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Distance Learning
Distance learning is a term that is interchangeable and synonymous with virtual, remote, or online learning. It can be self-paced or directed by an instructor. Virtual or online schools provide a comprehensive education program that uses video lessons and online links to instruct, guide, grade, test, and keep a record of a student’s education. A diploma is often provided upon completion. Not all distance learning is online and could be a blended approach of teacher interaction and online work, or an offline option may be available using DVD videos, interactive software, textbooks, and step-by-step lesson plans with an off-site assignment delivery location for students who have limited internet access. Online curriculum is another variation of distance learning where the student is guided through assignments, videos, weblinks, and other resources for a comprehensive education. It is up to the parent to make sure the student is completing the scheduled work. Grades, records, and diplomas are not usually provided.
E-Learning expands the terms above to include additional educational website choices for a variety of formats like downloadable worksheets, editable templates, learning tools, videos, e-books, educational games and weblinks. They may or may not include lessons plans, tests and other helps. Parents may need to provide guidance on selections.
The Weatherford Public Library has computer workstations for internet access. Our collection has many homeschool curriculum selections, and the Homeschool Resources webpage has more free resources available. Please let us help you have a great homeschool year!
E-Learning expands the terms above to include additional educational website choices for a variety of formats like downloadable worksheets, editable templates, learning tools, videos, e-books, educational games and weblinks. They may or may not include lessons plans, tests and other helps. Parents may need to provide guidance on selections.
The Weatherford Public Library has computer workstations for internet access. Our collection has many homeschool curriculum selections, and the Homeschool Resources webpage has more free resources available. Please let us help you have a great homeschool year!
RESOURCE LINKS
Accredited
Note: Curriculum cannot be accredited, only schools. You must specify upon enrollment that you are registering for an accredited program. Accredited homeschools provide required materials, grading, testing, lesson plans, student help, record keeping, and a diploma at different levels of pricing based on courses and formats selected.
If you plan to send your child to public school sometime in the future, an accredited program may be easier to receive credits during the transfer, especially for the upper grades. To clarify, accreditation is not required in any of the 50 states in order to homeschool or to be accepted as a homeschooler to a college, university, trade school, or military service. Each school district, however, has different criteria on determining grade placement upon entry or re-entry. This is a local decision---not made by the state of Texas. Review your school’s re-enrollment policies if you think you might return to public school after homeschooling.
You can see some examples of accredited homeschools by selecting your preference of content, religious or secular, below. The links provided are just samples to view so you can determine if an accredited program is right for your family, such as cost and format. There are many more programs available.
Religious
Abeka Academy
Alpha Omega Academy (Monarch)
Bob Jones University (Homeschool Connect)
CLASS (Christian Liberty)
Lighthouse Christian Academy (A.C.E.)
Secular
*Bridgeway
Calvert
Forest Trail
Laurel Springs (grades 6-12)
Oak Meadow
Well-Trained Mind Academy
*WiloStar3D (grades 6-12)
*offers adapted curriculum and assistance for special needs students
Free Virtual
Note: Free virtual programs like K12, ISchool Virtual, Texas Connections Academy and similar online schools are public school options and are not homeschooling. Any student enrolled in a publicly funded option will be under public school jurisdiction, requirements, oversight, and testing. Homeschool laws will not apply to a student in these types of programs.
Free programs
An Old-Fashioned Education
A free Charlotte Mason style curriculum provides a full curriculum in an organized manner using public domain texts.
Ambleside Online
This free Charlotte Mason classically based curriculum covers grades K-12.
Crash Course
Free high-quality educational videos replace the traditional textbook model of teaching; great AP prep!
CK-12 Foundation
This non-profit organization provides access to high quality learning materials for children all over the world with a goal towards educational equity for all.
Clickschooling
Free daily website recommendations for curriculum are sent by e-mail (when you sign-up) that help your child learn; a different subject for each day.
Discovery K12
Free (student account), online homeschool uses open-source technologies for grades K-12 (parent account is an optional upgrade). This is a private company not affiliated with any government agency or school district. The curriculum is Non-Common Core, traditional and secular.
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
Easy Peasy offers a complete, free online Christian homeschool curriculum for all grades; a homeschool favorite!
Freedom Homeschooling
Easy to navigate free homeschool materials in a variety of formats and subject areas. Choose from online curriculum or print out guides, workbooks, textbooks, and more. A great resource for new homeschoolers!
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is the most well-known personalized online learning resource and provides a world class education for anyone. Their slogan is “You can learn anything. For free. For everyone. Forever.”
Under the Home Curriculum
K-5 Charlotte Mason inspired homeschooling curriculum offers a super easy to navigate webpage using free resources like Ray’s Arithmetic and McGuffey Readers. Print out lesson plans, trace work, copy work, coloring pages, notebook pages, guides and answer keys. A simple lesson design makes it possible for kids to move through at their own pace, and families can use multiple devices at once to access this responsive website. A great find for a traditional approach to homeschooling!
Free games
ABCYa.com
Free education games are for grades K-5. Selections are varied, and you can purchase a family account for instant access to apps on multiple devices.
Cyberkidz
This free educational platform covers ages 4-12 and encourages learning through playing. Adobe Flash Player is required.
Mr. Nussbaum
Developed by a practicing teacher, this free website is for grades K-8. Reinforce skills and challenge students to interactively learn.
Free College
Coursera
The world’s best courses from major universities are available online for free.
EdX
Access more than 2500 courses from top institution like MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Oxford and more. You can receive credit and certificates for many.
Future Learn
World-wide, online courses are available to take for free. Get credit for postgraduate degrees, certificates, and diplomas (some may cost).
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is the most well-known personalized online learning resource and provides a world class education for anyone. Their slogan is “You can learn anything. For free. For everyone. Forever.”
Low-cost
Adventure Academy
From the creators of ABCmouse, a new low-cost curriculum has been developed for children ages 8-13. Integrated, progressive lessons have a built-in reward system that motivates your child to navigate through lessons in language arts, math, science, and social studies. Access to corresponding songs, games books, puzzles, art projects, and printables reinforce learning options for both online and offline practice. Check for minimum device requirements before purchasing.
Audiomemory.com
For those auditory learners, or just for fun, try the free page on this website. More songs are available for purchase.
Schoolhouse Teacher
A monthly family membership fee allows you to custom tailor a homeschool program for each student, including those with special needs. This reasonably priced program is a division of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine® and known for excellent customer service.
Time 4 Learning
As a popular homeschooling curriculum often used as a fun-based supplement, this resource requires an account for a low-cost yearly subscription.
The Critical Thinking Co.
Critical thinking based educational materials are available for purchase in all subject areas.
7 Generation Games
These multiple award-winning educational games run on a variety of operating systems and support educational goals for ages 8-14. Some are free and prices vary.
Steaming Subscriptions
A subscription or membership fee will give you monthly access to online videos or send educational materials to your home.
Around the World Studies
A cultural engagement service for inspiring children to explore history, geography and more through stories, recipes, and activities related to the topic provided each week.
Art History Kids
With just a few simple art supplies, kids can learn how to create projects, learn about artists, and appreciate different styles of art.
Curiosity Stream
Access to the largest resource of documentaries on the planet.
Field Trip Zoom
Live educational content of museums, historical sites, zoos, science centers, performing art centers and more.
The Great Courses Plus
Content rich courses are thoroughly researched and beautifully presented.
No Sweat Nature Study
Access to live classes from a video collection and a nature study curriculum for grades 1st through 8th.
Read Aloud Revival
This very popular podcast inspires homeschoolers to enjoy family time while raising kids who love to read. Tons of ideas, book recommendations, and encouragement that will help you homeschool better.
Squilt Music
Learn to appreciate music with this simple open and go curriculum.
You Are an Artist
Video art lessons that use chalk pastels to teach art for all ages.
Subscription Boxes
Bitsbox
Delivery of STEM coding projects for ages 6-12.
God’s World News
A news magazine subscription that comes to your home and interactive website content that kids can safely explore and learn about current events.
Groovy Lab in a Box
These STEM boxes blend scientific inquiry with engineering design process to invent and enhance critical thinking skills.
Little Passports
Action-packed adventure projects to learn about geography and the world.
My Educrate
Each monthly subscription box contains books and hands-on materials based on a theme.
Raddish Kids
Culinary lesson kits for kids make it fun for the whole family.
Tinker Crates by Kiwi Company
Hands-on learning and experimentation for ages 9-16+ encourages tinkering and everything you need to build a project.
Universal Yums
A fun and tasty way to incorporate geography and cultural studies into learning at home.
Disclaimer:
The Weatherford Public Library is providing this resource to assist local homeschoolers. A great amount of the information is useful for all educators and parents. It is not an endorsement of any product or business mentioned or a promotion of homeschooling as a preference over other choices in education.