Costly Mistakes that Parents Make When Choosing a High School for their Teens
Choosing the best online high school for your teenager can be a daunting task. With so many schools to choose from, it’s important to do your research before making a decision. Unfortunately, many parents make costly mistakes when choosing an online high school for their teens.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the common mistakes that parents make when choosing an online high school. We’ll also provide tips for avoiding these mistakes.
So, if you’re considering enrolling your teen in an online high school, be sure to read this post!
What Are the Costly Mistakes Parents Make When Choosing an Online High School for Their Teens?
1. Not Considering Their Child’s Learning Style
One of the most common mistakes that parents make when choosing an online high school is not considering their child’s learning style. Every child learns differently, and it’s important to choose a school that will cater to your child’s specific learning needs.
If your child is a visual learner, look for an online high school that offers plenty of visuals, such as videos and infographics. If your child is an auditory learner, look for a school that offers audio lessons.
And if your child is a kinesthetic learner, look for a school that offers hands-on learning opportunities. By taking your child’s learning style into consideration, you can choose an online high school that will set them up for success.
2. Not Checking the School’s Accreditation
Another common mistake that parents make when choosing an online high school is not checking the school’s accreditation. Accreditation is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that the school meets certain educational standards.
Second, it allows your child to transfer credits to another school if they decide to change schools. And third, it may be required for your child to take certain standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT.
Be sure to check that the online high school you’re considering is accredited before enrolling your teen.
3. Not Reading the Fine Print
When you’re looking at online high schools, it’s important to read the fine print. Many schools have hidden fees, such as application fees, enrollment fees, and graduation fees.
Others have strict attendance policies that could result in your child being withdrawn from the school if they miss too many days.
Be sure to read all of the fine print before enrolling your teen in an online high school.
4. Not Considering the School’s Curriculum
Another mistake that parents make when choosing an online high school is not considering the school’s curriculum. It’s important to make sure that the school you choose offers a curriculum that is aligned with your child’s goals and interests.
For example, if your child is interested in pursuing a career in engineering, you’ll want to make sure that the school offers courses in math and science. If your child is interested in pursuing a career in the arts, you’ll want to make sure that the school offers courses in art and music.
By taking your child’s goals and interests into consideration, you can choose an online high school that offers a curriculum that is right for them.
5. Not Considering the School’s Schedule
Another mistake that parents make when choosing an online high school is not considering the school’s schedule. Many online high schools offer flexible schedules that allow students to work at their own pace.
However, some schools have rigid schedules that require students to complete their coursework during certain hours of the day.
Be sure to consider your child’s schedule and learning style when choosing an online high school.
6. Not Considering the School’s Teacher-To-Student Ratio
Another mistake that parents make when choosing an online high school is not considering the school’s teacher-to-student ratio. It’s important to choose a school that has a low teacher-to-student ratio so that your child can get the individualized attention they need.
A high teacher-to-student ratio can also make it difficult for your child to get help from their teachers. Be sure to consider the school’s teacher-to-student ratio when choosing an online high school.
7. Not Considering the School’s Technology Requirements
Another costly mistake that parents make when choosing an online high school is not considering the school’s technology requirements.
Many online high schools require students to have access to a computer and an internet connection. Be sure to check the school’s technology requirements before enrolling your teen.
8. Not Considering the School’s Academic Support Services
Another mistake that parents make when choosing an online high school is not considering the school’s academic support services. Many online high schools offer tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling services.
Be sure to check the school’s academic support services before enrolling your teen.
9. Not Checking to see if the Teachers are Certified
Another common mistakes that parents make when choosing an online high school is not checking to see if the teachers are certified.
Many online schools hire unqualified teachers who are not properly certified to teach in their state. This can lead to your teen receiving a subpar education.
To avoid this, be sure to check with your state’s Department of Education to see if the online school you’re considering is properly accredited.
10. Not Doing their Research
Many parents make the mistake of not doing their proper research when choosing an online high school for their teen. With so many schools to choose from, it’s important to take the time to read reviews and compare schools.
Not doing your research can lead to your teen enrolling in a school that’s not a good fit for them. To avoid this mistake, be sure to spend some time researching the different online high schools before making a decision.
11. Choosing a School Based on Price
Another mistake that parents make when choosing an online high school is choosing a school based on price. Just because a school is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s better. In fact, many cheaper online schools are not properly accredited and hire unqualified teachers.
To avoid this mistake, be sure to do your research and choose a school based on its quality, not its price.
12. Assuming that all Online High Schools Are the Same
Many parents assume that all online high schools are the same. This is not the case. There are many different types of online high schools, each with its own unique curriculum and teaching methods. To avoid this mistake, be sure to research the different types of online high schools before making a decision.
13. Not Considering All of Their Teen’s Needs
When choosing an online high school, it’s important to consider all of your teen’s needs. For example, if your teen has special needs, you’ll want to choose a school that can accommodate their needs.
To avoid this mistake, sit down with your teen and discuss their educational needs and goals. This will help you choose a school that’s right for them.
14. Not Asking Enough Questions
Most parents make the mistake of not asking enough questions when choosing an online high school for their teen. Be sure to ask about the curriculum, the teaching methods, the type of support available, and anything else that’s important to you. Not asking enough questions can lead to your teen enrolling in a school that’s not a good fit for them.
15. Choosing the Wrong Program for Their Teen
Many parents make the mistake of choosing the wrong online high school program for their teen. For example, some parents choose an online high school because they think it will be easier for their teen.
However, this is not always the case. Online high schools can be just as challenging as traditional schools.
To avoid this mistake, be sure to choose a program that’s appropriate for your teen’s academic level.
High School of America: The Best Online High School
If you’re looking for the best online high school, look no further than High School of America. We are accredited by AdvancED. This means that their courses are rigorous and meet high educational standards.
At High School of America, we offer a wide variety of courses, including AP and honors classes. This allows students to challenge themselves academically and prepare for college.
In addition, we have a low student-to-teacher ratio, which ensures that each student gets the individualized attention they need to succeed.
Our teachers are all certified and experienced in teaching online courses. And, we offer a variety of support services, such as tutoring and academic advising, to help our students succeed.
To learn more about our school, or to enroll your teen today, visit us online at www.highschoolofamerica.com
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right online high school for your teen can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to make a mistake that could cost your family thousands of dollars and years of wasted time.
By following our tips, you can avoid these common mistakes and choose an online high school that will help your teen succeed academically and prepare them for college.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect online high school for your family.