How to Use This Site (Kids Classes)

The most important section of this site is the school fact sheets. These contain concise, organized information about schools catering to distance learners. Included are both schools that offer both credit classes and full programs to K-12 learners. To make things still easier, we've broken down these fact sheets into three sections: Elementary schools, Middle Schools, and High Schools. You can get to these sheets using any of the indices found in our navigation bar (alphabetical, by state, or by level) and clicking on a school name in the listings).

Each school fact sheet will list the school's name and location at the top of the sheet. Alternative (home schooling) laws differ by state. You will likely have an easier time complying with the rules in your state if you choose a school in your geographic area. Some schools offer cheaper tuitions to in-state students, making geographical consideration all the more important.

The next fact that these sheets discuss is what types of distance learning classes are offered. This is where you will find out if the schools deliver classes online, through video tape, via television, through correspondence, and so on. For a more detailed discussion of exactly what these methods entail, please see our Distance Learning Formats and Glossary section. It is important to keep in mind, however, that many programs utilize more than one method of delivery. That is, if teleweb, online, and independent study are all listed as formats a school uses, then probably their programs involve taking classes that are a mix of these formats.

Is a diploma offered? This will be a yes or no answer. If a diploma is offered than a student can plan on attending this school only. If not then the school offers just a class or two to take for enrichment or transfer, but should not be considered the sole institution your child will attend.

Class areas offered. Typically schools offering diplomas offer a full curriculum, every class your child will need to graduate. In the cases where the school only offers certain classes, it is not uncommon for the schools to specialize in science or math or whatever. This area will tell you the subject areas the school offers courses in.

Grade levels accepted is just that. This section will tell you the grade (or age) requirements for their pupils.

The tuition section outlines how much you will need to pay for a semester, month, course, or credit class. Often this varies based on the teacher support requested, grade level, etc. I've tried to note where this occurs and, also, if the school offers a discount for families with more than one child enrolled in the program. Please verify this (and all other information!) with the school prior to enrollment.

Random notes. This can be almost anything. Schools that have a religious affiliation will have that information so stated here. Additionally, if a school has an especially difficult to navigate web site, email addresses that bounce, or if their site crashes my computer, it's mentioned here. Schools that require students to be a certain age when enrolled (ie. 17 or older for a high school program), require students to be online at set times, or have customizeable curriculum are noted in this section.

Student Comments & Reviews. This section is so that you can read (or submit) first hand reviews of experiences with the school in question, either as a student or a parent.