At Primavera, we know change isn’t easy, especially when combined with the unknown. We know many things has changed recently, and there are a number of reasons you might be looking into online school. Still, switching in the middle of school year might sound overwhelming, but we promise it’s worth it and we’ll be there to walk you through everything.
To make the transition smooth, here are a few steps we recommend.
First, let’s determine if online school is the right option for you…
No matter how you or your child attends school, it’s never an “easy” task. That also doesn’t mean it’s inevitable to dread going to school every day. No, students don’t actually have to walk uphill to school both ways in the snow while carrying a cello.
Learning truly can and should be enjoyable. If it isn’t, then it could be time to consider school online. Here are a few advantages to online schooling:
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Individualized attention from teachers
Students at Primavera Online School often find they receive more personalized support from teachers and staff. Instead of a student competing with 30+ peers for attention in a classroom, Primavera students can contact teachers throughout the day through several channels including emails, phone calls, live online sessions and instant chat. When they talk with their teachers, it’s one on one. That sometimes makes asking questions a lot simpler, especially when you’re not a fan of raising your hand.
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You choose when and where you study
Another reason students choose online school is to have more flexibility as to when and where they complete schoolwork. Those who are competitive athletes or musicians, or who have medical needs or family responsibilities, tend to prefer online education so as to better balance their lives. Online school is not easier, but the ability to complete coursework outside of the standard Monday–Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. is appealing to many.
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Focusing is sometimes easier with a more comfortable environment to study
With class sizes constantly increasing, there are students who find the noise and social aspects of today’s classroom too distracting. Online still allows for social interaction, but working online from home or wherever is most comfortable helps many students better focus on schoolwork.
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Our mutlimedia-packed curriculum has actually been developed in this century
Unlike so many of those graffiti-filled, outdated textbooks, Primavera Online School’s curriculum is fresh and engaging. Because we’re accredited, students learn the same required concepts as a traditional school, but they do so by watching videos, interacting with what they read and collaboratively discussing with students and teachers online. It has won multiple awards too, in case you were wondering.
To see more about the differences between traditional school and online school, head to this blog post.
For parents: Here are some tips on switching your child to online school midyear
Determine your child’s needs–and if the school can meet them
Different schools are made to fit different students’ needs. Whether your child requires a specialized IEP/504 plan or simply thrives on social interaction, it’s best to make sure the online school you choose works for him or her. Head to Our Programs page to see what Primavera offers.
Talk with your child
This can seem like a given, but oftentimes parents make decisions on school options without first asking what their child wants. Including your child in the decision process will help them transition easier and stay motivated.
Talk with your guidance counselor
Your guidance counselor should let you know your child’s current progress toward graduation and help you get started on the transition process.
Get paperwork gathered
In order to enroll in any school you will need the following:
- Immunization records (even in online school)
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residency
- School transcripts
If you have all these items gathered and ready to go, the enrollment process will go much smoother.
Make Sure the School You Choose Will Work With Credits
By law, schools in Arizona must accept credits your child earns in an Arizona school. Primavera Online School accepts all Arizona earned school credits, and most credits earned from schools in other states. We also have enrollment advisors who will work with you every step of the way to make transferring a smooth process.
Prepare a Workspace for Your Child
A big difference between traditional and online school is that your child will no longer have a designated desk to sit at in a classroom. To help your student transition, create a school desk for them at home. Whether it’s a desk in your child’s bedroom, an office space in the house or even a kitchen table, it’s best to create a designated, organized workspace for your child. Head to this blog post to see workspace organization advice from Primavera instructors.
Students: Here’s how you can make switching to an online school simple
See how you can get involved
Students: Just because you aren’t in a classroom doesn’t mean you can’t meet new people and make friends. Online schools hold events and have clubs for you to join.
Primavera even has a prom and a monitored online community chat for you to easily connect with your classmates and make new friends. Learn more about Primavera student life here.
Get a planner
More flexibility requires more organization. Now that you can choose how to spend your day, we recommend you buy a planner or use an online scheduling app to help you plan your days out. Decide beforetime when you will complete schoolwork and when you are going to take breaks so that you can stay disciplined throughout the day.
Find ways to personalize your workspace
Adding your favorite snack, a picture of your family or another favorite trinket will make your environment more enjoyable as you work. Not to mention, these are all things you likely weren’t allowed to do at your old school, so take advantage and enjoy it! Here are a few tips from our students to get the creative juices flowing.
Talk to your teachers and advisors as much as you can
The instructors, advisors and counselors are readily available to help you–but don’t know how if you don’t ask. Any time you don’t understand a concept, don’t hesitate to send an instant message, email or phone call for personal support.
My son is a freshman in high school, but has has a hard time handling the workload. He failed most of his classes first semester, and is currently failing second semester. If I enrolled him now, would he just basically start his freshman year all over? Can someone in 9th grade take the 6 week courses so that their workload isn’t too much for them? I also work from 8 to 430 pm, is it possible to speak to someone after those hours? Thank you.
Hi, Lisa. Absolutely! Our enrollment advisors are available at 480.456.6678, option 1.
Do you provide laptops or computers?
hi my name is lesly, I’m a freshman and I’ve passed my classes first semester, and currently in 2 semester but due to some situations at home Ive falling behind and theirs only 2 months left of school left and I won’t be able to attend school and my school is currently not doing ischool anymore, if I were to enroll would I have to restart my freshman year?? Also is their an option I can transfer my credits and enroll and still do school here on primavera and work for these 2 months left and also summer to catch up manage to finish my freshman year online?
Hi, Lesly. You may need to retake some classes depending on your final grades for your freshman year, but know that we are here to help you get back on track to graduate on time! You can certainly take some summer courses and transfer them to your current school! An enrollment advisor would be happy to answer these questions and any other you have at 480.456.6678, option 3. 🙂