All three of our school aged children are currently enrolled in a virtual academy called *Georgia Cyber Academy, which we’ve been a part of since 2007. Prior to that we did a mish-mash of a curriculum never having found one that I clearly loved. I was at a cross-roads when I found out about GCA and actually thought about quitting altogether.
Three years in, I am so thankful that I found this form of homeschooling. It works so well for our family. The kids have excelled in their courses, and along the way they still get to nurture the extracurricular activities that they love such as soccer, art, writing, film club, photography, and more.
The Georgia Cyber Academy uses the K¹² curriculum to offer Georgia students in grades K-8 an exceptional learning experience. With individualized learning approaches, the Georgia Cyber Academy and K¹² provide the tools kids need to succeed—in school and beyond.
The Georgia Cyber Academy is one of the fastest-growing schools in Georgia, and here’s why:
- Our experienced, highly qualified Georgia-certified teachers, who are available online and by phone. [We love our assigned teachers. One has especially become a favorite of ours whom we look forward to hearing at our conference times.]
- The exceptional, individualized K¹² curriculum, which covers both the core subject areas and electives. Based on decades of education research, this curriculum packages high-quality lessons with mastery-based assessments that ensure students achieve success at each and every level. [The K12 curriculum was one of the big points for me when I decided to use GCA as our homeschooling method. It's comprehensive, classic, and conservative. A perfect fit for our family.]
- The online planning and assessment tools, resources, and hands-on materials ranging from textbooks to microscopes, from rocks and dirt to beautifully illustrated classic children’s stories, and much more. [This is an absolute God-send to us. To be able to use these tools, resources, materials, textbooks, etc.. is just wonderful.]
- Our supportive school community, which organizes fun and informative monthly activities where GCA parents, students, and staff share their successes, helpful hints, and more.
- The high-quality, tuition-free public education that enables a learning experience that is individualized for each student. [Having three different types of learners, this is something I see first-hand.]
This method of homeschooling works for our family.
I’d be interested to hear what works for you and yours!
*In 2010 Georgia Virtual Academy became Georgia Cyber Academy due to the request from the Georgia Department of Education during the charter renewal process.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s always nice to find something that just WORKS for you.
I’m glad you’ve found something that works for your family.
In all fairness, however, this program shouldn’t be called “homeschooling”. As you point out in your post, this is “tuition-free PUBLIC education”. It is government funded, and subject to their restrictions and regulations.
I’m concerned that it is confusing when people refer to these programs as “homeschooling”…..this is public education at home, which is not the same thing as homeschooling.
The Home School Legal Defense Association will not allow parents to join their organization if they are using one of these state-run “public school at home” programs, since they do not consider it to be homeschooling. They have many articles on their website, warning parents about the strings attached to these programs. Here’s a link to one of them:
http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/hslda/200402/200402100.asp
I’m not trying to convince you to change what you are doing! You have obviously weighed the costs and benefits and felt this is a good choice for your family, and it sounds like things are going well.
I just don’t like seeing the word “homeschool” sprinkled so liberally throughout your post and I’m confused as to why an article about a public education program has been published on The Homeschool Post.
I figured this would come up. I meant no disrespect, I simply decided to post about this because, even though it is a virtual academy–that is state funded–we are doing it at home. We supplement where we see fit, we belong to a home school co-op, and we have countless home schooled friends.
I consider myself as much of home schooling mother NOW as I did back when we were independently home schooling.
I feel the need to add: I’ve been attacked about this in the past by a fellow homeschooler and honestly felt safe posting here.
You *are* a homeschool mother, Mishelle.
You are the overseer of your children’s education ~ you are the ultimate filter . . . as each of us are. We each decide how exactly homeschooling will look for our individual families.
Finding what works for your family is half the battle, it seems. I think Mishelle’s post is very helpful, as a lot of people don’t know what a virtual academy is about. But I also think that Molly’s information is good, because many parents also don’t realize that HSLDA doesn’t consider that option a part of homeschooling. The key is really that people understand the entire issue – from all sides, and I think this post, along with its comments, helps to provide a clearer picture for those who may not know a lot about this.
Not everyone does things the same way… and we need to be respectful and very careful of how we talk to others – whether they homeschool, virtual school, private school, unschool or public school. I have friends who do all of these things and have found that while I know what works for us (most of the time, that is) I can not judge another person. These differences are wonderful to discuss because it opens dialogue about the subject. I hope that we all can talk about them with the utmost respect for each other and know that while our opinions won’t be the same, our love for other loving, concerned and caring parents should be universal.
With that being said, please feel safe posting here, Mishelle. I love you and your sweet heart.
I also understand why HSLDA would be concerned about the charter/virtual school curriculums and “strings” because with government funds usually comes regulation. This is wise for them to be wary of as an organization and it pays to be fully in the know about whatever choice you use for your children’s education.
Thanks for keeping it real and keeping it ‘safe’ at the Post, everyone!
Thank you, Heather. I really appreciate it and I appreciate the inclusion of ALL forms of home schooling.
Thank you for sharing with us how your family homeschools. I was wondering how do the virtual schools accommodate children with learning disabilities or children who are behind their peers?
They test the children and if there are any questions re: learning disabilities there are ways to get help. I don’t know firsthand, but I have a friend whose children are in GCA who have varying issues. One is advanced for her grade level, one needs extra help in reading, and another is way ahead of his grade in math. They accommodate for it.
I am currently using the K12 program thru South Carolina…. I absolutely love it….
Also my daughter has a learning disability. They have have modified her studies like they would in a regular brick and morter school.
I’ve actually just enrolled GCA our special needs 10yo for the fall! I’ve signed up for the Yahoo Groups & will be attending a webinar tomorrow. Any info/advice you have for me would GREATLY be appreciated.
I *too* consider it homeschooling, as it’s educating at home AND it’s supplemented with other education.
Great courage to come forward with your families situation. KUDOS & blessings!
Nikowa, Feel free to email me if you have any questions, but it’s really easy flow. At times it can seem overwhelming, but that’s when we pull back and do other types of learning (like hands on, etc..) You’re gonna love it.
I adore GCA as well! Sure, it may not be “typical” homeschool—but I don’t have “typical” kids either! This has well surpassed what I anticipated and I appreciate every single aspect of it. My eldest is doing beautifully with it…we began because our son has significant medical needs, and we couldn’t drive her to and from the brick and mortar (it was a 1.5 hour round trip drive) and accommodate his needs at the same time. This is the perfect solution for us, and I’m so happy you are talking about it.
Yes, indeed. My kids are very individual in their learning and are simply able to excel with this curriculum.