For many young equestrians, the opportunity to train and compete in Ocala is a dream come true. However, this exciting journey often comes with an important decision for families: determining the best educational path for their child while balancing training and competition schedules. The right choice depends on various factors, including academic goals, competition commitments, and personal learning preferences.
This guide will help you navigate the options and decide whether a fully online school or remaining enrolled in your current school is the best plan of action.
1. Staying Enrolled in Your Current School
For students who want to maintain enrollment in their current school while training in Ocala, there are several key considerations:
- Remote Learning Accommodations: Some schools may offer hybrid or online learning options, allowing students to keep up with coursework while traveling.
- Excused Absences & Flexibility: Schools with flexible attendance policies may allow students to take extended time off for training and competitions while staying up to date with assignments.
- Impact on Graduation Requirements: Remaining enrolled ensures that students stay on track with their school’s diploma requirements and avoid complications with transferring credits.
- Public vs. Private School Differences:
- Public schools often have stricter attendance policies and may not be as flexible with extended absences or pre-approved distance learning options. Public schools also typically follow standardized curriculums that can ease credit transfers between states.
- Private schools may offer more individualized academic plans, greater flexibility for student-athletes, and smaller class sizes. However, transferring credits or maintaining enrollment in a different location can sometimes be more challenging, depending on the school’s policies.
2. Unenrolling and Switching to an Online School
For students who require more flexibility, switching to a fully online school may be the best option. Key considerations include:
- Self-Paced Learning: Many online programs allow students to complete coursework at their own pace, making it easier to balance training schedules.
- Accreditation and College Readiness: Choosing an accredited program ensures that credits transfer smoothly and that students remain on track for college applications.
- Social & Academic Support: Some online schools provide additional resources, such as academic advisors, peer communities, and college counseling, to help students stay engaged and supported.
Several accredited online schools cater to student-athletes, offering flexible schedules and rigorous academics, including NCAA-approved courses. Here are a few popular options:
Pearson Online Academy
- Key Features: Offers a structured yet flexible schedule with optional live teacher interactions and personalized learning plans. “Learning Coach” accounts monitor all areas of a student’s coursework and progress, making it easy for Blue Ribbon Scholars to help students manage their assignments.
- Best For: Students who prefer a balance between scheduled lessons and independent study. Hard semester end dates ensure students advance to higher grade levels on time. Some public schools provide distance learning options through Pearson’s Connexus platform.
FlexPoint Virtual School
- Key Features: Uses the well-established Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Curriculum, which was the first online public school option in the United States. For in-state residents of Florida, FLVS is available at no cost. For out-of-state residents, access to FLVS curriculum is available through FlexPoint Virtual Private School.
- Best For: Students looking for a time-tested curriculum that also can integrate with other public and private school curricula across state lines.
K12 Private Academy
- Key Features: Offers live teacher-led instruction, individualized learning plans, and AP/honors courses.
- Best For: Students who thrive in a structured, teacher-supported online learning environment. Some online public schools also utilize K12 as a distance learning option.
Laurel Springs School
- Key Features: Offers self-paced learning, personalized academic support, and a strong college prep curriculum.
- Best For: Students seeking a flexible education with a wide range of AP and honors courses.
- Main Drawback: While popular, students in Laurel Springs can struggle to stay on pace. The option to extend semester end dates indefinitely can lead to students falling behind—in some circumstances, up to an entire academic year or more. Also, for many courses, Laurel Springs utilizes Florida Virtual School curriculum at a much higher markup than FlexPoint Virtual Private School.
Navigating the transition to a new schooling plan while balancing training and competition can be overwhelming. Blue Ribbon Scholars provides personalized support to ensure students stay on track during winter circuit and throughout the year while pursuing their equestrian dreams. Our services include:
- School Coordination: We work with your child’s current school or online program to ensure smooth communication and curriculum alignment.
- Academic Planning: We help create customized academic plans that align with training schedules, ensuring students meet coursework and graduation requirements.
- Online School Transition Support: If switching to an online school, we assist in selecting the right program, enrolling, and setting up a successful study routine.
- Test Proctoring: We provide secure and convenient test proctoring services to meet school requirements while maintaining academic integrity.
- Time Management & Study Skills Coaching: Our team helps students develop effective time management strategies, ensuring they stay on track academically while training and competing.
- College Prep & Advising: We offer guidance on NCAA eligibility, standardized testing, and college applications, helping student-athletes prepare for higher education.
When deciding between staying enrolled in your current school or transitioning to an online program, consider the following:
- Your Child’s Learning Style: Does your child excel with independent learning, or do they need more structured teacher interaction?
- Academic and College Goals: Will your child’s choice impact their long-term academic or college aspirations?
- Training & Competition Schedule: How much flexibility does your child need to succeed in both school and equestrian sport?
- State and School Policies: Some states have strict policies on unenrolling from school and re-enrolling later. Be sure to check your district’s policies before making a decision.
Education and equestrian goals don’t have to be at odds. By carefully evaluating your options and choosing the best schooling plan for your child, you can ensure that they continue to thrive both in and out of the saddle. Whether through online learning or staying enrolled in a traditional school, the key is finding the right balance to support their academic and athletic aspirations.
For personalized guidance on choosing the right educational path, contact Blue Ribbon Scholars today!