Our country's high schools have finally begun understanding the importance of delivering virtual school education for their learners. We are currently experiencing a fast-growing pattern of virtual schools surfacing in all fifty states. But, in spite of this new attraction, many families are not familiar with exactly what a virtual school is.

Our country's high schools have finally begun understanding the importance of delivering virtual school education for their learners. We are currently experiencing a fast-growing pattern of virtual schools surfacing in all fifty states. But, in spite of this new attraction, many families are not familiar with exactly what a virtual school is.

In essence, virtual educational institutions are distance education schools run by the public school system within a state. They provide instruction through web-based applications that enrollees complete at home, or at a school. They are responsible for all state testing requirements and the virtual school administration keeps all records of students' academic achievement.

States with virtual school districts provide curriculum for pupils in grades kindergarten through twelve. And depending upon the state, some virtual schools also provide virtual education for middle and high school pupils only. A few states claim to offer virtual schools for the complete K-12 curriculum. Many schools offer a complete curriculum, while others that are still in the developmental phase offer a few classes in many different subjects. Double check with the virtual school you are interested in on whether or not they offer a diploma. Some jr high schools will offer a full curriculum, but do not include the diploma.

Some states with virtual schools include: Missouri, Kansas, Florida, Michigan, Louisiana, and Illinois. Virtual educational institutions may, or may not, charge tuition. If the school is funded by the state, then classes will be funded for students. Some states charge tuition just like a private school would. Most of the virtual Jr. high schools available allow learners from other states to enroll. This allows students in states without virtual high schools to take advantage of distance education. For out-of-state enrollment, tuition will likely be higher.

Virtual schools are held to the same high standard as regular public school districts. Instructors are certified teachers who work only for the virtual school, or work for the virtual school as part of their contract with the school district. Virtual jr high schools work hard to provide high school pupils with similar school life experiences. Some high schools provide high school clubs learners can join once they are enrolled in the virtual school. Some of those clubs include the international club, foreign language club, science club and even virtual school newspapers for future journalists. The school may even offer an online science fair enrollees participate in and win. In addition, since virtual high schools are technically public online middle schools, learners may be eligible to play sports. Each district will vary on their acceptance of virtual school enrollees for sports, so call the district and ask about their policy before you enroll a sports loving student.

There is some confusion among parents on whether or not virtual schools are homeschools. Essentially, virtual middle schools are not homeschools. Virtual schools consider pupils to be public school students and get state money for their enrollment. The school keeps all records and requires that enrollees meet state testing requirements.

Many states do not require testing or records for homeschooled pupils, so virtual school pupils are still under control of the public school system. If you are looking to leave government controlled education, then virtual schools would not be the answer. If you are looking for a way to keep your child safe at home while still getting an excellent education, then virtual school districts may just be the answer for you.