Online learning is here to stay, and more and more families in Arizona are exploring alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Online education offers flexibility, a personalized learning experience, and access to a wide range of resources. However, as with any significant decision, choosing the right online school for your student is crucial. To help guide you through the process, we’ve compiled five essential tips for selecting accredited online schools in Arizona.
Tip 1: Ensure accreditation
The first and most important step in choosing an online school is to ensure it is accredited. Accreditation means that the school meets specific standards of quality and rigor, which can significantly impact your student’s education. Without accreditation, your student may miss out on opportunities for college admission or employment in the future.
Why accreditation matters
Accreditation ensures the school follows a recognized curriculum and that its credits and diplomas are respected by colleges and employers. It also means the school is regularly reviewed by external agencies to maintain high educational standards.
How to verify a school’s accreditation
Check the school’s website for accreditation information or look for accreditation seals from recognized agencies such as AdvancED or Cognia. Additionally, you can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website to verify a school’s accreditation status.
Tip 2: Consider curriculum and flexibility
A comprehensive curriculum that meets your student’s educational needs is critical. Equally important is a program that allows students to learn at their own pace and on a flexible schedule. Look for schools that offer a variety of courses and programs, as well as options for accelerated or self-paced learning. Here’s a detailed checklist of what to look for:
- Core Subjects: Ensure the curriculum includes essential core subjects such as English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
- Electives: Check for a variety of elective courses that allow students to explore different interests and develop new skills. This could include art, music, computer science, foreign languages, and more.
- College-level Courses: Ensure the availability of college-level courses for students who are ready to take on college-level work during high school and verify that these courses are recognized by the College Board to help students earn college credit.
- Alignment with Arizona State Standards: Confirm that the curriculum is aligned with Arizona state standards to ensure consistency in educational quality and compliance with state requirements.
- Flexibility and Customization: Assess whether the curriculum allows for flexibility in pacing and learning styles to cater to individual student needs. Ensure there are options for personalized learning paths, accommodating both gifted students and those needing additional support.
- Instructional Support: Verify the availability of qualified teachers who provide instruction, feedback, and support to students. Check if the school offers resources such as tutoring, counseling, and additional academic assistance.
- Assessment and Progress Tracking: Ensure there are robust assessment tools to track student progress and understanding of the material. Look for detailed reporting on student performance that helps parents and educators make informed decisions.
- College and Career Readiness: Evaluate the inclusion of college and career readiness programs that guide students in making informed decisions about their futures. Look for opportunities like internships, early college opportunities, and career counseling.
Tip 3: Evaluate student support services
Online learning can be challenging, and having access to solid support services can make all the difference for your student. Here’s how to ensure the right support at any grade level.
Elementary school students
In elementary grades, students may need support with basic skills such as reading, writing, and math. Look for online programs that provide personalized instruction and adaptive learning to meet your student’s specific needs. Additionally, consider if the program offers learning success coaches, live tutoring, or virtual office hours for extra help. Additionally:
- Counseling: Ensure that the school provides age-appropriate counseling services to assist young students with both academic and personal development.
- Tutoring: Look for one-on-one tutoring sessions that focus on foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, helping children who need extra guidance.
- Ease of Access: Verify that technical support is easily accessible for parents and guardians, ensuring they can quickly resolve any issues their young children encounter.
Middle school students
As students enter middle school, they may require more organizational and study skills to succeed in their coursework. Make sure the online program has resources available to teach these skills, such as time management techniques and note-taking strategies. Look for opportunities for collaboration with peers through group projects or discussion forums. Additionally:
- Counseling: Confirm the availability of counseling services that address the unique social and emotional needs of pre-teens, along with academic guidance.
- Tutoring: Check if the school offers subject-specific tutoring in areas like science and language arts, which is important as the curriculum becomes more specialized.
- Dedicated Helpdesk: Ensure the school has a dedicated helpdesk that can assist with more complex technical issues middle school students might face.
High school students
In high school, students may need additional support in preparing for college entrance exams or applying to colleges. Ensure that the online program offers test prep materials and guidance on the college application process. Look for opportunities for students to connect with alumni or current college students through virtual networking events. Additionally:
- Counseling: Verify that comprehensive counseling services are available to assist with college and career planning, in addition to academic and personal support.
- Tutoring: Ensure access to specialized tutoring for advanced subjects such as calculus, physics, and AP courses, supporting students aiming for higher education.
- 24/7 Availability: Check if technical support is available around the clock to accommodate high school students’ varied schedules.
Tip 4: Explore extracurricular opportunities
A well-rounded education goes beyond academics. Extracurricular activities are essential in helping online students develop social skills, interests, and a sense of community.
Many accredited online school programs offer a range of virtual clubs, from debate teams to coding clubs. These provide opportunities for students to engage with peers and pursue their interests outside of regular coursework.
These virtual extracurricular activities not only help students stay engaged and build valuable skills but also foster a sense of community and belonging, even when they cannot meet in person. Here are a few examples of ways students can connect and socialize during the online school year:
- Virtual Debate Teams: Students can join online debate clubs where they practice public speaking, research, and argumentation skills. They participate in virtual tournaments, often using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet for real-time debates.
- Online Coding Clubs: These clubs allow students to learn programming languages and work on projects collaboratively. Platforms like GitHub and Slack can be used for sharing code, while video conferencing tools enable live coding sessions and hackathons.
- Virtual Music Ensembles: Students can join online bands or orchestras, where they practice individually and then synchronize their recordings using software like Soundtrap or GarageBand. Regular virtual rehearsals help them stay connected and improve their musical skills.
- eSports Teams: Many schools now offer competitive gaming clubs where students can compete in popular games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and Fortnite. These clubs often use Discord for communication and to organize tournaments online.
- Book Clubs: Virtual book clubs give students the opportunity to read and discuss books together. Meetings can be held via video calls, and discussion forums on platforms like Goodreads or Google Classroom can facilitate ongoing conversations.
- STEM Clubs: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) clubs often offer virtual workshops, guest speakers, and collaborative projects. Tools like Zoom for webinars and Google Drive for shared documents help facilitate these activities.
- Art and Photography Clubs: Students interested in visual arts can share their work in online galleries, participate in virtual critique sessions, and attend workshops led by professional artists. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are commonly used for sharing and inspiration.
- Language Exchange Groups: These clubs connect students who want to practice foreign languages with native speakers or other learners. They can use apps like Tandem or HelloTalk for one-on-one practice, as well as organize group meetings via video conferencing.
- Environmental Clubs: Students passionate about environmental issues can join virtual clubs that focus on sustainability projects, online campaigns, and educational webinars. Collaborating through platforms like Trello for project management and Zoom for meetings is common.
- Student Government: Even student councils and government organizations can operate virtually. Students can meet to discuss school policies, plan events, and represent their peers using online meeting tools and collaborative platforms like Microsoft Teams.
Tip 5: Review success stories and reviews
Hearing from current and former students and parents can provide valuable insights into the school’s performance and the student experience. Gathering a range of perspectives can help you make a more informed decision about whether the school is the right fit for your family.
Success stories
One of the best ways to learn about the impact of a school is by reading success stories from alumni and current students. These narratives often highlight specific achievements, personal growth, and unique opportunities provided by the school. You can find these stories on the school’s website, typically under a dedicated section for testimonials or alumni achievements. Pay close attention to how the school has supported individual goals and fostered a positive learning environment.
Parent/guardian perspectives
Parent and guardian testimonials offer a different angle, focusing on aspects such as communication, support services, and overall satisfaction with their child’s progress. Look for comments on how the school handles parental involvement, discipline, and extracurricular activities. These insights can provide a more comprehensive picture of the school’s culture and its commitment to student success.
Third-party review sites
To get an unbiased view, check third-party review sites like GreatSchools, Niche, or even Google Reviews. These platforms aggregate feedback from a wide audience, providing a spectrum of opinions. Look for patterns in the reviews—recurring positives might indicate the school’s strengths, while common complaints can highlight potential areas of concern.
Forums and social media
Online forums and social media groups dedicated to local education can also be valuable resources. Parents and students often share candid experiences in these communities, discussing everything from academic rigor to social environment. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to gain deeper insights.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Arizona online school can be a daunting task. With careful consideration and research, you can find a program that meets your student’s educational needs. Remember to ensure accreditation, evaluate the curriculum and support services, investigate extracurricular opportunities, and review testimonials and ratings. By taking a thorough approach, you can confidently select the best accredited online school for your student’s educational journey.
Navigate K–12 online education with confidence
ASU Prep Digital is Arizona’s #1 online school. Our accredited online learning program serves grades K–12 and is tuition-free for full-time students who are Arizona residents.
We believe all students can succeed. Our unique teaching model supports students anywhere, anytime with the latest learning technologies and several layers of personalized instruction and coaching. Each student has a dedicated Learning Success Coach (LSC) who plays several roles, including school counselor, academic advisor, college and career advisor, emotional support counselor, and academic coach. All of our students are assigned an LSC upon enrollment.
In addition, our program is a college prep option where online high school and university courses converge preparing students for college acceptance and encourages them to start earning credit toward college majors and careers.
Take the first step toward transforming your educational experience by attending an information session. Discover how ASU Prep Digital can support students’ academic aspirations and set them on a path to success.
Five tips for choosing accredited online schools in Arizona FAQs
Is online school free in Arizona?
Yes, online school is free in Arizona. Several online public schools, including ASU Prep Digital, offer tuition-free education for Arizona students in grades K–12.
What is the best K–12 online school in Arizona?
ASU Prep Digital is an accredited online school program serving students in grades K–12, recognized as Arizona’s #1 Online School by Niche.com.
What are the accreditation requirements for online schools in Arizona?
Accreditation requirements for online schools in Arizona include meeting the standards set by the Arizona State Board of Education, as well as obtaining accreditation from a recognized agency such as AdvancED. Additionally, online schools must meet certain criteria regarding teacher qualifications, curriculum, and assessment methods.
Can I transfer credits from an accredited online school to a traditional school?
Yes, students can transfer credits earned from an accredited online school to a traditional school. However, it is important to check with individual schools to determine their specific credit transfer policies.
