Homeschooling the Middle Schooler

For both parents and students, the transition from the elementary grades to middle school can be very difficult. Not only do students and parents have to adapt to a new schedule and a new curriculum, but the change in age groups also means that both students and their parents have to adjust to changes that result as students begin to develop and change physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Many times, middle school becomes the "make it or break it" moment for students, meaning that they will either succeed in middle school and carry that success over to high school and beyond, or that they will struggle in middle school and consequently struggle in the grades to follow.

This particular stage in a child's life is so important that many parents struggle with finding the right school or the right program that will ensure the proper social and cognitive development for their child. For many parents, the best option often involves enrollment in a distance learning program. Besides being academically on par with traditional schools, distance learning programs also eliminate many of the "distractions" that often keep students from succeeding and reaching their full potential during the middle school years.

For the parent that worries about a child's safety while at school, distance learning programs represent a viable option for making sure that their child or children are not exposed to the violence that is currently plaguing many of the country's K-12 campuses. Not only can parents take charge over the schedule and the curriculum, but they can also control what their children are exposed to.

In addition to providing parents with additional control, distance learning schools also provide education that is on equal terms with the curriculum of traditional public and private schools. Many of today's distance learning programs are accredited by the same licensing agencies that are in charge of determining the accreditation of traditional schools.

Along with providing control over the physical, social, and academic environment, distance learning programs have also been found to be extremely effective at preparing students for success beyond high school. Since middle school is such an important time in a child's life, particularly because the knowledge gained will be useful at the high school level, a distance learning program that removes many of the traditional distractions, obstacles, and problems associated with the middle school while still being able to provide a high-quality, standards-based education can also prove effective in preparing students for success in high school and admission into college.

For parents who are concerned over their child's safety as well as their academic and cognitive development during the middle school years, a distance learning program that is officially accredited can be the best means to ensuring that a child receives not only a safe, but an effective academic experience at the middle school level that will eventually translate to success at the high school level and beyond.

To learn more about a quality, distance learning program please visit Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style. Laurel Springs also offers gifted and talented students an alternative to traditional schools and an opportunity to become part of a thriving online community.