How to successfully move your child to online school

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Embarking on a journey into online schooling is like opening a door to boundless opportunities for your child. Imagine a school where the learning truly adapts to your child’s unique pace, interests, and schedule.

Accredited online schools like ASU Prep Digital offer a tailored and flexible learning experience that is unmatched. It’s a chance for your child to flourish in a dynamic digital environment, breaking free from geographical confines and embracing interactive, personalized learning in virtual school.

The best part? A student can transfer to an online school at any point during the year. There’s no need to wait until the school year is over, you can easily start your child on the path to online school today.

Transferring mid-year is less complex than you may think. Whether they are in high school, middle school, or elementary school, the steps here will ensure an easy midyear transition from traditional school to online school.

Student and parent working virtually

Steps to enroll your child in online school midyear

Enrolling your child in online classes midyear may seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, it can be a smooth and seamless process. In this guide, we will take you through the necessary steps to enroll your child in online school midyear.

Student and parent working virtually

1. Discuss with your child why they want to transfer to online school

The first step in enrolling your child in online school is to have a discussion with them about it! It seems simple, but it’s crucial to make sure that you understand why they want to transfer, why they might prefer online learning, or why you think it would be beneficial for them.

Having an open conversation about their idea of what online learning entails, their needs, and what their intentions are is vital in the enrollment process. This is also an opportunity to begin discussing and teaching time management skills essential to online learning. Ensuring that you and your child are on the same page and ready to take this online school adventure together is essential to a smooth transition and enrollment.

2. Research the right virtual school programs with your child

Now that you and your child understand the reason behind transferring to online school, the next step is to research which online school option is the best fit for your child. If your child is old enough, it can be beneficial to go through this process together.

Involving your child in the process of choosing an online school program helps them feel excited and motivated about this transition. Look into each online program’s courses, what the typical coursework is for a full-time student in their grade level, explore the electives offered, and match those to your student needs. Starting a new school, even if it is a virtual school, can be daunting for kids. Being involved in the process can help ease their concerns.

3. Gather information and collect necessary documents

Once you’ve chosen the online schooling program that is best for your child, it’s time to start the transfer process. Contact the program you’ve chosen to find out what documents they will need in order to enroll your child.

You’ll need to un-enroll your child from the current school before they can completely enroll in online school, and collecting all required transcripts, documents, and forms will ensure a smooth transition. Typically the documents needed include their birth certificate, transcripts, student assessments, immunization records, and a notice of withdrawal from their in-person school. If your child has been in homeschool, the requirements may be different. Reach out to the online school to find out the specific documents needed for those coming from homeschool.

4. Start the withdrawal process from their current school

In order to transfer to online school, you’ll need to begin the process of un-enrolling your child from their current school. This process is different depending on their current school and its withdrawal procedure.

Typically you’ll need to contact the enrollment administrator for either their current school or you may need to contact the school district. Most in-person middle schools and high schools will have you meet with the guidance counselor to sign off on the withdrawal process, especially if they are transferring to online public school midyear. Be sure to take this time to request any of those documents or transcripts that are needed for the online school enrollment process as well.

5. Start the enrollment process for online school

As you’re collecting the necessary documents and initiating the withdrawal process, be sure to first reach out to the online school and complete the enrollment process.

It’s important to follow each step of the enrollment process in a timely manner to minimize any gaps in the transfer process. Adhering to the guidelines will ensure that your child starts their online schooling smoothly and quickly.

During the enrollment process you’ll need to make sure you follow up on all the documents and track any pending paperwork until the process is complete. Your student may need to take an assessment to determine their grade level or eligibility for certain online courses. That’s the beauty of online school, it allows your child to learn at their own pace, in a learning environment that is tailored to them!

6. Help your child build a schedule for successful online learning

Now that your child has started their online school adventure, building a schedule will give them the best chance of success.

Involve your child in the process of creating their online school schedule. Helping them consider each factor and taking into account course requirements alongside their unique learning style will create lasting success. Online school gives them freedom and flexibility, creating a schedule with them helps them make the best of it.

7. Stay involved in your child’s online education

Online school offers you the ability to be actively involved in your child’s online education. It’s also critical to their success as they learn how their online school works. Make sure that you’re taking an active interest in their classes, and helping them understand how to turn in assignments or any of the other technical aspects at the beginning. It’s a good idea to research academic support services available to your student as well. Being an engaged parent/guardian helps your child be an engaged learner and gives them the confidence they need to flourish in their online school.

Student and parent working virtually

Is your student starting online school midyear?

Starting online school is easier than many parents think, whether it’s at the beginning or in the middle of the school year. ASU Prep Digital is a great option to consider if you want to move away from homeschooling or public/private school and explore the flexibility and personalization of an online school program.

At ASU Prep Digital we have a team dedicated to helping you navigate the enrollment process. We believe that every child and their family should be able to have an education that is unique and easily accessible.

ASU Prep Digital is an accredited online school program serving students in grades K–12, recognized as Arizona’s #1 Online School by Niche.com. Our unique teaching model supports students from the safety of their homes with the latest learning technologies and several layers of personalized instruction and coaching. In addition, our program is a college prep option where online high school and university courses converge, preparing students for college acceptance and encouraging them to start earning credit toward college majors and careers.

We support districts in Arizona, while serving students and schools around the world. To learn more about ASU Prep Digital, please visit our website.

How To Switch To Online School In The Middle Of The Year FAQs

Can I switch to online in the middle of the semester?

If you’re wondering can you switch to online school in the middle of the year, the answer is yes. ASU Prep Digital offers a flexible and seamless transition for students wanting to make the switch from traditional brick-and-mortar schools to our online program. Our enrollment process is open throughout the year, allowing students to join at any time.

Why would I want to switch to online school?

There are many reasons why a student might want or need to switch to online school in the middle of the semester. It could be due to medical reasons, family relocation, or simply a desire for a more personalized and flexible education. Whatever your reason may be, ASU Prep Digital provides a high-quality and accredited education that caters to each individual student’s needs and goals.

How do I switch to online learning?

How to switch from in-person to online school with ASU Prep Digital is a simple and straightforward process. First, you would need to begin the enrollment process through our website or directly contact our admissions team. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, we will work with you to create a personalized academic plan.

How does transferring to an online school work?

Transferring to an online school, such as ASU Prep Digital, follows a similar process to switching from a traditional school. Our admissions team will work with you to ensure all your credits and courses from your previous school are transferred and accounted for in your academic plan. This allows for a seamless transition without any interruption to your education.