Sunrise Virtual School – The leading British Curriculum school by student count (2024)

FAQs

How effective is virtual school? ›

These papers find common themes: Students in online courses generally get lower grades, are less likely to perform well in follow-on coursework, and are less likely to graduate than similar students taking in-person classes.

Some kids have trouble with online classes because they lack the structure that in-person school traditionally provides. Additionally, students who have issues with anxiety, attention, or learning challenges may struggle to adapt to the different expectations and format of online classes.

Online courses teach students how to manage their time better since the student bears the responsibility of engaging with the course instead of simply showing up to class on an assigned day and time. As a result, students not only gain knowledge from the coursework, but they also sharpen their time management skills.

But if your student is attending or looking into a different school, it's a good idea to ask about accreditation. As long as a school is regionally accredited, colleges won't typically have any issue with whether the school is online or in-person.

Many children with ADHD find that doing school from home has less distractions than there are in a physical public school. A solo school environment may be helpful and help them focus on what's most important. Work at your own pace.

Online schools can be very beneficial for students dealing with anxiety and depression. They won't be interacting with other students unsupervised. They won't have to worry about eating alone in the cafeteria or getting called on to walk to the front of the class to solve a challenging math problem.

Is online school better for students who need more flexibility? Some parents think so. Online school students still attend fixed-schedule events, such as real-time lessons in the virtual classroom, but they have a much higher degree of flexibility concerning where and when they complete their studies.

Feelings of Isolation

One of the biggest challenges that students face in online learning is the feeling of isolation. Unlike traditional classrooms, where students can interact with their peers and teachers on a daily basis, online learning can be a solitary experience.

How does virtual school affect mental health? ›

The Psychological Effects of Virtual Education

Without interaction such as in regular school, teens can become isolated. This can impact their mental health and lead to problems such as depression or anxiety. However, it is important to note that not all students experience the same level of social isolation.

Digital learning environments can be much more inclusive than traditional classrooms. Students can slow down the pace at which they consume learning material. They can rewatch a lecture multiple times if needed and take time to process it before responding to online discussions or assignments.

The average age of an online student is 32 years old, which indicates that the online student population includes parents, professionals and everyone in between, all looking to continue their education by pursuing their master's or earning their first postsecondary degree.

While just over 20% of undergraduate students enrolled at primarily online colleges earn their bachelor's degrees within six years, the graduation rate for similar students at other institutions was 64.6%. However, online students at two-year schools graduate at higher rates.

According to Cooke (2024), 70% of students agree that online classes are better than traditional classroom settings based on reduced expenses, schedule convenience, becoming more skilled with using technology, and better retention of learned information.

But in many cases, an online degree is more challenging for students because it requires more self-discipline and motivation to "take an active part in their learning," Mathes says. And, like residential students, online students need to maintain academic integrity when completing assignments and taking exams.

“Online classes may be more challenging for those with poor time management or lack of motivation,” explains Chris Lee, adjunct professor and founder of Purpose Redeemed.