Glen Said:

What online schools do not require the GRE?

We Answered:

Each school has its own rules about it. You can compare their rules and students feedback here - schools.iblogger.org

Kathy Said:

Whats the difference between online public and online private school?

We Answered:

Online public school is a public school. As such, it is free, it follows all the rules, curriculum requirements, attendance regulations, etc, as any other public school.

Online private schools set their own rules and charge a fee.

All the best.

Jimmie Said:

I am having trouble finding a list of the top 100 private schools online.?

We Answered:

There is no true ranking of private schools. Some try to rank by Ivy matriculation, but that doesn't take into account the kids that turn down the Ivies, don't apply but would be admitted, or the *extra* qualifications some kids have, like nice donations and legacy. My dh participates in the admissions process for his Ivy alma mater, so I'm aware of what goes on. Sometimes they rank schools by their fund size, which is especially silly, since it doesn't address how the students do. Some rank by highest tuition and fees, but that often doesn't mean they're the top in academics, etc.

The top school is the one that is the best fit for the student. My son's school is extremely rigorous, 50+% of seniors are National Merit recognized, many Finalists, a favorite of the Ivies. But it certainly isn't the top school for most students, it would be wway too stressful. There are two other similar schools in our area that he was admitted to, but they weren't a great fit due to the personality of the school as a whole. All three schools are considered some of the top in the US, but it doesn't matter if the schools are not the right fit for the student.

Are you happy at your school? Do they have a nice matriculation to good colleges that you're sure isn't due to *extra* qualifications? (Often *extra* qualifications are kept quiet.) Do you feel like you're getting a good education? Are your PSAT/SAT scores acceptable? I'd like to see a "Happy & Satisfied with my Private School" ranking. My son loves his school, his friends at the other two schools, not so much.

Good luck!

Lori Said:

Do Online HIgh Schools count as private schools?

We Answered:

Some are public and some are private depending on their set up.

Your current school is trying it on; LEGALLY, they CAN'T 'not let you go' ; they're running a school, not a gaol.

No-one in your current school or school district can stop you leaving their school in order to go to an online school. That decision is solely between you, your parents and the online school you wish to attend: as long as your parents agree and the online school offers you a place, it is no business whatsoever of your current school. Whether or not the online school is accredited is irrelevant; how, why, where and by whom you are educated is for your parents to decide, not the state, not the local school system nor your current school.

Neither you, nor your parents, should even be asking for your current school's permission: if your parents are agreeable to the idea of online school and you've been offered a place, your mum just needs to accept the online place on your behalf and then INFORM your current school that she is withdrawing you (INFORM, not ask!); she needs to present it to them as a fait accompli, something that is non-negotiable because, if they see any sign of dithering or uncertainty on her part, they are likely to lie through their teeth to try and keep hold of you (or rather to try and keep hold of the money they get for schooling you).

ADDED: According to the Virginia Homeschoolers website - they have a section r.e. online schools despite online students not being considered 'home schooled' in Virginia - your parents are not obliged to even tell your current school that you're leaving*, let alone need to have the current school's permission (!)

* Altho. obviously it is still good manners for your parents to let the school know you will no longer be attending.

(http://www.vahomeschoolers.org/law/virtu… Virginia Homeschoolers' online schools page)

Gail Said:

How are public and private online schools different?

We Answered:

Private online schools aren't parent-directed homeschooling.

I agree that the time is long-past due for the definitions of home schooling to be given some legal labeling, just so that people know what you mean when you say "I'm a homeschooler." Twenty years ago, that wasn't much of a problem. There were private correspondence courses that you could take through the mail, and there was parent-directed homeschooling.

The difference—other than the funding—is who has the power and authority. In public charter schools, there will be about the same amount of "government" strings as any other public school except for those that are specifically exempted by the charter.

In private online schools, the school decides what they will teach and what they will require to award credits. Some minimums are in the laws regulating their business, but they decide how much above and beyond they can offer and still make a decent profit. Each class will have a preplanned syllabus or outline that each person taking that class will follow.

In parent-directed home education, the parents select the curriculum and make the assignments. These can be tailored by the day and to the individual. For instance, our state law says that we must teach history. My daughter who went on to graduate college as a biology major, had one of her high school history course credits filled with the history of medicine. We put this together with about five different books, a video, and Internet sources. I decided what would count as a year's worth of history. Another child, who went to art school after high school, filled a year of the social studies requirement by doing a study of anthropological and geographical differences in the development of art. If I call this approach "real homeschooling," someone is sure to be offended.

A lot of politicians and university-trained educators don't trust parents (or students) to "just make up their own class," but it obviously works every bit as well as a scheduled by-the-bell public school curriculum. This is were you can see the real difference, who gets to call the shots.

The HSLDA was begun to assist parents who want to direct their child's education. It does not extend membership to families who are delegating or signing over their parental direction to the direction of a public or private school. There is a little wiggle room in that because, up to a point, the parents can choose to have their child take classes from someplace else. To call HSLDA a fear-mongering Christian fundamentalist organization that drives wedges between it's members and the general homeschool population is a very biased and prejudiced claim. It was founded by a fundamentalist lawyer. He believes that God, not government ought to be the final authority. He draws his line in the sand for what he believes. When others want him to compromise "for the greater good" and he refuses, then they call that line a wedge. Public charter school students should not ever need the services of HSLDA, so I don't see what their beef is.

Alberto Said:

Does anyone know of any good, legit online schools for criminal investigation or private investigation?

We Answered:

Sure. Check out:
http://www.transfertoregis.org/index.htm…
http://www.transfertoregis.org/programs/…

Not criminal investigation per se - but criminology which should provide you with the necessary skills.

What you do is complete 90 units at your local CC - on line if you like. Then transfer. And Regis is certainly no scam school - they have been around for a while. They are rated 26 for Masters schools in the west by US News.

Stay clear of Kaplan, Phoenix, Westwood etc. Go for well established brick and mortar schools that have been around long enough to have a good reputation - and that reputation is supported by a good school ranking.

Thanks
Bill