Homeschooling: Online Charters vs. Parent-Led Teaching - What’s the Difference?

Distance learning is nothing new. But thanks to the internet and a growing abundance of online educational resources, it’s never been easier to break away from in-person schooling. 

So how do you choose the right fit? It starts with understanding the unique differences – and unique benefits – of homeschooling, online charters, and other distance learning models.

Online school and homeschool are two of the most popular options, and they share a lot of similarities. However,  homeschooling is led by parents, while online virtual charter schools are led by teachers. And this distinction is key when deciding what’s right for your family.

Virtual School vs. Homeschool: How Do They Compare?

To set students up for success with distance learning, parents need to decide how much (or how little) they want to be involved. This is particularly true for things like curriculum, assessments, and day-to-day socialization. 

Both online school and homeschool allow children to learn from home. But while homeschooling requires that parents fill the role of teacher, online schools are led by licensed professional educators who take on the heavy lifting related to curriculum development and execution. Here’s how these differences between virtual school vs. homeschool play out – and why teacher-led online classes may offer the best of both worlds for remote learners.

Benefits for Students

The ultimate goal of any schooling model is to provide students with a structure they can thrive in. Homeschool and online school do just that, allowing children to learn in a way that adapts to their needs, instead of the other way around. Online charters then take it a step further, featuring built-in benefits related to socialization and standardized testing. Homeschool can offer these benefits too, but it’s up to parents to ensure that happens, planning activities and lessons and staying up-to-date on state requirements. 

A good online charter school will prioritize more than just the basics needed for students to move on to the next grade level. Families can build on this framework as desired, providing children with the benefits of learning from home and the structure of a teacher-led classroom. 

How Online Classes Are Better for Parents

There is heavy involvement from parents with both homeschool and online school. That being said, homeschooling parents must oversee all aspects related to their child’s schooling. This can be a tough ask, especially for parents without a background in education.

With online school, teachers oversee lessons and design the daily classroom routine. This frees up parents to take on a supportive role, working within the confines of an established curriculum rather than starting at square one. Parents still get flexibility and adaptability when it comes to their child’s education, but without the stress of coming up with plans on their own.

Impact on Testing and Curriculum

Nearly half of states require assessments for homeschool students, and many of these states also require students to meet a minimum score. A public charter school for homeschoolers takes the guesswork out of state standardized testing and makes sure students are prepared for these assessments. Online schools also administer the tests and follow proper state reporting guidelines. Homeschooling parents can do the same, but they’ll need to determine on their own whether testing is required and, if so, what needs to be covered. 

As far as curriculum goes, homeschoolers and students in online classes are both given opportunities to self-guide their studies to some degree. This provides children with a chance to follow their interests and passions, with either teacher or parent taking care to cover the essentials as well.

Find Your Fit

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to remote schooling. Use the information above to guide your choice, keeping in mind your family’s preferences and lifestyle. And while you’re here, learn more about Pennsylvania Distance Learning and how we can work together toward your child’s bright future.