As a parent, you have several options for educating your child at home. The more traditional method is when the parent takes on the role of the teacher. The parent oversees all educational responsibilities such as curriculum choice, content instruction, and credit distribution. Rewarding when successfully implemented, this method is time-consuming and a major responsibility for the parent.

Another option is the online approach. Many people are unaware that several states offer FREE online public elementary, middle and high school curriculums. In Maine, we have two online choices: Maine Virtual Academy and Maine Connections Academy. Once enrolled in an online program, students work from home on computers often loaned to them by their state. Students take a placement test and then are assigned classes taught by certified teachers through a blend of live online courses and other online resources. This method of homeschooling requires the assistance of a Learning Coach.

The role of the Learning Coach is to oversee the child’s educational progress on a daily basis. It was previously encouraged that this role is filled by a parent, but successful alternatives now exist like Online Learning Coaches.

The mission of Online Learning Coaches, LLC is to help students achieve success in online education while alleviating the strain on parents by having a third party help manage their child's online studies. For more information email office@onlinelearningcoaches.com or visit their website at onlinelearningcoaches.com.