Finding the Right Fit: The Best Online Schools for ADHD Children

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, which required students to attend classes online school, there has been an increase in popularity in remaining online rather than attending school in person. For many students, being in a conventional classroom just isn't the best learning environment for them to be in.

Due to the attention-based deficits occurring in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it can ultimately affect their learning and their ability to perform well in a traditional school. With the options of online school available, children with ADHD or other learning disabilities have the flexibility and chance to go at their own pace, which is something children in a traditional classroom setting wouldn't have.

This article will explore the various schools available for children with ADHD, tips for finding the best online school options, as well as recommendations for finding the right fit. Keep reading to learn more!

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What kind of school is best for child with ADHD?

When you are deciding what is the best school for your child's learning style and needs, it is easy to get lost in the information online. There are an abundance of programs out there claiming to have an ADHD friendly curriculum, but it is crucial to do additional research and decide for yourself what programs would offer your child the best chance at learning.

Luckily, being in 2023, there are many options from virtual school, home school options, private schools, and public schools that your child has available to them. When deciding on a program and what type of school would be best for your child, consider how your child best learns and what type of environment they would have the most success in.

Virtual School

Children with ADHD tend to have difficulty learning in a traditional school environment. Therefore, providing them with a space that has fewer distractions and a curriculum that allows them to go at their own pace can provide ADHD children with the type of environment to stay on task and what is needed to best learn.

Typically, a virtual school environment will give your child flexible scheduling options and the ability to tailor their learning experience to their specific needs. There are a variety of different virtual school options available which include online learning for the visually impaired, online learning for special needs students, online learning for gifted children, and online learning for children with ADHD.

In addition, online classes may be helpful for children that struggle socially or for students who are more advanced than their peers.

Homeschool Curriculum

Homeschooling is another great option for children with ADHD. Because ADHD tends to affect a child's ability to learn, having individual attention and support from you, as the parent and teacher, helps you learn effectively and meet their academic goals.

As you look for the "best homeschool curriculum" for your child, be sure to research the types of programs available, all while keeping your child's needs in mind. Luckily, parents have the option to mix and match homeschool curriculums. Generally, children with ADHD may be stronger in one subject matter and weaker in others, therefore, being able to pick and choose the various lesson plans will allow you to build a well-rounded homeschool curriculum for your child.

Suggested reading: Should A Child With ADHD Be Homeschooled? What To Consider

Tips for Finding the Best Online School for ADHD Child

Like mentioned previously, it is important to consider your child's specific needs when choosing an online school. Ask yourself the following questions when researching online schools:

• What learning styles does my child most benefit from?
• What are my child's strengths and weaknesses in academics?
• Does the online school have individualized learning plans?
• Would a program designed specifically for kinesthetic learners benefit my child?
• Does the online school offer special services?
• What learning resources does the online school provide?
• Are the teachers qualified to teach children with ADHD?

Research Accreditation

Accreditation is an important requirement that should be at the top of your list when researching online learning programs. Enrolling your child in an online school that is accredited assures you that they are receiving a consistent quality education.

Accreditation also ensures that your child's teachers are specifically trained and qualified to best support your child throughout their educational journey.

Consider Support Services

Children with ADHD tend to require more support and oversight than other students might require. When choosing an online school, consider the amount of support teachers provide and what resources are available to both you and your child.

In addition, many online schools offer individualized learning programs, small class sizes, teachers trained to help children with ADHD, one on one learning options, and additional support services such as tutors and therapists.

If your child is struggling in a traditional classroom setting, because of the lack of oversight, lack of support, and faced-paced environment, enrolling your child in an online learning program that offers personalized one-to-one learning may be your best option.

Look for Individualized Learning Plans

Individualized learning plans consider your child's strengths and weaknesses. They also go at your child's pace and are adapted according to your child's specific needs and learning styles.

Kids with ADHD benefit from course content that is personalized to each student's interest, which ultimately results in an increase in their level of engagement. Individualized learning plans also take into account the various grade levels your child is performing at. Therefore, the best online curriculum will not be a "one size fits all" approach, but rather a more flexible approach to learning that is molded to fit your child's academic needs.

Popular Online Schools for ADHD Children

So, you've considered what type of programs would be a good fit for your child. As you began your online search, you most likely have found 100s of programs that claim to be the best online learning environment for your ADHD child. Parents, you're in luck because we did the research for you. Keep reading to learn about the most popular online schools!

K12

At K12, children are guaranteed to graduate. K12 offers students with a personalized education program, individual counseling, online support, and an "excellence in teaching."

The platform of K12 was built around personalized learning. For instance, the online platform was specifically designed to support students, create engaging classes, and keep things available and organized for parents.

So, how does the online learning work? Students will attend live online classes, complete their assignments, and take quizzes. They will also have the opportunity to participate in discussions and connect with peers.

Additionally, K12 offers students with plenty of opportunities to engage and socialize with their peers. K12 gives students opportunities to go on field trips, attend in person classes, meet ups with peers, and more.

Connections Academy

Connections Academy, developed by Pearson, is an accredited online public school. It helps students at all grade levels, from kindergarten to 12th grade succeed in the classroom.

Connections Academy provides individualized support to students, while also providing them with the skills necessary to succeed in life. The online curriculum has been specifically designed by experts in online learning, with certified teachers who are passionate about helping students succeed.

95% of parents consider Connections Academy to be high quality learning for their child and 97% of parents are satisfied with the helpfulness of their student's teachers.

Keystone National High School

The Keystone High School program provides students with the opportunity to participate in a flexible high quality public school learning program.

Keystone High School has worked with diverse students from various backgrounds for over 30 years. With flexible scheduling, this online program can provide students with the opportunity to learn from anywhere.

This online high school provides students with a curriculum that is adapted to their needs and lifestyle.

Keystone High School Program allows students to enroll in courses that supplement their traditional schooling or homeschool curriculum. In addition, Keystone National High School can be adapted to challenge your student or address gaps in their knowledge, such as math skills or social studies.

Conclusion

Whether you are beginning a homeschool curriculum or enrolling your child in online classes, keep in mind how your child best learns and engages in their school. Do they require frequent breaks throughout the day? Do they have a hard time focusing because of the endless distractions in an in-person classroom environment? Do they require extra support because they have a learning disability?

Summary of Benefits of Online Schooling for ADHD Children

There are a variety of options available to your child with ADHD, from homeschooling to online school, to staying in their public school. If you are beginning to notice your child having difficulties engaging with their education, it may be time to make a change and consider what else is available to them.

Online school formats come with its many benefits such as fewer distractions, individualized education programs, flexible scheduling, fun learning games, the ability to go at their own pace, and increased support from both families and teachers. With online school, there are also more opportunities for a special education program that provides individualized lesson plans for individuals with ADHD and other disabilities.

Recommendations for Finding the Right Fit

When choosing the "best homeschool curriculum" or "best online learning program," it is important to remember that it's not a one size-fits all. Your child is unique and you should treat their educational experience in a similar fashion. Many families begin by asking around to get a better idea of what each learning environment entails.

Researching and soaking in all the resources that are available to you, as a parent, is a great first step. Once you have all the options laid out and considered all the possibilities, you are guaranteed to make a decision that influences your child's ability to learn and succeed not only in the classroom, but in life!