Students like Alyssia and Andrew McRoyal, who attend IQ Academy Arizona, will have no trouble transitioning from their virtual high school to an online college degree program.

They, along with fellow 14-year old cyber-classmate Carl Wilson, are enjoying the flexibility that has drawn millions of students to the e-learning phenomena.  IQ Academy has enrolled approximately 500 students in this unique program; and in addition, a laptop computer and a printer are provided, compliments of the $6,000 per student garnered in tax dollars.

Similar programs across the U.S. may become primary feeders into accredited online degree programs.

Those who successfully navigate the challenges of independent learning in high school have an advantage if they later choose an online college to further their education.  Armed with a user-friendly predisposition toward distance learning along with the skills mastered during homeschooling, these students move ahead of the class in college e-learning.

These skills include:

1. the ability to adequately use a computer, software applications and the Internet
2. the ability to effectively communicate with teachers via e-mail, message boards, and other Internet forums
3. the ability to manage and budget study time
4. the ability to complete course assignments with little or no teacher intervention 
5. the ability to read and comprehend course materials at a high level
6. the ability to follow detailed teacher instructions

IQ joins a growing number of innovative alternative schools that enable students to learn at home via specially-designed, computer-based classes that are monitored by and funded by the state.  This high-tech homeschool program has the advantage of adding tax dollars to school coffers while meeting the needs of students who prefer to skip the negative aspects of enrolling in a traditional public high school.  

Critics of virtual high schools cite the outdated excuse that homeschool students are not properly socialized. But tell that to Alyssia and Andrew, who are active in church activities, music pursuits and part-time jobs. Studies have generally found that homeschool students are better socialized; because their social patterns are learned from parents and adults rather than from youthful peers.

Carl Wilson is enjoying online classes in chemistry, Spanish III, pre-calculus, psychology, English, geography and world history. He completes his daily coursework in about 6 hours and is not bored, like he was in the traditional school setting.

IQ Academy is expected to extend its online offerings to 7th and 8th graders next year as distance learning preparation seeps down to even younger students. 

It is apparent that the leap from homeschool to online college is not so far after all.

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