When considering virtual homeschool options, it’s important to find programs that fit your family’s educational goals, budget, and preferred style of teaching. If you’re looking for high-quality programs that include live teacher support or self-paced video lessons, there are many choices available to suit various needs. Here are some of the best-rated options, both Christian and secular, with varying price points and features.
Logos Online School
- Cost: Premium ($500–$2,000 per year, depending on grade level)
- Type: Christian, Classical Education
- Grades: K–12
Why People Love It:
Logos Online School offers a classical Christian education with a curriculum that includes subjects like Latin, rhetoric, and logic, providing a robust academic experience for students. Parents love the option of accessing live, teacher-led classes or recorded sessions, offering flexibility while maintaining academic rigor. The Christian worldview is integrated into every subject, which appeals to families seeking a faith-based education. Logos Online School also offers structured lesson plans and grading services, making it easier for parents to stay on top of their child’s education.
What Could Be Better:
The program’s rigorous curriculum can be overwhelming, especially for younger children or those new to homeschooling. The classical education approach may not suit every learning style, and some families may find the course load demanding.
Our family has been using Logos Online School for our high school-aged daughter, and we’ve been impressed with the teachers, course variety, and affordability. It’s been a great fit for our family’s needs.
K12 (Stride Learning)
- Cost: Free (through public charter schools), Low-Cost (private school option)
- Type: Secular
- Grades: K–12
Why People Love It:
K12 is one of the most widely-used free virtual homeschool options available through public charter schools in many states. The fully accredited curriculum includes live classes led by certified teachers, which many parents appreciate for the teacher interaction and accountability it provides. The interactive platform with multimedia lessons keeps students engaged, while the flexibility of choosing live or recorded sessions makes scheduling easier for families.
What Could Be Better:
Some families feel that K12 is too structured, leaving little room for customization or a more relaxed pace. Since it closely follows state standards, some parents may find the curriculum too rigid or lacking in creativity.
Acellus Academy (Power Homeschool)
- Cost: Low-Cost ($25–$50 per month)
- Type: Secular
- Grades: K–12
Why People Love It:
Acellus Academy is known for its self-paced, video-based curriculum, allowing students to complete lessons at their own speed. Parents appreciate the affordability and the ease of use, with a simple interface and a variety of subjects to choose from. The program is ideal for families who want an inexpensive, low-maintenance option where students can work independently.
What Could Be Better:
The lack of live teacher interaction is a downside for families who prefer more guidance. Since it relies heavily on pre-recorded videos, it may not suit children who need a more interactive or hands-on approach to learning.
Laurel Springs School
- Cost: Premium ($2,000–$9,000 per year, depending on grade level)
- Type: Secular
- Grades: K–12
Why People Love It:
Laurel Springs School is a self-paced private school known for its personalized learning plans and access to certified teachers who provide regular feedback. It offers both live teacher support and pre-recorded lessons, giving students flexibility while maintaining a sense of structure. Families appreciate its strong emphasis on college prep and accredited status, making it a great option for students aiming for higher education.
What Could Be Better:
The high cost can be a barrier for some families. Additionally, the self-paced curriculum requires discipline, and some students may struggle to stay on track without regular supervision.
Outschool
- Cost: Low-Cost (around $10–$30 per class)
- Type: Secular
- Grades: K–12
Why People Love It:
Outschool offers an array of live, teacher-led classes on a wide range of topics, from core academic subjects to fun, interest-based electives like coding or art. Families appreciate the flexibility to choose from single classes or semester-long courses, allowing parents to build a curriculum that fits their child’s needs. The platform fosters social interaction through live teacher and peer engagement, which is a bonus for homeschooled children seeking a more collaborative experience.
What Could Be Better:
Since Outschool operates on a per-class model, the cost can add up if you’re using it as your main homeschooling resource. Additionally, the classes can feel disconnected, and some parents wish there was a more cohesive curriculum.
Abeka Academy
- Cost: Premium ($400–$1,000 per year)
- Type: Christian, Traditional Education
- Grades: K–12
Why People Love It:
Abeka Academy is well-known for its traditional Christian education, with a structured curriculum that incorporates biblical teachings into every subject. Families appreciate the flexibility of pre-recorded video lessons, allowing students to work at their own pace while benefiting from a solid academic foundation. Abeka’s accredited program also offers grading and record-keeping services, which can simplify things for busy parents.
What Could Be Better:
Some families find the workbook-heavy approach too rigid for their children, especially for those who thrive on more hands-on learning. The traditional style may feel outdated or too strict for some families seeking a more flexible, modern approach to education.
Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA)
- Cost: Premium ($2,500–$4,500 per year)
- Type: Christian
- Grades: K–12
Why People Love It:
LUOA offers a Christian-based education that includes both self-paced and teacher-led courses. Parents value the strong biblical foundation and the rigorous academics that prepare students for college. The program also offers dual enrollment, allowing high school students to earn college credits at a reduced tuition rate, which is a significant benefit for college-bound students.
What Could Be Better:
The higher cost is a consideration for some families. Additionally, while LUOA’s platform offers flexibility, some parents have reported that the interface could be more user-friendly, particularly for younger students.
Family members of ours have been using Liberty Online Academy and have loved it for their high school-aged daughter. The perks of dual enrollment and discounted tuition for Liberty University make it a great choice for families planning ahead for college.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Virtual Homeschool Program
Selecting the right virtual homeschool program comes down to finding a balance between structure and flexibility that fits your family’s unique needs. Programs like K12 and Outschool offer live teacher support and flexible scheduling, while options like Acellus Academy and Laurel Springs School provide high-quality self-paced video lessons.
Our family’s experience with Logos Online School has been positive, and we’ve found the teachers and courses to be both affordable and enriching. However, what works for one family may not work for another, so it’s essential to do your research and make the best choice for your child’s learning style and educational goals.
Remember, homeschooling allows for flexibility and outside-the-box thinking—you can always adapt your approach as your child’s needs change. We try to commit to a program for at least a year, but there’s always room to change or adjust if something isn’t working.
Finding the right virtual homeschool program can be a rewarding experience, offering your child an education that fits their needs while giving you the flexibility to be actively involved in their learning.