7 Tips for Transitioning from Public School to Online School

Many Acellus Academy students come from diverse homeschooling backgrounds, while others started their education in traditional classroom settings in either public or private schools. For those students coming from public schools, the transition from a classroom setting to online courses can be challenging. We have some advice for those parents and students making the switch to online school for the first time.
1. Understand the First Year Is the Hardest
Like everything new, getting acquainted with an online school will take some time. For students that have attended traditional public school, the online platform of the classes is very different than what they have experienced in the past. Slowly adjusting to the online-class format rather than jumping in will prevent students from feeling overwhelmed by all the new resources. No matter what online school your student is attending, they will need to get comfortable with the layout of the courses and the setup of the curriculum.
For those interested in Acellus Academy, our school uses the Acellus Student Interface for all courses, which may be accessed through an app or web browser. Students should take some time to explore the interface before beginning their classwork.
2. Give Your Student Time to Adjust
Parents should not have the same expectations for students who are transitioning from public school to online school. This applies to struggling students who are enrolling in online school for more personalized instruction. Both the student and parent should have a fresh outlook on courses, grades, and GPA. Over time you can both learn how to set appropriate expectations.
Young students who are enrolling in an online school in first or second grade will need some “hand-holding” in the beginning. You may have to sit with them while they are attending the online class or help them with assignments. Your involvement as a parent will change as your student becomes older. By the time your student gets to fifth and sixth grade, they will become more independent. By high school, most students are self-sufficient and require very little oversight when doing their schoolwork.
3. Encourage Breaks
Breaks are an essential part of any work or school day. Without breaks, your student will get burnt out quickly and lose interest. We recommend that our students take 15-minute breaks for every one to two hours of course work completed. Frequent breaks will boost productivity, as well. Using this time to get fresh air or eat a snack will give your child a mental break, which will help them retain more information overall.
4. Maintain Friendships
One of the biggest differences between public and online school is the students’ social interaction with peers. Your child will probably miss their school friends, so you should try to maintain these relationships by scheduling play dates and keeping in touch with other parents. If your child is older, encourage them to reach out to their friends or host a get together with a few former classmates. The change in schooling is new and shocking, so maintaining friends will give your student some sense of normalcy.
5. Take Your Child’s Input
Your student will probably compare the new online classes to their past experiences in the classroom. Consider their point of view when selecting classes, especially for middle and high school students. They will already know which classes that they enjoy more than others. You can also give them the freedom to choose extracurriculars so that they can experiment with new skills and discover new passions.
6. Develop a Schedule That Fits Your Family’s Needs
One of the many benefits of an online school such as Acellus Academy is that the courses are self-paced. Your student does not have to be in class from 8:00 to 3:00 from Monday through Friday. Rather, when they get their coursework done for the day, they can move on to something else. Many parents have shared that their students work from 8:00 a.m. to around noon with a short break at 10:00.
Additionally, they can do work on the weekends if they have a conflict during the week. Online schooling offers students the flexibility to do classwork when and where it works best for them, as long as they have Internet access.
7. Get Involved in Homeschooling Communities
Most cities and towns have homeschooling communities. Although online school is different than home school, these can be great support groups. Your student can meet other children who do not attend traditional public school, and you can meet other parents, as well. These parents can offer advice on things like how to keep your child focused throughout the day and fun field trips around your area.
The first several months of online school can be challenging because, like any new venture, it takes some time to get comfortable. Acellus Academy offers resources and support to ensure that the transition goes smoothly for both parents and students. A parent support group on Facebook is also available to connect parents who are new to online schooling with parents who are veterans.
Acellus Academy is an accredited online school for kindergarten through high school. We offer our students a wide range of courses to take. These courses are self-paced and give each student a unique learning experience. For more information regarding our online school program, contact us today!
Great read!! Thanks for the sharing. Such a great blog that will help parents to opt online school for their children. Our children have recently joined online schooling. Our elder son is in onling high school and younger son is in elementary school.
Great suggestions. I have homeschooled my 9 year old son his entire life. We have used Abeka, Pre-K-2nd, Monarch for 3rd, and Acellus for 4th. We are so in love with the support that the Acellus Academy provides our family. Although we are on a scholarship, the weekly live video and all educational opportunities are well work $1000 a month! We are so happy to be a part of the Acellus Academy family.
Thanks for the tips, they helped a lot!
I live in Texas and am wondering how many classes she must take. I have her set up for Math, English, Science and History, along with a mental health class. I want to be sure she has enough classes and credit. She’s going into 9th grade with 1 Spanish credit but doesn’t want to continue with Spanish.
Please advice and thank you.
Denise Zientek
Great question! We offer other language & elective course options. Depending on the pathway a student takes for graduation, the requirements may vary. For more details see: Acellus Academy – Graduation Requirements
Is this online school for invalid kids or we can have online school if my kids with good health? Thnx.
You are welcome to enroll your student Nataliya. Our program is flexible and available for students from all backgrounds.
I just read at the beginning that it’s $79.00 with the tuition grant but one comment said $1000 a month with the tuition grant I can barely afford 100 a month let alone a $1000. I really want my daughter to go to acellus academy rather then send her back to public school! Especially with the pandemic and my child’s learning disadvantages. Please help me understand the tuition grant more clearly?
Great question Marissa! You can find details on the Roger Billings Scholarship here: https://www.acellusacademy.com/roger-billings-mentoring-program/
I don’t understand the $1000 a month either!? I keep searching but I can’t find it. Did you find any information about the tuition being $1000 a month?
You can find a list of our available tuition rates here: Tuition Rates
I read it the same way at first, but after tree reading it, I think the lady that made that comment was saying while her child is doing the scholarship program (for less than $100 a month), the course/education would be worth it even if she had to pay $1,000 a month. I think she meant it figuratively, that she really thinks it’s a top notch program. Thankfully, it’s no where near that expensive. Whew!
*re-reading
It really helped when you talked about online schools and how to adapt to them! Recently, my wife and I decided we’d like to enroll our kid in online classes. We want to keep our family safe from the virus and stay at home with our son, so we’ll be sure to read and follow your tips! Thanks for the advice on how to help our kids get used to online school!
I’m wanting to enroll my 15 year old son until he turns 16 in March and then can take his GED. Is this possible?
You are welcome to enroll your student. Please note, we do not offer the GED through Acellus Academy. Our students graduate and receive a high school diploma.
How do you go about withdrawn from the high school he was attending
Does anyone have a telephone contact for this program? I’ve submitted a request via email to get more information as I’m considering switching to online schooling. I can’t find a telephone contact in order to speak to a representative
You can find our number listed here, please select your reason for contacting so we can provide you with the best contact options: Contact Us
I have questions about my daughter transcripts
We are happy to assist! You can reach our main support team here: Contact Us
I have a 12 year old son that I need to enroll in school I want to now how can I do it
You can enroll online Carrie: Enroll Now
My daughter is studying in the 9th grade in Russia, we want to go to your school, does your school have training for children from the 9th grade? And how is the enrollment? Are there any exams to take?
We offer grades 9-12, students will need to complete exams within the program. You can enroll online: Enroll Now
I am interested in this program. My son is in 5th grade right now, we live in North Carolina. How can I figure out the requirements to graduate from North Carolina?Are the requirements the same as what your website Acellus Academy says?
Hi. We are.interested in enrolling our 7th grade daughter. Looking for some info and would like to ask a.few questions
We’re happy to answer any questions you have Janet. Contact Us
Hi, this is Cathrine Arrendale. My son is Cameron arrendale , he attends Paulding county high currently but we are having lots of problems with the school I’m general . My son and I are looking to enroll him into this online school ASAP . We want to have something that is more self paced, easier for him to absorb the information and just an all around more one on one experience. We think your academy sounds perfect! And we would like to start him January. Can you please let me know what I need to do to get this ball rolling and my son on an exciting more enjoyable school experience!
You can enroll online Catherine. To view each step of the admission process click here: Admissions Process
We are relocating to Connecticut and would like to explore online school for my 5th grader
How do y’all go about scheduling an 8th grader who has 2 9th grade high school credits already? Everything seems to be split for 8th vs 9th grades
Great question Carey. During enrollment you’ll be able to select the correct grade level for each subject area.
I need to speak with a representative asap. I have questions about public to online back to public. Please reach out to me ASAP.
We are happy to assist Adrienne! You can contact us via chat, phone or send us a message: Contact Us
HI,
What is the process of switching to home school for the rest of this year and what process do I need to remove her from her current school and change her to home school
Great question Christina! For more details on transitioning visit: Admissions Process
Will there be a live teacher online to help my daughter??
I need to speak with representative before I pay the 79$ fee I need more information
We’re happy to answer your questions Amanda! You can fill out the form here to request information Information Request or for more assistance you can reach our support team: Contact Us
Hello I want to enroll my child but it is the ending of the school year. He had 2 months left until he completed 2nd grade but I had to disenroll him and I am now wanting to enroll him in online school. Will he have to start the curriculum from the beginning or will he be adjusted in according to progress from his most recent physical school?
This is an important question Lake, thanks for asking. Check out how it works for students transitioning mid-year: Transferring Mid-Year