If you’re thinking of switching to online school midyear, these tips will make the transition smoother

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Switching to Online School midyear does not have to be difficult. In fact, Primavera has enrollment advisors you can call, or come see in person to make enrolling as simple as possible.