50 Reasons Why Online School is Great

During the COVID19 pandemic, the majority of educational institutions (public, charter, and private schools) are closing their doors until we can ensure the safety of our children. Due to this, our children are falling behind in their studies. When a child is behind in their studies, there are only a handful of ways they can make up the time missed; after school program, summer school, online education, or be held back.

This article will highlight 50 reasons why you might want to consider enrolling your child into an online high school. Some of these reasons are serious, others light-hearted, but all are reasons why families love this way of learning.

Academic Reasons for Online High School or Middle School

• Students can learn at their own pace.

• They can study a wide variety of topics

• Student can dig deeper into a topic that interests them

• Learning can happen anytime, anywhere

• Student are able to discuss and explore thought and ideas without fear of ridicule

• When they are done with their course for the day, they’re done… not additional homework

• Students learn life skills - time manage, prioritizing, leadership, and more

• They can take as many breaks as they need

• Imagination is cultivated

• Work is real and done for mastery - not a grade

• Accommodation for different learning needs

• Student can learn in the ways they learn best

• Student learn to challenge assumptions and think for themselves

• Students are able to have their needs met - whatever they are

• Students are compared to other their age

• Things can be changed as needed tailoring to the specific individual 

• They won’t be left behind

• They won’t fall through the cracks

• They are able to work more effectively when the distraction of “school” is removed 

• Student teach ratio is extremely low

• Parents are able to enrich students strengths

• They are able to highlight areas of opportunity

• Ability to explore future career paths

• Average higher scores on standardized tests

Social and Emotional Reasons for Online High School or Middle School

• Less peer pressure to deal with 

• More playtime

• Varied opportunities from day today

• No bullying 

• Students grow to be independent thinkers

• Foster life long learning habits 

• Behavior problems are able to be dealt with quickly and consistently

• Students become empowered when their ideas are heard and validated 

• Stronger bond in the family

• Gives busy parents more chances to be influential in their kid’s lives 

• The lesson can be infused with family values and beliefs

• Allows parents to limit negative incidences on their children’s character

• Families can learn together - everywhere

Unexpected Reason to Online High Schools and Middle School

• Student are able to be healthier, eat better and exercise more

• Sick days can still be educational

• School can be outdoors

• Student are more confident

• Ability to travel during the off-season, which is great

• Student learn management skills

• Student are truly prepared for college

• Labels don’t matter, parents can meet the child where they are

Kids Reasons for Online High School or Middle School

• Their birthdays are holidays

• The student typically love listening to music while working

• Student don’t have to wait for others to get done before they can more more

• They don’t feel rushed when others are done and they aren’t

• Student can make their own schedule, learn at the time of day when they are most productive

Are you interested in learning more or better yet enroll your child into an online program? Contact Smart School today! Smart Schools is a fully accredited private school they specialize in online education. Experience our award-winning educational platform and see why parents and students love our online high school diploma program and online middle school. 

Why is a High School Diploma Better Than a GED?

There’s a general misconception that passing the General Education Development (GED) exam is the same or equivalent to earning a high school diploma. There is substantial evidence that this is the furthest thing from the truth. Statistics show that three-quarters of GED holders don’t make it through a career training program such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Hair Stylists, or Commercial Truck Driving. 

In many cases the GED isn’t enough. The military and most employers prefer applicants with an actual high school diploma. In addition, statistics show the average GED-holder earns around $18,776 a year, and 95 percent of them will drop out of a four-year college program. Stephen Cameron and James Heckman, two economists, have found that earning a GED is the nearly the equivalent of dropping out of high school altogether.

“...The average GED-holder earns around $18,776 a year, and 95 percent of them will drop out of a four-year college program”

Those individuals who have completed their high school diploma will most likely be chosen for a job over those with a GED. There are a lot of negative perceptions that come with earning the GED instead of completing a high school diploma. Even the U.S. military, who developed the GED program, typically will accept those with a high a school diploma over those who passed the GED.

Its not a good replacement

Studies show that an equivalency exam cannot replace schooling. In most cases the GED can provide the prerequisite for some colleges and training programs, however, it rarely provides the learning foundation or discipline needed to succeed in these programs. 

There are many students that struggle with a traditional high school setting. It is common for counselors and others to push these students to get their GED.  If we know that the GED is nearly the equivalency of dropping out of high school altogether, shouldn’t alternative options to earning a high school diploma be considered? What about those students or adults who have already dropped out? Are they predisposed to failure?

How to get a high school diploma

If you think you can’t get your high school diploma when you’re older, you’re wrong. Smart Schools was created to provide the alternative option to passing the GED. This is particularly true for those that are just a few credits away from completing their high school requirements. Students can earn their high school diploma online from a fully accredited institution. This is great option for adults who dropped out of high school years ago or students who are leaving the traditional high school settings for multiple reasons. 

Completing a high school diploma is a major life step for everyone. Prove it to yourself that you can complete what you have started. Show employers you have self-discipline. Students that complete the Smart Schools program have gained a sense of achievement that can’t be provided by taking an equivalency exam, building  the foundation for success in their future college degree or vocational training program. 

A High School Diploma vs GED and Why It Matters

Since the U.S. military developed the GED exam after WWII, there has been two options for people looking to finish high school or prove the equivalency of knowledge. That poses a major question, what is the difference between the two? Many people might think there is no difference and the two terms are synonymous. At first glance they may seem similar but passing the GED and earning a high school diploma are not really perceived to be the same. 

General Education Development (GED)  

The GED, General Educational Development, also known as General Education Diploma, was developed as to be a quick alternative for those without a high school diploma. Individuals will study and take a series of 4 tests to certify their aptitude, knowledge and skills. These 4 test include: 

Subject

Reasoning Through Language Arts

Mathematical Reasoning

Science

Social Studies

Time Allowed

150 minutes (including a break)

115 minutes

90 minutes

70 minutes

When passed, individuals will receive a certification verifying that the test taker (American or Canadian) has met high-school academic levels in the four subject areas.

High School Diploma 

To earn a high school diploma, a student typically must pass grade-level English, mathematics, social studies, science and other classes such as foreign language, music, etc. The number of credits students must successfully complete varies by state and district. In many states they require students to pass an end of course test or high school exit exam to earn their diploma. Once completed successfully, students will receive a diploma symbolizing they have earned the proper amount of credits and have passed the required state exams. 

Conclusion

Most people understand what a high school diploma is. Once the student has completed four years of study, they will receive a diploma declaring that they have successfully passed all the required classes and exams. 

A GED is much different. Depending on who you talk to, the GED means different things. Some say it means General Education Diploma or Graduate Equivalency Degree. Although the technical term and definition is General Education Development exam. 

As mentioned above, the GED is a series of tests used to show if you have attained a high school level of education or not. In order to take the GED, the individual must be at least 16 years old and cannot be enrolled in high school. That individual must take the actual GED exam at a physical, certified location. It cannot be taken online. 

The number of people earning their GED has declined significantly over the past couple of years. Studies show roughly 248,000 people took the exam last year. At least 86,000 successfully earned a GED according to preliminary data from GED testing services. That is far below previous year’s numbers: 800,000 test takers and nearly 560,000 GED recipients. 

This is where Smart Schools can help. Students can earn their high school diploma online from a fully accredited online high school program. Smart Schools is an excellent option for students who are leaving the traditional high school for whichever reason, as well as adults who want to complete their high school diploma. This is particularly true for students who are just a few credits from completing their diploma requirements. 

As discussed above, there are many advantages to earning your high school diploma. By completing the work to earn the diploma, students gain knowledge and a sense of achievement that cannot be provided by just taking an exam.