesgo en los grados 9-12, llamado iFoward.
Para que los fondos sigan a un estudiante a la escuela en línea, su familia debe presentar una Solicitud alternativa a través del Departamento de Educación.
Puede encontrar una lista completa de escuelas autónomas virtuales en el Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Wisconsin.
Para las clases a tiempo parcial, los estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria en Wisconsin pueden inscribirse en clases en línea a través de la Wisconsin Virtual School. Los estudiantes en las escuelas públicas y privadas deben inscribirse a través de sus escuelas; los estudiantes con educación en el hogar pueden inscribirse directamente, es posible que se apliquen tarifas por lo que debe comunicarse con su escuela para obtener más información.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en una escuela en línea en Wisconsin para el período 2021-2022?
Puede postularse a una escuela en línea en Wisconsin (como Wisconsin Virtual Academy, Wisconsin Connections Academy, Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin o i-Forward) en diferentes épocas del año a través de las políticas de inscripción abierta del estado.
Se anima a las familias a que presenten su solicitud de febrero a abril, directamente a través del Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Wisconsin. Después de que el período de inscripción abierta haya terminado técnicamente en Wisconsin, los estudiantes interesados en una escuela en línea deben presentar una solicitud a través del proceso de inscripción alternativo.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En Wisconsin Connections Academy, los estudiantes de los grados 9-12 pueden presentar su solicitud el 13 de octubre para el segundo semestre. i-Forward está aceptando solicitudes para todos los grados a partir del 1 de octubre para el segundo trimestre.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Wisconsin Connections Academy, las familias en los grados K-8 pueden recibir una computadora portátil por hogar y las familias en los grados 9-12 pueden recibir una computadora portátil por estudiante. Los hogares también pueden solicitar un subsidio para cubrir el costo de Internet. iForward proporcionará una computadora a las familias que no la tengan y reembolsará algunos costos de Internet para las familias que califiquen. En Wisconsin Virtual Academy y Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin, las familias no suelen contar con tecnología y wifi. Sin embargo, puede haber excepciones en casos de dificultades económicas.
Algunos distritos de Wyoming también han desarrollado programas escolares en línea, algunos de los cuales pueden estar abiertos a estudiantes de fuera del distrito.
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para inscribirse en la escuela en línea en Wyoming para el período 2021-2022?
La fecha límite de inscripción de Wyoming Connections Academy es el 6 de octubre para los grados 7-12 y el 6 de noviembre para los grados K-6. Cowboy State Virtual Academy tiene inscripción continua. La fecha límite de Wyoming Virtual Academy fue el 27 de septiembre.
¿Qué opciones en línea todavía tienen asientos disponibles y en qué grados para 2021-2022?
En septiembre de 2021, Wyoming Connections Academy tiene asientos disponibles para todos los grados, al igual que Wyoming Virtual Academy.
¿La escuela proporciona tecnología y wifi?
En Wyoming Connections Academy, se puede solicitar un subsidio para computadora portátil e Internet por hogar. En Tech Trip Academy, las familias pueden usar fondos de aprendizaje suplementarios para tecnología y wifi. Cowboy State Academy no proporciona tecnología ni wifi. Wyoming Virtual Academy proporciona computadoras a los estudiantes y, en algunos casos, es posible que existan subsidios para Internet.
Debido a que los programas escolares en línea no son tan conocidos como los programas escolares tradicionales, existen algunos conceptos erróneos comunes sobre ellos. Por ejemplo, aquí hay dos mitos sobre las escuelas en línea K-12, junto con las respuestas de expertos de escuelas en línea.
Mito 1: La escuela en línea dificultaría que mi hijo tenga amigos.
Suzanne Sloan, directora de escuela en Academia Virtual de Virginia (VAVA) compartió una perspectiva sobre esto. “Uno de los mitos del aprendizaje virtual es que los estudiantes aprenden en casa y no tienen la oportunidad de socializar y no tienen la oportunidad de estar con otras personas”, dijo. “Nuestras familias te dirán que es el polo opuesto. Debido a que tienen la capacidad de ser flexibles con su programación, en realidad tienen más oportunidades de estar con otros estudiantes. Una de las formas en que lo hacen es a través de proyectos de servicio, que ayudan a sus comunidades individuales.”
Mito 2: La escuela en línea es menos rigurosa académicamente que la escuela tradicional.
Hablamos con otro líder de la escuela en línea que tenía esto para compartir sobre el rigor del aprendizaje en línea: “Nuestro curso es muy desafiante”, dice Bryan Klochack, Director en Academia de Conexiones de Michigan. “Cuando proporcionamos encuestas a nuestros padres sobre su felicidad con nuestro plan de estudios, y si es más o menos desafiante que su experiencia anterior, está bien en el alto porcentaje de números que [dicen] que es más desafiante.”
Continuó: “Una de las cosas por las que continuamos luchando a lo largo de los años es que cuando tomas un curso en línea, la gente lo considera un curso de recuperación de crédito que no es muy desafiante. Como una opción virtual de tiempo completo, eso no es lo que somos. No somos un programa de recuperación de crédito. Otorgamos diplomas. Se espera que cumplamos con las mismas expectativas que todos los distritos tradicionales tienen para que los estudiantes obtengan créditos y su diploma, por lo que es muy desafiante, es riguroso.”
__________
La información de esta guía sobre la escuela en línea está diseñada para ayudar a las familias que están considerando la escuela en línea en su proceso de toma de decisiones. Nuestra misión es proporcionar a las familias la información que necesitan sobre todas las opciones de escuelas disponibles – públicas tradicionales, públicas chárter, públicas imán, privadas, en línea y en casa – para que puedan elegir la adecuada para su hijo. Para obtener más guías sobre la elección de otros tipos de escuelas, haga clic aquí.
The Ultimate Guide to Online School – How Does Online School Work?
Whether due to lifestyle, health concerns, or other reasons, many parents are looking for a learning option that isn’t in-person. If online learning or K-12 online school is your top choice for the 2024-2025 school year, this page is for you!
Online schools are different than emergency remote learning, or doing classes on Zoom, as your family may have experienced over the last several years. Many online schools have been around for more than a decade, and they have systems in place to make it easy for families to make the switch.
Most online schools in America are public schools, which means they are tuition-free! If you’re wondering whether your state has an option allowing you to choose a full-time online school for free, keep reading.
What do you need to know about online school choice?
Why do families choose free online schooling? Internet access has transformed our shopping and social life, and it is transforming schooling as well. Importantly, online learning programs offer students the ability to work from home (or anywhere with internet). That flexibility makes for a good fit for many families.
“There are many reasons students may need flexible schedules, from medical issues to competitive athletes to performance artists. Some families enroll at our school because they are escaping some of the bullying and other cultural/climate issues that are present in brick and mortar schools. Other families enroll because they view it as an excellent alternative to home schooling.”
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How to Switch to Online School
Are Online Schools Free to Attend?
While there are some private online schools that charge tuition, the majority of online schools are public schools and 100% tuition-free. Some of these free online schools are public charter schools, while some are public district schools. In many cases, online schools even provide loaner computers and internet reimbursements to students.
In the U.S., approximately 375,000 K-12 students attended a free, statewide online school full-time in 2019-2020, a number that jumped to 560,000 for the 2022-2023 school year.
How Does Online School Work?
Online school students usually work from home and follow a set curriculum, submitting assignments through an online portal. Moreover, students receive feedback and grades from accredited teachers who may communicate through email, web conference, or phone calls.
While parents aren’t asked to be teachers, online school programs usually ask parents to be involved in their child’s education. Parents act as learning coaches, helping their student stay on track.
“You just are so much more in tune with what they’re doing. That’s such a benefit that you wouldn’t have when sending your kid through another schooling option.”
While some virtual schools are fully online, others are “blended schools.” So, what are blended schools? Blended schools are online schools that offer on-site locations that students attend from time to time.GOAL Academy in Colorado, for instance, has “drop-in centers” where students can receive tutoring, participate in activities, or simply spend time with peers.
Besides blended learning, more and more variations of online schooling are developing – in some states, students can even create a “playlist” of classes between their neighborhood school and an online school. This is why some online leaders say the real power of online learning is personalization. Curriculum can be differentiated to meet student needs, and students can pace coursework and test out of material they have mastered.
Making the Switch
If you’re just getting started, here are steps you can take to switch to a free online school:
2. Connect: Second, reach out to the online school that interests you and get more details. Some may allow enrollment at any time, while others may have deadlines.
Online public schools must accept all students, regardless of their academic performance or needs. Moreover, students are not required to take special entrance tests for enrollment in online public schools. However, some states place caps on attendance or funding, so make sure there is availability at the school you choose.
When you reach out to the online school, you can also ask about the school’s expectations and what resources you’ll need at home. For instance, you can ask: Will the school provide a computer for my student? Does my child need a web camera? What’s a typical day like? How many hours will my child be online each day? How much parental supervision is required?
3. Officially withdraw (if applicable): In some cases, if you’re currently enrolled in a public or private school, you’ll need to send a withdrawal letter to your school district if you’re switching to a full-time online school that isn’t district-run. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the letter, in case any questions arise. Also, you may want to use this opportunity to request your child’s transcripts from the school.
Of course, your state’s guidelines come first. Please note that in some states, like Missouri, West Virginia, and Rhode Island, students only have access to free online schools through their resident district. In these cases, since the district is responsible for paying for access, families should remain enrolled in the district as they switch to online school.
4. Enroll and get started: Now, enroll in your online school of choice. Partner with your child to decide what your new learning routine will look like. For example, what time will your student start school in the morning? How often will exercise and outside activities be worked into the week? Does the online school have an in-person component you’ll be using, or no?
Expect a learning curve
If online school is something you and your student decide to try, even just temporarily, it is important to realize that there’ll be a learning curve. Don’t let that get you down!
“You just have to be open minded,” said Bryan Klochack, principal of an online school in Michigan. “We often refer to it as drinking out of a fire hydrant at the start because it is so different.”
While online school is not for every student and every family, it can make a world of a difference for some. As Klochack said, “Having that option for families to put their kids where they’re going to find great success: That’s what we’re all about.”
How to Find Out Your State’s Laws
What options do you have for online learning? Check out yourstate’s parent guide or scroll below to learn whether your state offers online school for free.
In 35 states and D.C., online public schools have been established by state authorities, by school districts, or charter schools, meaning students can attend these schools full-time, tuition-free for all grades K-12. In Vermont, free, full-time online public school is available for grades K-8. In Kentucky, a free, full time online public school is available for grades K-11. In addition, more than 30 states offer part-time online public schooling through course access, which allows students to use online coursework to supplement their education with specific classes. In many states, this is accessible, and sometimes even free, for private school or homeschooled students.
⬤ Free, full-time online school is available statewide for all grades ⬤ Free, full-time online school is not available statewide, but localized or paid options may be available ⬤ Free, full-time online school is available for grades K-8
Source: Digital Learning Collaborative, 2023; Independent research by NSCW
For free part-time classes, ACCESS Alabama functions as the state’s virtual school and is designed for students to take high school courses that may not be available (or easy to schedule) at their schools. Public school students in grades 7-12 can take classes for free; nonpublic school students can take courses for a fee.
As a graduation requirement, all Alabama students are required to take at least one online or technology-enhanced course.
On the district level, middle- and high-school students in Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District can enroll in online courses through the Alaska Digital Academy. Plus, the ASD Virtual Program offers a free, fully online home learning program that Anchorage families can choose through their neighborhood or choice school. The virtual learning program is staffed by Anchorage School District teachers and allows families to maintain a connection to their local school. The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District also offers online options for grades 6-12, and you can always ask your district about whether an online program is available to you.
In 2022, the Alaska legislature approved a new virtual education consortium. Once established, this will provide a library of virtual classes available to Alaska students. Additionally, Alaska has many correspondence school offerings, some of which are free, that families can choose from.
In order for funding to transfer to one of these schools, families switching to an online school may need to initiate withdrawal from their previous school. You can learn more about the online school community in your state at AZ Parents for Education.
For part-time classes, Virtual Arkansas offers online options for any Arkansas student, though online classes for students in grades K-6 are limited. Students enrolled in a public school can take all or some of their Virtual Arkansas classes online. While Virtual Arkansas’ website lists fees for courses, the local school district pays those, not students and their families.
California doesn’t have an official state virtual school, but there are several free, full-time online learning options for students. In California, a fully online school is only allowed to serve students in contiguous counties, not students statewide. Because of this, some education management organizations operate multiple online schools to be able to serve students from across the state. Two of the biggest of these online school “networks” are California Connections Academy and California Virtual Academies.
California has more than 53 online charter schools, giving every California student a fully online option. California Pacific Charter Schools is a free online choice for students in more than a dozen California counties. Meanwhile, Method Online School serves southern California students, and Compass Charter Schools serves Los Angeles, Yolo, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
K-12 students in Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, and Orange counties can also consider IQ Academy-Los Angeles. While much of the learning is facilitated by technology, this learning program offers in-person field trips and meet-ups as well. Students in grades 9-12 needing additional academic support to overcome obstacles may wish to consider Insight Schools of California.
Additionally, some districts have created their own online schools, like Davis School for Independent Study,West Contra Costa Unified Virtual Academy, El Dorado Union High School District’s Pacific Crest Academy,Elk Grove Unified School District’s Virtual Academy, and Vista Virtual Academy. Students in the district or who have received an interdistrict transfer can apply. Los Angeles Unified School District’s Virtual Academy served nearly 18,000 students during the 2021-2022 school year. In response to the appetite for online options, the district created six new theme-based online schools for the 2022-2023 school year. Each online program has a unique focus, such as computer science or leadership and public service.
There are also many online schools serving specific grades. For example, students statewide in grades 4-12 who are interested in career technical education may wish to check out Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, which specializes in real-world training for specific careers. Students in grades 9-12 who need extra academic and social support to excel may want to consider Pikes Peak Online School. Students in grades 6-12 who require face-to-face hybrid sessions may want to consider Cherry Creek Elevation.
You can dive into a full list of online options at the Colorado Department of Education. Note that some of the online options listed are available only to local students.
In addition, Colorado Digital Learning Solutions is the official state virtual school and offers part-time courses for middle-school and high-school students. While Colorado Digital Learning Solutions charges fees, students attending Colorado traditional public schools and public charter schools may have their fees subsidized. Another part-time option for some Colorado students is My Tech High, which partners with Colorado Early Colleges and the Vilas School District to offer online learning opportunities for students ages 5-18.
We recently interviewed a Colorado online school, GOAL Academy. This online school has drop-in centers where students can work and frequent school field trips, offering families a unique blend of virtual and in-person education. To learn more about the online school community in your state, check out the Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families and the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.
Most states have free online school programs. Delaware does not have an official state online school, but the Christina School District in New Castle County offers a fully virtual academy. Families outside of the district may be able to use open enrollment to attend the school.
Georgia Virtual School is the state’s official virtual school and provides online courses at the high school level, plus a credit recovery program and some middle school courses. Public school students can enroll full-time or part-time at no cost. Some state funds are available to cover tuition for private and homeschool students on a first-come, first-served basis.
During the pandemic, some districts developed online learning plans, and some of these may still be available for the 2023-2024 school year. You can find a complete list of these options at the Hawaii State Department of Education.
Finally, there are blended learning options for Hawaii families statewide. These include Hawaii Technology Academy, which is Hawaii’s largest statewide public charter school, and Myron B. Thompson Academy, an accelerated curriculum charter school and extension of Hawaii’s Virtual Learning Network that operates through campuses on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii-Kona, and Hawaii-Hilo.
For part-time options, Idaho students may enroll in online classes through the state virtual school, Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. Idaho Digital Learning Alliance is available to students in any type of educational setting, public or private. But, parents should check with their local public school or district for details, as fees may apply.
Illinois students may be able to take supplemental online courses or a full-time online program through their local school in partnership with Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy. Some schools and districts may pay course fees on behalf of their students.
A local, fee-based option Indiana students can choose is IU High School, a fully accredited online private high school run by Indiana University. Students at IU High School can take courses to supplement their educational experiences in brick and mortar institutions, or students may pursue a high school diploma online full-time. IU High school was founded in 1925, so it’s been allowing students to attain a high school diploma at a distance for nearly a century!
Finally, some schools will cover costs for students to take supplemental high school courses through Indiana Online, which partners with more than 300 schools statewide. Many families choose to use Indiana Online for summer school courses.
Iowa offers several free, full-time online learning options for students, such as Iowa Connections Academy and Iowa Virtual Academy. In order for funding to follow a child to online school, families need to fill out the Iowa Open Enrollment Application with their assigned district for approval.
In addition to these statewide options, several districts currently offer online programs serving all grades K-12. You can find a full list of online school options at the Iowa Department of Education.
High school students across the state also use online courses for credit recovery through Kirkwood Community College. Enrollment must take place through your local school. Additionally, Iowa Online AP Academy offers online Advanced Placement courses for middle and high school students who do not have access to these courses in their schools.
There are many other options, some of which serve specific grades or regions. For example, for students in grades 7-12, an online option is the Insight School of Kansas, which specializes in helping students overcome obstacles to academic success. The Kansas State Department of Education keeps a comprehensive directory of virtual school programs, which includes many single-district online schools too. You can search the list for programs near you or programs that allow out-of-district student transfers.
Louisiana students in grades K-12 can attend Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy, or University View Academy, both online charter schools, full-time. In 2021, these schools enrolled more than 5,000 students! For part-time options, online providers participate in the state’s Supplemental Course Academy program, which offers free classes to students attending underperforming public schools, public schools that do not offer a certain course, or private schools on opportunity scholarships. Students who do not qualify for free classes can take these courses for a fee.
If a student would like to switch to an online charter school, their parent or legal guardian must notify the currently enrolled school in order to withdraw and identify the online school they are transferring into.
Maine students can attend free, full-time online school programs through one of two online public charter schools: Maine Connections Academy or Maine Virtual Academy. Both schools have enrollment caps.
Additionally, Portland Public Schools has a Virtual Scholar program offering online and blended options.
For highschoolers, there are a few more online options. The University of Maine at Fort Kent offers Rural U, a free, part-time early college program open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, including homeschool students. The University also runs a program allowing public school students statewide to take online Advanced Placement classes for free. Finally, Maine students in grades 11-12 can take early college courses for free through University of Maine’s Academ-e.
A local online option Maryland families can choose for a fee is Bryn Mawr Online, an AIMS-accredited, NCAA-approved, and AP-authorized online school for girls. The school is an outgrowth of Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, which is ranked as the number one college prep school in Maryland.
Also worth mentioning is that students in select Maryland districts, like Baltimore City Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools, can access district-run online learning for free. In addition, the Eastern Shore of Maryland Blended Virtual Program offers a blended learning program to public school students in grades 6-12 in certain Maryland districts. These include: Caroline County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County and Worcester County public schools. Finally, students in some districts can take part-time courses through their school and Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities.
Private virtual schools are also available. For a fee, highschoolers can consider full-time learning with Massachusetts Mayflower Academy, a private online school opening for the 2022-2023 school year.
About half of Michigan’s school districts participate in GenNET Online Learning, which offers online courses schools may use to meet their students’ needs. Many districts also have their own online schools for resident students. There are also regional offerings, like Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan, which blends online learning with in-person support at learning centers throughout the state.
Giving families still more options, Michigan Virtual is the state’s official virtual school and offers part-time online classes for middle-school and high-school students; in some cases, fees may apply. You can search statewide courses through the organization’s online course catalog.
Besides online schools serving all grades, there are additional online options for students in specific grades. For example, students in grades K-8 can choose Cologne Academy Online, a public charter school with a Core Knowledge focus. Another option is Insight School of Minnesota, which specializes in helping struggling students in grades 6-12 catch up and achieve academic success. IQ Academy of Minnesota also serves students in grades 6-12. Keep in mind that, in order for the funding to follow a student who switches to online school, the family must fill out a Statewide Enrollment Options form.
Finally, free part-time online options are available for students enrolled in public schools (including charter schools), and paid part-time options are available for nonpublic school students.
Mississippi does not offer a free, full-time online school. However, in some cases, students may be able to enroll in part-time classes through their school district and Mississippi Online Course Approval (MOCA). For example, students can take some MOCA-approved online classes through Booneville School District Online.
As another example of a district online program available to students, Gulfport Virtual Academy provides a K-10 virtual learning option. Students living outside of but near the Gulfport School District may be able to transfer in, but students will need to occasionally attend school in person for state assessments and labs.
Missouri public school students have access to individual online courses or free, full-time online programs primarily through MOCAP (Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program). In order to participate, students must get enrollment approved by their resident school district. (Missouri is one of the only states with such a requirement for switching to online school.) Some districts only allow classes to be taken on campus, while others allow for full-time virtual learning, such as through Missouri Virtual Academy orMissouri Connections Academy.
Students must be currently enrolled in a Missouri public school to switch to online courses through MOCAP. Any non-public student in Missouri, from kindergarten through 12th grade, may be able to enroll through the district and take courses online through MOCAP for a fee. In some cases, such as students having certain medical conditions, the tuition can be waived.
Another virtual learning program that partners with many Missouri districts is Launch Virtual Learning. You can check Launch’s member directory to see if your child’s school partners with Launch. If so, your child may be able to enroll in Launch’s part-time or full-time online courses for free through your home district.
While Montana does not currently have a free, full-time online learning option, Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) allows middle and high school students to take online classes on a part-time basis through their local school. More than 4,000 Montana students took at least one online course through MTDA in 2020-2021.
In a few areas, families can also choose a district-run online school. For example, the Bozeman School District has a hybrid school for district students, and recently announced it will enroll out of district students for 2023-2024. Another district option (this one for grades 9-12) is Missoula Online Academy.
While the majority of states have free, public online programs available to families statewide, Nebraska does not currently have that option. Families can choose a paid option: University of Nebraska High School Online. Other paid options, like George Washington University Online High School, The Keystone School, Excel High School, and K12 Private Academy, are available to Nebraska families but are not state-specific. Families interested in enrolling at University of Nebraska High School Online can do so at any point during the year; there is no deadline for enrollment.
Additionally, some districts are developing their own online programs for students. Lincoln Consolidated Schools students can choose the fully online LCS Virtual Academy. Omaha Public Schools offers local students Omaha Virtual School, a blended learning program that incorporates both in-person sessions and at-home online classes. And, Grand Island Public Schools offers elementary students a virtual option.
New Hampshire elementary, middle, and high school students can take courses free of charge, full- or part-time, at Virtual Learning Academy Charter. If there will be a gap between attendance at a student’s previous school and their start at the virtual school, the student must file a notice of intent at their local public school. Homeschoolers can take up to six credits per year through the Virtual Learning Academy Charter.
One feature that makes the Virtual Learning Academy Charter unique is that it is mastery-based: students progress based on mastery of learning content, rather than a fixed schedule.
Unfortunately, New Jersey does not have a free, full-time online school option. However, New Jersey Virtual School offers full-time and credit-recovery enrollment to students in grades 6-12 for a fee. Also, in 2023, New Jersey Virtual School partnered with Brookdale Community College to allow high school students to take college-level credits online. Enrollment in the virtual school typically begins in April and courses begin in September, but if students are interested in enrolling mid-year, they may be able to do so. Students attending New Jersey Virtual School must have access to technology and wifi.
Another part-time course option some New Jersey families may access through their local school is VHS Learning. You can ask your school if supplementary online courses are available to you.
While most states offer a free, statewide, full-time online learning program for all grades, New York does not currently do so. However, New York City recently launched its first virtual school, A School Without Walls. This school serves ninth and tenth graders in New York City.
While New York is currently one of the most restrictive states for online schooling options, students in some districts, especially students with medical exemptions, may also be able to access remote learning programs.
Additionally, there are part-time online learning opportunities available in many New York schools. For example, New York City offers a digital learning program called iLearnNYC. This allows students in participating schools to take specific online courses unavailable in their brick-and-mortar school. Additionally, the New York State Education Department lists course providers that schools statewide may collaborate with to offer online courses to students.
Additionally, middle school and high school students may enroll in online courses part-time via North Carolina Virtual Public School. Especially in rural districts, some students use North Carolina Virtual to take classes not offered at their local school, such as an AP class, STEM class, or alternative class. Public school students interested in attending North Carolina Virtual Public School should connect with their school’s e-learning advisor, since enrollment takes place through local schools and North Carolina Virtual Public School does not grant diplomas. Students not enrolled in public schools may be required to pay tuition.
While there is not currently a free full-time option for North Dakota students statewide, elementary through high school students may enroll in part-time or full-time courses through the North Dakota Center for Distance Education for a fee. Families can enroll in courses at any time throughout the year, and most courses do not have a set deadline. The Center for Distance Education offers hundreds of different courses, including Advanced Placement courses and career and technical courses. The organization does not supply free technology and wifi to families, so students must have access to these at home.
In order for funding to follow a student to an online charter school, the student’s family may be required to submit a letter of intent, stating that they will be enrolling in a virtual school. You can learn more about the online school community at the Oregon Virtual Public School Alliance.
For part-time courses, students can ask their district if they can enroll in courses through Oregon Virtual Education, a statewide network that supports online learning and offers a catalog of approved courses.
If you choose online learning in Pennsylvania, you’re in good company. More than 57,000 Pennsylvania students attended a cyber charter school in 2022-2023.
After a student has been accepted into a cyber charter school, his or her family must complete withdrawal paperwork as their assigned school to ensure that there are no gaps in enrollment and that funding follows the child.
While most states offer free, full-time online learning, Rhode Island does not currently do so. Rhode Island Connections Academy offered a free, full-time online learning option for Rhode Island students in 2021 and 2022, but closed at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
Plus, most Rhode Island students can enroll in part-time online courses through their local school district. You can contact your local public school to ask whether there are free or paid online options available to you. The Rhode Island Department of Education’s All Course Network is one option for taking individual online courses.
In addition, public, private, and homeschooled students in grades 6-12 in South Carolina can enroll in tuition-free online classes through the state virtual school, Virtual SC. VirtualSC recommends taking a maximum of four classes at a time, and families should work with their school to arrange their schedule and sign up. Some schools partner with VirtualSC to offer a blended learning experience via Virtual Learning Labs where students take online courses in a lab setting with a course facilitator.
South Dakota families may be able to take free, online learning courses through their local school district if it participates in an online learning community.
The South Dakota Virtual School, in conjunction with the state Department of Education, offers a list of approved providers for online courses. Students coordinate with and register through their local district to take these online classes. Whether the student’s district will absorb the cost of the classes or will require the student to pay a fee varies by district. Some districts allow students to take online classes full-time, some allow students to take online classes part-time, and some do not allow for online learning. Students taking online courses remain enrolled in their home district and follow their district’s policies. Typically, registration is only open at certain times of the year and families must supply their own computer and internet access.
Virtual schools in Tennessee are overseen by school districts. While some virtual schools may be open only to in-district students, others (like Tennessee Virtual Academy and Tennessee Connections Academy) serve students statewide.
You can find a complete list of TN’s virtual schools, both those that enroll statewide and those designed for local students, at the Tennessee Department of Education. More than 12,000 students in Tennessee used a fully online schooling option in 2022-2023.
Some superintendents say that, while their district always planned to expand to offer an online education option, the COVID-19 pandemic sped up the process. To read more about online learning in Tennessee, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.
For Texas district and charter schools, state funding has historically been based on the number of students physically present in classrooms, which has made it tough for schools to fund virtual learning. Still, some school districts and charter networks have developed online schools, such as such as Harmony Virtual Academy and South Texas ISD Virtual Academy. In 2021, Texas lawmakers passed a funding bill to help districts cover the costs of virtual learning. According to the law, district and charter schools that received a C or higher in the latest accountability ratings can receive funding for students enrolled in full-time remote learning in their boundaries. In some cases, district online options may be available to out-of-district students through open enrollment.
Students can also choose part-time options through the Texas Virtual School Network.
All Utah students, grades K-12, can enroll full-time or part-time in online courses through Utah Online School. All courses are tuition-free. Other free online learning options are also available, such as Utah Connections Academy, Utah Virtual Academy, and Canyons Online, which provides distanced learning for students in grades 9-12. Moreover, Utah’s My Tech High partners with public schools to offer a full-time, personalized, distance education program for students ages 5 to 18.
Mountain Heights Academy is another free online public option for students in grades 7-12. The school is the first secondary school in the country to create and publicly release its own curriculum as an “open educational resource” freely available for anyone’s use.
You can also check out Utah’s Statewide Online Education Program, which allows 6th-12th grade students regularly enrolled in public, private, or homeschool to enroll in up to six online course credits per academic year. The program gathers approved online courses to make it easy for families to access courses not available at their regular school.
While Vermont does not yet offer a statewide, free, full-time online learning option, some students may be able to take part-time or full-time courses through the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative. For the 2023-2024 school year, K-8 students enrolled in a public school can access full-time online learning through the cooperative for free. In other cases, a variety of factors determine whether the school or parent will pay tuition. For more information, contact your local public school.
Virginia students can enroll in free, full-time online learning through Virginia Virtual Academy.
Additionally, K-12 students may be able to take part-time or full-time online classes through their local school in partnership with the state’s virtual school, Virtual Virginia. Tuition is usually covered by the public or private school in which the student is enrolled, or the parents if the student is homeschooled.
Virginia students are actually required to take at least one online course or blended learning experience to graduate. To read more about online learning in Virginia, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.
In Washington, if your child’s school district doesn’t offer online learning options, you may request a “choice transfer” into another approved online school program. Getting a choice transfer release from your school district each year allows for funding to follow your student.
Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. In West Virginia, each district is required to offer a full-time virtual program for students in grades 6-12.
West Virginia public school students can access part-time or full-time online learning for free through the West Virginia Virtual School. Enrollment takes place through a student’s local school district, which may set guidelines and determine the number of courses a student can take. Non-public and homeschool students can access the virtual courses by enrolling as a part-time student in their local school. Fees apply for summer online courses, and in some other cases.
You can find a complete list of virtual charter schools at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. As of 2023, there were more than 20 entirely virtual charter schools serving all grades K-12. Note that in order for funding to follow a student to an online charter school, their family may be required to submit an Alternative Application through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Plus, many Wisconsin districts are developing or expanding their own blended, hybrid, or fully online options for families. The Green Bay Area Public School District, for example, has blended learning programs for all grades. Some districts, including 8 of Wisconsin’s 11 largest districts, partner with the Wisconsin e-School Network to provide their students summer school or part-time or full-time online classes.
For part-time classes, middle-school and high-school students in Wisconsin may be able to enroll through their local public or private school in the state virtual school: Wisconsin Virtual School. There may be fees attached and you should connect with your school to learn more.
Additionally, several Wyoming districts have developed local online school options, some of which may be open to out-of-district students. Many of these districts operate through Virtual 307, which provides a complete list of online programming available by grade and district.
Whether your child wants to accelerate learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in trying virtual school. Students in Washington D.C. in any grade can enroll full-time in Friendship Online Academy, an online, tuition-free school. Enrollment in Friendship Public Charter School Online takes place through the My School DC Public School Lottery. The school also offers part-time options.
Additionally, some D.C. high schools offer blended courses.
Because online school programs aren’t as well-known as traditional school programs, there are some common misconceptions about them. For instance, here are two myths about K-12 online schools, along with answers from online school experts.
Myth 1: Online school would make it too hard for my child to have friends.
Suzanne Sloan, head of school at Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA) shared a perspective on this. “One of the myths of virtual learning is that students are at home learning and they don’t get a chance to socialize and they don’t get a chance to be with other people,” she said. “Our families will tell you that it is the polar opposite. Because they have the ability to be flexible with their scheduling, they actually have more opportunities to be with other students. One of the ways they do this is through service projects, which help their individual communities.”
Myth 2: Online school is less academically rigorous than traditional schooling.
We talked with another online school leader who had this to share about the rigor of online learning: “Our coursework is very challenging,” says Bryan Klochack, Principal atMichigan Connections Academy. “When we provide surveys to our parents about their happiness with our curriculum and whether it’s more or less challenging than their previous experience, it’s well into the high percentage of numbers that [say] it’s more challenging.”
He continued, “One of the things that we continue to fight over the years is that when you take a course online, people think of it as a credit recovery course that is not very challenging. As a full-time virtual option, that’s not who we are. We’re not a credit recovery program. We award diplomas. We’re expected to meet the same expectations every traditional brick and mortar district has for students to earn credits and their diploma, so it is very challenging, it is rigorous.”
The information in this guide to online school is designed to help families who are considering online schooling in their decision-making process. Our mission is to provide families with the information they need about all the school options available – traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, and at home – so they can choose the right fit for their child. Read more guides about choosing other types of schools.
The Difference Between Homeschooling, Online Schools, and Remote Learning
If you are a parent, chances are you have spent a lot of time wondering how, where, and when your child will be educated for the 2021-2022 school year. The question on every parent’s mind is whether to send your child back to a bricks-and-mortar school (if your child’s school reopens), opt for your school’s emergency remote learning program, homeschool your child, or enroll your child in a full-time online school.
Every school, district, and state has its own strategy for reopening schools. Some schools and districts plan to allow students back in person, full-time. Others are planning staggered schedules, where students attend school in person for several days and learn remotely on other days. And other schools are starting the school year entirely remotely, with families supervising online learning at home.
But the truth is: there are actually big differences between these three types of learning environments. Understanding these differences can help parents set expectations, ask questions, and better consider different school choice options.
As parents consider their options for this upcoming school year, there are some key terms parents should know. There’s actually a big difference between remote or virtual learning, full-time online school, and homeschooling!
At National School Choice Week, we’ve been providing practical information about these types of school choice options for the last ten years. During this challenging time for parents across the U.S., our goal is to help even more families discover the options available for their children, so that they can identify the school or learning environment that best meets their children’s unique needs.
Remote or Virtual Learning
When bricks-and-mortar schools and school districts talk about remote or virtuallearning in response to the pandemic, they are usually talking about students learning from home, via computer, using curricula and coursework developed by their child’s bricks-and-mortar school.
Schools and school districts have developed different systems for delivering this remote or virtual learning, which is usually administered by teachers and school staff who already work for the schools or districts. Some schools and districts are using platforms like Zoom to administer this learning, while others are contracting with online learning providers to develop a more seamless experience.
The quality of these remote or virtual learning systems varies from school to school and district to district. While some families gave their local schools high marks for their early efforts at implementing remote or virtual learning this year, many others were far from pleased. Recent newspaper articles criticizing “online learning” usually describe challenges with remote or virtual learning systems that were established quickly at the onset of the pandemic.
The rapid, pandemic-related switch from in-person instruction to remote or online instruction in schools and districts is best defined as emergency remote or virtual learning or crisis remote or virtual learning. Will the quality of emergency remote or online learning improve this fall? That remains to be seen.
There’s a world of difference between emergency remote or virtual learning and full-time, tuition-free online schooling. These schools are tuition-free public schools that, every year, educate 300,000 students on a full-time basis across more than 30 states and the District of Columbia. These schools are created by states, school districts, or established as public charter schools, and they existed long before COVID-19.
Students enrolled in full-time online schooling will find qualified teachers who are specifically trained to deliver instruction using new technology. Curriculum and lessons align to state education standards, and full-time, online public schools must meet all state education laws. They must also develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for children with exceptional learning needs.
These schools often combine flexible schedules so that students are not sitting in front of computers for eight hours a day with regular, one-on-one student-teacher communication and opportunities for students to collaborate with each other on projects.
There’s another important characteristic of full-time, online schools, too. These schools almost always provide students with free equipment, such as computers. Many also provide families with free Internet access, too. This means that if you have several children, they won’t be fighting over who gets to use the family computer.
For families who are uncomfortable or unhappy with their school’s emergency remote or virtual learning systems, enrolling your child in a full-time, online public school might be a better fit.
It feels like most, if not all parents are homeschooling their kids these days, right? Well, not exactly. Certainly, there’s a historic level of at-home learning going on, but just because students are literally at home, that doesn’t mean that they are homeschoolers.
It may feel like most, if not all parents are homeschooling their kids these days. But despite a historic level of at-home learning going on, just because students are literally at home, that doesn’t mean that they are homeschoolers.
Homeschooling is not only a style of instruction, but it’s also a legal term, too, one that means that parents have taken full responsibility for educating their children in the home. Parents in every state have the right to homeschool their children, but each state regulates homeschooling differently.
For example, in 40 states, parents who want to officially homeschool their children must either officially unenroll their children from their current school or file a notice of intent with a school district or the state, to begin the homeschooling process. There are other rules, too, and they vary by state. Some states require homeschoolers to teach specific subjects, and others require homeschoolers to take annual standardized tests.
But just because parents have taken full responsibility for their children’s education doesn’t mean that they are “on their own.” Far from it! There are more resources available for homeschoolers than ever before, from fully-developed curricula to supplemental online homeschool courses to local homeschooling groups (often called cooperatives, collaboratives, or now, micro-schools or learning pods) that can help.
So, what’s the bottom line? There are enormous differences between emergency remote or virtual learning, full-time online schooling, and homeschooling. Understanding these differences will help families unlock and discover education options for their children that they might not know existed. If you’re considering these options, please know that each state sets its own policies. School choice is a state and local, not federal, matter. Most importantly, it’s about finding a learning environment that will give your child the best chance to learn, succeed, and be happy, even in the middle of a pandemic.
As the new coronavirus, COVID-19, spreads throughout the country, more and more schools are canceling classes and shifting their in-person instructional time online. Many classroom teachers are now trying to understand the ins-and-outs of distance learning for the first time and looking for free online resources for schools. What does instruction look like? How do I ensure my students are still receiving high-quality education? Will I be able to track the learning that is taking place?
The good news is: help is available! Many companies are offering teachers and schools access to their online platforms for free for the duration of their closure. In the short term, a new education landscape is forming, and we have put together a list of free online resources for schools, educators, and administrators to help them navigate these unfamiliar waters. [bctt tweet=”A new education landscape is forming and dozens of free resources are available for educators and administrators who are moving classes online due to coronavirus’ spread.” url=”https://schoolchoiceweek.com/37-free-resources-for-schools-shifting-online-during-coronavirus/” via=”no”]
We will continue to monitor and update the resources listed here as new ones become available. Know of a resource we missed? Reach out to us!
Edmodo is a distance learning toolkit. As educators, you can send messages, share class materials, and make learning accessible anywhere. Families can receive class updates, support the learning that is taking place at home, see classroom activity, and monitor their child’s grades all from within the platform.
Free Services Offered: Always Free
How to utilize: Visit Edmodoand sign up for a teacher account.
Flipgrid is a social learning communications platform. Educators create grids, which are the meeting place for your class, and then discuss the topics you have uploaded. Your students can share their ideas, stories, and work by recording short videos based on the assigned topics and share them within the app.
Free Services Offered: Always Free
How to utilize: Visit Flipgrid and register for your educator’s account.
G Suite for Education allows educators to facilitate learning, keep track of tasks, and create opportunities for critical thinking. Google is giving all current customers free access to advanced Hangouts Meet video-conferencing capabilities. This allows for larger meetings (up to 250 participants), live streaming for up to 100,000 viewers, and the ability to record meetings and save them in Drive.
Free Services Offered: Advanced Hangouts Meets video-conferencing for existing customers
Hāpara is a digital instructional suite that helps teachers with virtual classroom management. When using Hāpara to provide instruction, your students see what you see. The platform gives you the ability to monitor the webpages that your students have open during the session, share files and assignments directly to student Drive folders, and co-teach all in one workspace.
Free Services Offered: Free access until the end of June 2020
Kami is a remote learning platform that integrates with Google Classroom, Schoology, and Canvas. The platform gives you interactive tools (such as the ability to provide text, voice, or video feedback to your students), real-time interventions, in-app assignment submission, and a built-in grading feature. Kami can even be used offline! Once a file has been opened you can work on it knowing that Kami will save your pending changes and upload them once you are back online.
Free Services Offered: School-wide license activated until April 30th (with the option to extend as long as your school is closed)
Kialo Edu is an argument mapping and debate platform that provides visual representations of discussions and debates in an interactive tree of pro/con arguments. As a teacher, you can start a private discussion with any member of your class and provide feedback to students through the comment feature. Kialo can be used to host classroom debates, assess learning, and share knowledge.
Pronto is a self-described ‘communication hub’ that will connect you with your students via chat and video. You can have a group video chat with up to 10 people for collaborative projects or broadcast your video live to up to 400 students. Within the app you can send announcements, share files, and create lists so students can keep track of their tasks. Pronto is also has accessibility features – such as screen readers and dynamic text – and is FERPA compliant. You are connected without sharing phone numbers or emails.
Free Services Offered: Available for teams and teachers at no cost during this time.
Zoom is a video conferencing platform that allows for both video and audio conferencing. For students who don’t have access to computers at home, but do have a phone, they can call in to join the meeting! Zoom’s free license allows you to have an unlimited number of video meetings that up to 100 students can join. There is also a chat feature that would allow your students to ask you questions while you are presenting.
Free Services Offered: Free License
How to utilize: Visit Zoom’s website and register for a free account.
Edpuzzle is a platform that allows you to take any video and make it interactive! As the teacher, you can track if your students are watching the videos you assign and how many times they’ve watched it. You can add your own voice narration and questions to any video (you can use videos from YouTube, Khan Academy, Crash Course, and more). They even have the ability for you to record your own video and upload it. Only one teacher from your school needs to fill out the form.
Free Services Offered: Full Access to the Platform
How to utilize: Create an Edupuzzle account and then fill out this form (or just fill out the form if you already have an account!)
Explain Everything is offering extended free access to Explain Everything Whiteboard. This virtual tool can be utilized for online scenarios by helping you create explanation videos. Within the platform you get infinite space to create, annotation tools to mark everything you have put on your canvas (including videos!), and all-in-one recording & editing features.
Free Services Offered: Extended Free Access to Explain Everything Whiteboard
Nearpod is an online platform that allows you to create interactive lessons in minutes. You can choose to import existing lessons, add in virtual field trips, create quizzes and polls, and even use matching pairs activities. Nearpod can also add these features to your presentations in Google Slides. As the teacher, you can synchronize and control the lessons across all student devices, evaluate student responses (individually or as a class), generate post-session reports, and even create game-based learning opportunities for your students!
Free Services Offered: Free Access to Nearpod
How to utilize: Fill out the form on Nearpod’s website by clicking the ‘Request Support’ button in the middle of the page.
Pear Deck was founded by educators to help engage every student, every day. With the Google Slides add-on you can create interactive questions and prompts for slideshows. Once you have created your presentatio, you can either control the speed at which you present the material or allow students to move through at their own pace. Pear Deck even offers the ability to publish a notes document that shows the information from the session!
Free Services Offered: Complimentary Access to Pear Deck Premium
Screencastify is an online platform that helps with blended learning. You can add the Google Chrome Add-on to recording full or partial lessons, recording assignment solutions & explanations, and provide verbal student feedback. Screencastify also helps your students make their voices heard – great for speech and language practice! You can also save time by recording Professional Development, lesson plans, and parent communication. Screencastify is COPPA, FERPA, and SOPIPA compliant, and integrates with Google Drive and Google Classroom.
Free Services Offered: Free Chrome Extension, other services upon request
Slido for Education is a package for educators to increase interaction during lectures and virtual classes. Slido for Education integrates with PowerPoint, Google Slides, Zoom Video Webinar, and provides improved Slido Quizzes. You can integrate interactive polls, quizzes, and audience Q&A right in your presentation.
Free Services Offered: Free for teachers & students globally until July 1.
TechSmith is offering two tools for free – TechSmith Snagit and TechSmith Video Review. Snagit is a screen capture and recording tool that lets you quickly create and share images/videos. Video Review allows online video collaboration for discussions and conversations around the content you have uploaded and shared.
Book Creator is a simple way for your students to make their own ebooks. This platform can be used to create for any subject across any grade level. The resources hub gives you a range of lesson ideas, or create your own assignment that lets your students get creative to demonstrate their knowledge! There is also a list of ways that Book Creator can help with remote learning on the website.
Free Services Offered: Premium feature – real-time collaboration on books
CommonLit is a nonprofit education technology organization working to support all students with reading, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills. The CommonLit Literacy Midel is built on a foundation of over 2,000 high-quality free reading passages for grades 3-12, complimented by aligned interim assessments, growth oriented goals, and expert led teacher development. Teachers can assign Mini Units (short, self-paced thematic units for grades 5-12) and Text Sets (relevant reading passages from a variety of genres).
Free Services Offered: Free account access for teachers, school/district leaders can pursue free virtual training and digital resource packs to support contingency plans.
Elementari engages students to write their own story, working at their own pace. The platform provides illustrations to inspire stories, develop analytical thinking, and provide a source of pride for students in their personal writing and coding projects. Elementari is used around the world for writing in students native language and for second language learning. Teachers can review and give feedback on students’ stories remotely.
Free Services Offered: Free Access to the Entire Platform
Epic! is the leading digital library for kids 12 and under, and it is free for educators. With Epic! you instantly get access to 35,000 of the best books, learning videos, quizzes, & more. The books have a feature that will read aloud the story to your students.
Free Services Offered: Always Free for Teachers
How to utilize: Visit the Epic! website and sign up!
Mango is a digital foreign language curriculum that can be accessed via desktop and mobile apps, even if you are offline! Seamless integration features in the platform help you organize your class and as a teacher you have immediate, reliable time-on-task monitoring. Mango integrates with multiple online platforms, including Clever. You will find content created for over 70 world languages – including Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, German, Arabic, and English.
Free Services Offered: Full access through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
Voces Digital is a collection of world language titles covering Spanish levels 1-AP, French levels 1-3, and ESL levels 1-4. The program incorporates grammar, vocabulary, and comprehensible input-based approaches to language learning. Each title in the Voces library contains audio and video, speaking exercises, interactive activies, authentic resources, presentations, assessments, stunning photographs, differentiation options, and customizable lessons.
Free Services Offered: Free Access to the Full program until June 30,02020.
How to utilize: Fill out the Voces Digital form and you will be contacted with your login information!
Mangahigh is a math platform that is built on the ethos of collaboration, community, and competition. These elements are ingrained in both the teacher and student experience of the platform. As a teacher, you will get access to a full reporting dashboard and a full account for each student so they can continue their learning at home on any device available to them. You can assign and assess students’ performance online and exchange messages with your students all within the virtual environment.
Free Services Offered: Full Access for Teachers and Students for 60 days (will extend if you are still closed.)
Prodigy is an engaging, curriculum-aligned math platform for students and teachers from 1st – 8th grade. The platform encourages self-paced math practice for both in and out of school that is leveled based on your students progress. Prodigy meets ESSA Tier 3 in partnership with John Hopkins University. Your students can work through topics based on their levels or you can assign specific skills for them to complete; all while they think they are playing a game! State test prep is also available to assign.
Tailor-ED provides holistic learning experiences tailored to the needs of the teacher, the classroom, and each and every student. The Teacher Basic Plan is free and includes K-8 standard aligned math resources, smart differentiated lesson tools, and SEL-based exit tickets. You can create up to 4 units with the free teacher account.
Seterra is the ultimate map quiz site. You can use already created geography and science quizzes to review learned information. Through these quizzes you can explore the world and learn about its countries, capitals, cities, rivers, lakes, and more. With your free account you can create custom quizzes, add custom locations to quizzes, and use a public leaderboard.
How to utilize: Register for an account on Patreon.com. Then, email info@seterra.com with your name, school name, state/country, and email address associated with your Patreon account.
Tynker is the #1 coding platform for kids – Tynker fuels creativity in thousands of schools and powers the imagination of 60 million kids worldwide. In the platform you can access 40+ aware winning block & text-based courses and over 3,700 learning modules. Tynker is broken down into three age groups: Ages 5-7 (voice instructions); Ages 7-13 (drag and drop coding); and Ages 13+ (real world coding). For teachers looking to utilize this platform, webinars are available to help you use the features in a remote learning environment.
Free Services Offered: Free Access to the entire Platform until May 2020.
Vidcode is a computer science curriculum and coding platform. The courses teach computer science, object-oriented programming, web programming, design, & JavaScript. Learners can upload photos, illustrations, videos, and audio – and manipulate them with code right away! This allows tweens and teens to connect computer programming to the media they interact with every day. Webinars are available to help you get started.
Free Services Offered: Full platform and Curriculum for free until May 2020.
Purple Mash contains thousands of opportunities for learning in the form of open ended tools (publishing, story creation, game design), spelling & grammar (complete spelling scheme, set weekly spelling quizzes, grammar games), math (math-based tools and resources), and cross-curricular project work (themed writing templates, slide shows, stories, quizzes). You will receive unlimited pupil logins on a cloud-based platform that can be accessed anytime. Serial Mash gives you access to over 100 books in the ever-growing library that you can adjust the text size, background color, and font to make reading easier.
Free Services Offered: Full Access to Purple Mash and Serial Mash for the duration of your closure.
ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is a comprehensive, research-validated curriculum for preschool through second grade, available on all major digital platforms and used by tens of millions of children to date. Adventure Academy is a first-of-its-kind educational massive multiplayer online game, serving elementary and middle-school aged children with thousands of learning activities in a fun and safe virtual world. ReadingIQ is a digital library and literacy platform for children 12 and under designed by reading experts to improve literacy skills, with many thousands of expert-curated books from leading publishers.
BrainPOP is a playful, educators focused platform that has learning games, animated movies, and activities that cover universal topics. There are three platforms: BrainPOP Jr (K-3, encourages young learners to ask questions and form their own ideas in STEM, Social Studies, Reading/Writing, Health, and arts); BrainPOP (Upper Elementary and Middle School, STEM, Social Studies, English, Health, Arts & Music); and BrainPOP ELL (proficiency-based English language learning program appropriate for all ages with vocabulary, grammar, listening and reading & writing activities).
Free Services Offered: Free, unlimited use during your closure.
How to utilize: Fill out BrainPop’s form and watch for an email with instructions.
Breakout EDU is an immersive learning games platform that brings the challenge of an escape room to the classroom. All Breakout EDU games require players to use critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication. The purchase of each Breakout EDU kit includes a unique collection of boxes, re-settable locks, and access to a digital platform with over 1,500 games.
Free Services Offered: A collection of digital games that students can play.
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital curriculum resources for K–12 classrooms worldwide. We are the home to award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, and the largest professional development community of its kind.
Free Services Offered: Free access to Discovery Education Experience through the remainder of the school year.
Currently used by over 1 million students across 1,800 schools, as a cloud-based software, EP enables schools to deliver curriculum-aligned lessons and assessments remotely. By allowing teachers to monitor and measure how students are engaging with their learning in real time, teachers can maximize their efficacy – even in a remote setting.
Free Services Offered: Free unlimited access for schools until May 1.
Edmentum is a leading provider of online learning programs designed to drive achievement for academic and career success for pre-k through 12th grade. There are two programs being offered for free to teachers at this time: Study Island and EdOptions. Study Island is a K-12 program with standards-based practice, test preparation, and formative assessments. Your students get feedback to guide learning and you will receive immediate data to determine who needs intervention. EdOptions is a K-12 virtual learning solution where students access engaging, standards-aligned curriculum through a fully virtual learning environment.
Free Services Offered: Two month free trial to Study Island or two free EdOptions Academy courses.
How to utilize: Visit Edmentum’s website, select the program you would like access to, and fill out the form!
Freckle empowers teachers to differentiate instruction across Math, ELA, Social Studies, and Science.
Students automatically work on the Math, ELA, Social Studies, and Science lessons that are perfect for them. That way, they are always engaged and challenged, never facing material that is too difficult or easy for them.
You know exactly how they’re doing – With Freckle’s easy to use reports, you can quickly see how all of your students are performing across standards and skills. Freckle offers content for the following subjects and grade levels: Math K-9, ELA K-12, Social Studies K-12, and Science K-8.
Free Services Offered: Always Free for teachers
How to utilize: Sign up for your free account on the Freckle’s website.
GoNoodle is a company focused on engaging kids with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. GoNoodle has created a resource page containing free premium content and learning materials to help teachers and students. On their Good Energy at Home page you will find movement and mindfulness videos, as well as ideas for off-screen activities for kids/families to do. Each video posted on the website has a description and related home activities. Some even include printable activities! The content on this page will be updated weekly.
Free Services Offered: Free premium content and learning materials.
Self-paced challenge mode is a free feature that’s already available for all educators. Students can complete self-paced games by themselves at home, on a mobile device, or computer. Teachers can use advanced reports to facilitate formative assessment and adjust instruction based on student performance – even then they cannot attend school. Kahoot! Premium also lets teachers put together a bank of school-wide educational games and collaborate with other teachers in their school.
Free Services Offered: Free access to Kahoot! Premium for the remainder of the academic year.
Listenwise is a collection of daily current events and standards-aligned lessons, along with assessment tools to support distance learning. You can search 2000+ collection of ELA, Social Studies, science, and current event lessons to assign students listening comprehension questions and/or listening organizers. As the teacher, you can assign listening comprehension quizzes and track student progress in your Listenwise data dashboard and keep students on track with their learning by asking them to listen to relevant, engaging, podcasts and participate in online discussions in Google classroom.
Free Services Offered: Free premium account through April 30th (can extend if your school is still closed)
MobyMax helps struggling learners quickly catch up to grade level and closes learning gaps for all students. The comprehensive software curriculum spans Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies in grades K-8. MobyMax features adaptive differentiation through diagnostic testing, adaptive lessons, IEP goals, progress monitoring, assessments, an daily goals.
Free Services Offered: Free access for the rest of the year once you have closed.
Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each build around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin! This resource offers 5 days of cross-curricular journeys for the following age groups: Pre-K and K, Grades 1 and 2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6+.
Free Services Offered: Full access for 5 days worth of activities for each age range
How to utilize: Visit the Scholastic Learn at Home website to choose your grade level. The directions will walk you through creating any necessary free accounts.
With a laser focus on easing the stress of the learning environment, Shmoop aims to improve the approach to teaching and learning through engaging content and a personalized approach. Students and teachers can tap into over 10,000 educational videos, 400 digital learning courses, personalized test prep, and thousands of study guides. Shmoop focuses on high school and middle school students.
Free Services Offered: Free access now through May 31, 2020
Virtual Field Trips offers videos covering K-8 social studies, life science, geography, and ancient civilization curriculum content. The videos on the website are standards-aligned with corresponding quizzes for each video. Teachers can find 300+ learning activities specifically designed to accompany the videos. Virtual Field Trips is a mobile friendly website that works across devices. Each student in your class receives their own login.
Free Services Offered: Free 60-day membership (longer if required)
This is a master resource list that is updated continuously. The GLIDE tool appears like an app, however it is a web-based tool. Within the GLIDE you can search for specific resources by typing in the search bar or utilize the categories. Educators from around the world have been sharing and submitting resources to this tool. If you have resources to share, you can also add them by using the + sign at the top of the tool and filling out the form.
This is a facebook group of over 46,000 educators created to support each other in planning distance or online learning due to school closures for COVID-19. There are tons of ideas and resources shared in an ongoing manner, and many teachers are linking up to collaborate from across the country. From this group, a number of break-out groups focused on specific content areas/roles have been created:
Comcast announced it will be increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program, and making the program free to new low-income customers for two months, amid the coronavirus outbreak. To sign up, visit Comcast’s Internet Essentials webpage.
Charter announced it will offer free services to families around the nation starting Monday, March 16 and continuing for 60 days. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395.
Know of any free online resources for schools that we missed? Send us an email via the “Contact Us” button below.
