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Until recently, online school was seen as a poor substitute for in-person learning. Ten years ago, most families would never choose an online elementary school experience.
Times have changed.
Today, many families want an escape from the lifestyle mandated by the traditional school system. No more over-scheduled days capped off by nights of homework stress. Homeschooling or online learning offers more flexible schedules, for world travel or simply quality time.
Other families are rejecting the “one-size-fits-all” approach of the traditional system. At-home learning is completely personalized, putting parents in the driver's seat. And there are more curriculum and program options available than ever.
We built Prisma because of this fact: 60% of today’s elementary students will grow up to do jobs that haven’t been invented yet. Our online school prepares kids to thrive in a rapidly changing future, while getting them to love learning.
And we’re only one part of a growing online learning ecosystem. In this post, we’ll dive into the options for your K-5th grade learner.
If you’re new to researching online options, the terminology can be confusing at first. What’s the difference between homeschool and online school? Are all online schools accredited? Does being an online school mean there are teachers?
Homeschooling is when the parent takes on the responsibility of educating their child. Online schooling, on the other hand, is like enrollment in an in-person school, only virtual.
The reality isn’t always so black and white. Many families use online programs or schools to supplement homeschooling. At Prisma, we offer a Parent-Coach program as a kind of mix between online school and homeschool.
It’s tempting to select the easiest, most affordable online curriculum and call it a day. But elementary students have particular learning needs to consider.
“Screen time” is often demonized, but not all screen time is created equal. There are countless benefits to high-quality online learning. But young children shouldn’t be plopped down in front of a computer for hours on end. Elementary kids also don’t need to do more than a few hours of academic coursework per day. They should learn through play, hands-on projects, and moving their bodies. Look for a program with off-screen activities, or enough flexibility to allow for your own.
Self-paced programs can be convenient and affordable. But beware: little minds will tire of repetitive online lessons. Kids also should practice applying knowledge to tasks beyond multiple choice questions. Consider only using self-paced curriculum for some subjects, and supplement with hands-on projects. Or, sit beside your child. Discussing the content can deepen engagement in their self-paced lessons.
Social-emotional skills are a major component of the traditional elementary school experience. Covering math and science is just one part of the equation. Don't omit skills like making friends, managing emotions, and speaking to a group. If the program you choose doesn’t include this, it’s your job to provide it at home.
The takeaway? Don't expect any online program to deliver a comprehensive, whole-child elementary education. So much of learning at this age is about play, socialization, and exploration. So prepare to supplement, especially if you choose a more basic program.
Some 4th or 5th grade students may be able to work independently. Most elementary students need significant support managing time and staying focused.
In a traditional in-person learning environment, the teacher supervises all work. Online programs won’t provide this level of oversight. The benefits of personalized learning can be worth it! But be ready to support independent work, and ensure your child participates in classes. At Prisma, we find elementary school parents spend the most time sitting with their child. By middle school, many kids are flying solo.
Want your learner to enroll in a full online program with live classes? Like in-person schools, tuition-free public and private online schools are available. Online private schools tend to offer more live teacher support and engaging curriculum. Your choice depends on your budget and needs.
If your elementary school student is in 4th or 5th grade, check out Prisma!
Prisma is a Cognia-accredited online private school for kids in grades 4-12. We use hands-on, project-based curriculum to build love of learning and academic skills.
Each small cohort of Prisma learners is led by a learning coach. Coaches are certified teachers who support learners 1:1. They also lead daily, live workshops, in topics from Literacy to Collaborative Problem Solving.
Prisma’s fun, active community helps kids make lasting friendships. Kids bond with an intentionally-matched peer cohort in daily standups. They also join extracurriculars, from Art to Prisma News to Songwriting.
Self-paced programs without live teaching can be less engaging, especially for elementary schoolers. But these options remain popular due to their flexibility and lower price tags.
Looking for live teaching but don’t need a full online school experience? One-off online courses can support with advanced subjects, or serve as electives in your child’s interest areas.
Prefer to homeschool rather than enrolling in a full-time online school? You can incorporate online curriculum in your homeschool planning.
Remember, elementary students should do a mix of online and hands-on, play-based learning. Most online programs work best as one part of a well-rounded at-home education. Or, try a program like Prisma, for a whole-child approach to virtual learning.
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