Wyoming Virtual Public Schools --need advice (Upton: 2014, homes, college)

[BrighterDays]

I will soon be a new resident of Wyoming and am trying to decide on educational options for my 7th grader in the 2013-2014 school year.

In researching school options in Wyoming I have come across two different virtual/online based public school programs.

Wyoming Virtual Academy
Wyoming Virtual Academy | Free public home school online

Wyoming Connections
Free K-12 Wyoming Virtual School | Wyoming Connections Academy

I have contacted both of these organizations and studied their offerings. What I am looking for is advice or comments from current Wyomingites who have used either of these programs.

If you are a current or past parent (or student) who has used either of these virtual schools I would love to hear your opinion of them and what your experience was like (good, bad, or ugly).

Thanks in advance.

[branDcalf]

I didn't use either of those. But, I can say that people are very tolerant of homeschooling. Many districts allow and even encourage homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities. Mine did, and I never felt pressured to "smarten up" and let my children attend public school.

Sure the parents and teachers told me the good things that were going on in the classroom, but I was telling them good things we were doing, too. In fact, I had more than one math teacher teach me ways to help my kids learn concepts that we were struggling with. What is it about math that can be hard to teach?

Mine did eventually need to attend public schools after their dad became ill and I had to work too far from home. That was a fine experience, too.

Sorry I don't have specifics on those programs. I hope you and your student have a positive experience.

[BrighterDays]

[Mod cut]
Thanks for the response branDcalf, we are probably going to continue homeschooling our daughter, but I am interested to learn about people's experiences with the virtual public school options as well.

[Spud6414]

My stupid exwife pulled my daughter out of school because of some perceived bullying notion that was non existent when I was deployed to Iraq.

She used Wyoming Virtual Academy. Epic Failure.

First she was too lazy to administer and keep on my daughter so she fell well behind.

Secondly, it made her a shut in.

So when I got back, divorced and took custody, back to Upton Public we went. My daughter became an A&B student and did well.

We now live in Colstrip Montana, and she goes to the Public School here.

While I understand why some people homeschool, and personally I do not have anything against it, I pay taxes. So I am going to continue with the public school option.

I do understand it for those who are very remote or have religious reasons.

I believe the Virtual Academy has good offerings, but you have got to be a parent and not a 'friend' and make sure your kid does their work.

[Plainswalker]

Schooling options depend on parent AND student dedication. If you leave a child to learn on their own, and work on a curriculum on their own, more often than not, they'll just say they did it.

I was homeschooled, and my brothers and I avoided the work whenever possible, save for favorite subjects if there were any. I'd say I turned out alright and developed my want for learning after I got out on my own, and my little brother is a respectable fellow, much to my surprise after my older failure of a brother, but his fault is more probably because of mild autism or asperger's, and alcohol.

Anywho. My mother got the idea from some friends at our church, and their children (great friends of mine and my brothers) are all doing great with it, and those who are college aged are in college. The oldest became an athiest while in college but the others are still believers so far as I know.

It really depends. I'd say if you have the time and are really involved with your child's life, virtual schooling would go very well. If not, avoid it.