K12 Curriculum: Pros & Cons & other opinions

[rodriguezintexas]

Hello! I am a newbie I am wanting some feedback on the K12 program (http://www.k12.com/parents/index.html). It looks great, but I'd love to hear from first hand users. Thanks a million!!!!

[Lily]

I don't personally have any experience with it, but I remembered a conversation on Anne Zeise's group (AtoZ's Home's Cool) where she had this to say:

Know who is financing and backing any program before you sign up. K12
is financed by a compulsive gambler and a junk bond king. There have
been many distance learning programs that have been around a long
time, serving homeschoolers since way back.

Start looking with Laurel Springs School's online program. It is top
of the line, accredited, and all courses are UC approved. Yes, it is
expensive, but still far, far less than private schools. If your son
is likely to want to go to a major university, than you'll want to
make sure any program has similar credentials.
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/met ... prings.htm

More cyberschools here:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/met ... chools.htm
In the past there have been problems with cyberschools vanishing into
thin air, along with any hope of getting a transcript. ALWAYS keep
your own records of your son's accomplishments, too.


To me, that says a lot. If a product is created by someone with money issues, the product is riskier - more likely to give you less for your money or shoddy work than someone who is more responsible. I wouldn't use K12 simply because I'd be afraid my (or the state's) money would be more important than my child's needs.

Here's a good article detailing pros and cons of virtual programs.

[alaskamolly]

I've had two friends use it and both were VERY stressed out while doing it with their children, and didn't do it again the next year. It sounded VERY demanding (on mom). I've steered clear of it after seeing that.

[elliemaejune]

If you buy it yourself and are using it on your own, it's probably great. I have read good comments about its content.

If you're enrolling with a charter school which provides it, that's where the problems can arise, as you must do it according to the charter school's schedule.