Top 4 things to look for when finding the best online school for your child

When it comes to education, what works for one student doesn't always work for another. And, as you know, finding the right educational fit for your child is a significant decision. However, researching numerous schooling options can often be nothing short of grueling, and the amount of time it takes to sort through the mountains of information available can be overwhelming.

To make it easier, start by narrowing your search to schools that have the following vital information available and up-to-date. Then, open up the conversation to your child to see what he or she prefers.

Accreditation is the most important value to look for when exploring potential online school options. This term indicates that the school meets certain academic standards that will help qualify students to pursue post-graduate goals, like college. It also certifies that the school's credits will transfer to other accredited schools, including traditional brick-and-mortar schools.

For example, Mountain Heights Academy ^[1], a Utah online school for grades 7-12, is accredited by AdvancEd. Students who have attended Mountain Heights have gone on to attend prestigious local and national universities and colleges to earn their undergraduate degrees.

Good teaching is perhaps the most critical part of a solid education, whether it's online, blended or face-to-face. Research the teachers and faculty who will be teaching and interacting with your child on a daily basis. Confirm that all of the teachers at the school have earned at least a bachelor's degree and that they are state licensed. When reaching out to online school personnel and guidance counselors, ask if they will provide information on their hiring process and criteria. If asked, schools may also share student satisfaction survey results, which can give insight into the teaching caliber of the faculty.

Digital learning is easier than ever. However, not all online schooling platforms are created equal. Attend an open house, if possible, and ask for a tour of the password-protected student-teacher portal where students receive and submit their daily course work, chat with teachers and stay up to date on school news. This platform should be easy to navigate and user-friendly.

One of the reasons most families choose online education is because of the flexibility. Online education allows remote access to your child's course work from anywhere with Internet (imagine an Olympic athlete attending school from the ski lodge in between training sessions, or a remote military dependent video-conferencing their teacher while traveling). However, this only works if students have the tools to be able to log in to the online platform. For instance, Mountain Heights Academy issues all students a laptop to use for school purposes.

Most online schools will list the information above on their websites. You may also want to attend an open house or schedule a consultation with a school guidance counselor to make sure all of your questions are answered before enrollment. For more information on the featured school, Mountain Heights Academy, visit MountainHeightsAcademy.org.^[2]