Online Programs
A virtual school in general refers to a program in which your child is at home, but takes courses over the Internet. These virtual schools offer online programs and often full curricula. They are usually administered by a public or private school. Thus, children enrolled in these programs are effectively enrolled in a school and skirt the definition of a homeschooled student. There are some controversies regarding these programs, but they do provide an alternative that is appropriate for some families. Learn more about how these programs work, what to expect, and how to get the most out of them.
Online Homeschool Programs & Curricula
Clonlara School
The Clonlara School philosophy is that a school must empower learners to participate purposefully and eagerly in their own education. The program gives students a lot of choice: choice of curriculum, resources, method and timing.
Heritage Home School Academy
Heritage Home School Academy is an accredited Christian home school option for families across the United States and globally. Their school is focused on family, quality education, and the success of children preschool through 12th grade. They offer traditional Christian home school curriculum, and also, Christian online curriculum. Heritage Home School Academy’s traditional and online curriculum programs give parents options. Programs are affordable, accredited and can be adjusted for each child’s specific learning needs.
CLASS Homeschools
CLASS is a pioneer of the modern home school movement and has helped thousands of families to get started—and succeed—in home schooling. CLASS consists of thousands of home schools throughout the United States and around the world, with students ranging in age from four to adult. CLASS is accredited by the National Association of Private Schools. Graduates are being accepted by leading colleges, universities, and military academies.
Lisa Nolan Montessori
Montessori for the Earth offers affordable on-line Montessori and homeschool programs and ebooks for parents, homeschool, teachers, and aides by a certified Montessori teacher. Their Montessori on-line Distance Learning programs are designed for parents and homeschoolers, teachers and assistants, educators, administrators, and college students who want to learn about (or review) Montessori education and curriculum so they can incorporate it into their home, classroom, or college studies.
Bridgeway Academy
Bridgeway Academy has been a trusted homeschooling academy since 1989, meeting the highest state and national accreditation standards possible. Bridgeway’s goal is to provide families with everything needed to give a child the best homeschool education available. Whether looking for a curriculum founded on Christian principles, or one that focuses solely on academics, Bridgeway is a proven homeschool resource that will work with families to produce a customized and affordable plan that universities are taking quite seriously.
Paradigm Virtual Academy
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, PVA uses the tested and proven PAC curriculum, but in a virtual, online setting. Students with Internet access can now benefit from the PAC program from anywhere in the world.
Catholic Virtual
A program of Virtual Schools of Excellence, Catholic Virtual is an accredited, online program. They are committed to offering a comprehensive approach to e-learning in a faith-filled environment. The K-12 Program provides college preparatory and career readiness curriculum for all students. The Catholic Religious Education classes follow the standards and guidelines set by the United States Bishops.
Central California Connections Academy
Central California Connections Academy (CenCA) provides a new form of public school that students can attend from home. This is a unique program that combines strong parental involvement, the expertise and accountability of publicly funded education, and the flexibility of online classes. Central California Connections Academy is a charter school authorized in May 2006 by Alpaugh Unified School District. CenCA serves students in grades K–12 who reside in Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties. Parents pay no tuition for students to attend Central California Connections Academy. Students are considered to be enrolled in a public school. CenCA provides textbooks and other curriculum materials.
Capistrano Connections Academy
Capistrano Connections Academy provides a new form of public school that students can attend from home. This is a unique program that combines strong parental involvement, the expertise and accountability of publicly funded education, and the flexibility of online classes. Capistrano Connections Academy (CapoCA) is a charter school authorized by the Capistrano Unified School District. CapoCA serves students in grades K–12 who reside in San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. Grades K–10 are fully accredited and grades 11–12 have been provisionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Parents pay no tuition for students to attend Capistrano Connections Academy. Students are considered to be enrolled in a public school. CapoCA provides textbooks and other curriculum materials.
A Beka Academy
A Beka Academy is an accredited, comprehensive distance-learning program for kindergarten through grade 12. This academically challenging, college preparatory education features high-quality video instruction and uses Christian character-building textbooks from A Beka Book.
Sycamore Tree Center for Home Education
The Sycamore Tree, Inc. was incorporated in California in 1982, and provides homeschool educational services to students in grades K-12. This is a text-based homeschool computer program. They also provide testing services.
e-Tutor
eTutor Virtual Learning is an online school providing an in-depth curriculum to students in grades K-12 anywhere in the world. Access to the program is through subscription. Subscribers become part of an online learning community held in high regard by some of the nation's best educators. Ideal for homeschoolers, international students, student athletes and performers, health-impaired, gifted-talented students and those who want to increase or refresh their educational skills, eTutor provides lesson modules in the areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Subscribers have the option of working at the level of their choice.
Calvert School
Calvert School is an independent lower and middle school with a curriculum that is designed to challenge capable boys and girls. Children are prepared for secondary school and for a lifetime of learning by mastering the academic basics. Through its financial aid and recruitment efforts, Calvert strives to offer an educational opportunity to students of all socio-economic backgrounds.
Support
K12 Large Families
This group is for large families using the K-12 curriculum created by Dr. William Bennett. Both homeschooling families and Virtual School families are welcome. It is particularly intended for families with more than 3 children in K-12 as well as additional teens, toddlers and babies. Discussions include both the curriculum and the challenges of implementing it in a large family.
CAVA K12 - LA County
All members of this group live in or near Los Angeles County, have children who are enrolled in CAVA (California Virtual Academy) or use K12 curriculum on their own, or are interested in the programs.
Featured Resources
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this site.
Learning Language Arts Through Literature
Learning Language Arts Through Literature is a fully integrated language arts program that teaches grammar, reading, spelling, vocabulary, writing mechanics, creative writing, thinking skills and more.
Name That Country Game
"Dear Pen Pal, Konnichi wa! We've been to see Mt. Fuji. Name my country! Sayonara, Michiko." Challenge your group with this fast-paced geography game, created in 1992 by Educational Insights, Inc. Everyone begins at the post office. Players twirl a finely printed spinner (built into the game board itself) to select one of 60 countries. If the player can correctly identify the country's location on the board's numbered map, he or she may advance along the path to the finish. Bonus moves are won b...
Pass Your California DMV Test Guaranteed! 50 Real Test Questions! California DMV Handbook
This book contains the 50 most common questions and answers to the California DMV Written Test. Written by a former DMV classroom instructor and test creator, this straight forward book tells you the most likely questions and answers that will appear on you exam. Typically, at least 70-80% of the questions you encounter will come from these high frequency questions. Pass your test today!
Diana Waring--History Alive!
Diana Waring--History Alive! produces books, tapes, videos, and history curriculum for the homeschool market.
Reading Made Easy
Reading Made Easy is a phonics-based program, featuring 108 easy lessons, designed to be taught in less than 30 minutes per day. It is fully scripted and has original Christian content and stories. Includes hands-on writing and drawing activities. Reading Made Easy can be purchased here.