Tennessee Online Public Schools
In Tennessee, thousands of children attend school online in virtual classrooms with state certified teachers. Public online schools are free to attend, funded by taxpayers, and often offer the same support and accommodations available in your neighborhood school. They are overseen by public school districts and may be open only to in-district students or serve students statewide.
In Tennessee, students enrolled in public virtual schools are held to the same academic benchmarks and standardized testing requirements as their counterparts in traditional brick-and-mortar schools.
You can find a complete list of Tennessee’s virtual schools, both those that enroll statewide and those designed for local students, at the Tennessee Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I enroll my student?
A: To enroll your student in a online school, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the virtual school’s website to review their specific enrollment policies and procedures. These guidelines are typically outlined on the school’s official website.
- Contact the virtual school or its corresponding district directly. They will provide you with the necessary information and guidance to proceed with the enrollment process.
- If you’re looking for virtual schools approved to operate in Tennessee, you can refer to the official list provided above. This list will give you an overview of the approved virtual schools in Tennessee.
Q: Is internet required for virtual school?
A: Yes, for online school attendance, having an internet connection is essential. However, school districts are responsible for ensuring that students have the required materials and access to necessary technology, including a computer, printer, and internet connection for their schoolwork. At the very least, this can be fulfilled by granting access to a physical computer lab that students can use during designated hours. Some students complete their work online from a public library or family member’s house.
Q: Are virtual public schools the same as homeschooling?
A: No, attending a virtual public school is not the same as homeschooling. While both involve education outside of a traditional brick-and-mortar school, there are fundamental differences between the two. While both virtual public schools and homeschooling offer alternatives to traditional schooling, virtual public schools are formal educational institutions funded by the government with compulsory attendance, while homeschooling is typically parent-led education at home.
Q: What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous learning**