Distance learning programs allow students to maintain consistent enrollment in an accredited school no matter where they live internationally. They can take their education with them across borders and oceans. Distance learning provides opportunities for meaningful relationships between students and teachers through online collaboration. It prepares students for college through rigorous academic programs while allowing flexibility to adapt to life abroad or in transition between locations. Laurel Springs School is highlighted as an example of a premier K-12 distance learning program that individualizes education and provides college counseling support to students worldwide.

1. Crossing Oceansand Borders:Take Your School With You

2. Anywhere, Anytime, AnyplaceLearn about the advantages of distance learning while living abroad or in transition.Come away from this workshop better prepared to consider distance learning as a viable and respected educational option.Learn that there are distance-learning programs that have a strong relationship component. Including: dedicated teachers who guide students through the curriculum, an college placement success comparable to the top American college preparatory schools.2

3. As parents, educators and counselors we are concerned about educational options for our children. Living abroad can present opportunities, and challenges in meeting our educational goals.

4. Relocation requires children to adapt to a new country, home and school all at the same time.3

5. 4What are your options?There are educational options other than international schools, local schools, schools run by the DODEA or homeschooling on your own:Virtual charter schools

6. Private distance learning schools with accreditation

7. Concurrent enrollment at a distance learning school to supplement international or local school curriculum 5Take your school with you.Distance learning allows you to take your school with you wherever you go.

8. Maintaining consistency with a school can help smooth your child’s transition.

9. A good distance learning school will assure that students meet standards from state and country of origin.

10. Maintaining enrollment at one school means all of your child’s transcripts, records and credits are in one place.6Distance learning is the future of education.According to data released recently by research firm Ambient Insight, over the next five years the number of students taking courses online will jump to more than 10 million by 2014.

11. The Home School Legal Defense Association, which represents some 80,000 member families, says the number of students learning at home is between 1.7 and 2.1 million.

12. 24 US states offer state-led online programs.7Michigan passed a law requiring an online learning experience requirement for high school graduation

13. In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced an initiative that would replace some high school science and math texts with free, “open source” digital versions.

14. “In five years, I think the majority of students will be using digital textbooks,” said William M. Habermehl, superintendent of the 500,000- student Orange County, California schools. “They can be better than traditional textbooks.”8What are the advantages of distance learning while living abroad or in transition?From any location, students can prepare for placement in American colleges and universities through an accredited college prep distance learning program.

15. Students can maintain enrollment through the same school no matter how many times the family relocates.

16. Students can create meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers through distancelearning. They’ll develop a support networkaccessible from any country.9As families live, move, work, and learn throughout the world, a consistent educational community is an invaluable resource.

17. Distance learning uses technology as a social and educational tool that fosters community and deeper relationship.

18. The goal is to avoid isolation as students immerse themselves in 21st Century technology. Technology opens the door for TCKs to connect across any border.10What is the difference between homeschooling and distance learning?Homeschoolingis generally when the parent teaches their children without the support of an institution or organization. Parents research and purchase curriculum that they feel suits their child’s needs. Parents teach, grade, monitor and guide children through the learning process.

19. Distance Learning is generally considered to be home-based through a program or school. Distance learning schools can be accredited institutions, private or public. Distance learning can be correspondence-based with textbooks, completely online or a combination of both. Good distance learning schools have teachers, staff, diplomas, transcripts, multiple curriculum options, AP and Honors courses, foreign language courses, etc.11What about socialization?Many people have the misconception that students studying at home are isolated with little or no contact with the outside world. This couldn’t be further from reality for most families.

20. Students studying at home have a full social schedule

21. Positive socialization does not always take place inschool.12Students studying in a distance learning program will have many opportunities to learn and practice social skills as they will be interacting with the real world on a regular basis.

22. Global Families view the world as their classroom.

23. Children are not age segregated and learn how to create meaningful relationships with children and adults of all ages.13What about education requirements?Each US state has its own education requirements

24. Distance learning in an accredited private or public school follows policies similar to a site-based private or public schools