How can I get my parents to let me do online k-12 school?

Question

I am thirteen and go to a great school. It is renowned as the best school in the county. I have asked my parents repeatedly and only got no. They say, "Why would you need to? You go to the best school in the county." I say, "because I want to further increase my speed of education" I like learning. I am a rather fast learner. I get unhealthy amounts of sleep at night due to school starting at 7:00 am and ending at 2:00 pm. I go to bed at 9:00 pm every night. The students are very disruptive and annoying. There is a specific kid named Sebastian and he makes it very difficult to pay attention in class. I am in 8th grade in two honors classes(Algebra I honors and Physical Science honors). They count towards my high school GPA. I have a 95 in math and 97 in science. Should I give them an ultimatum? If so, how? What is the best online school that will count toward a college scholarship? My main goal is to graduate high school early.
Some questions I have include:

1. Could I still apply for online school even though it's been a few weeks since the start of school?
2. How do I get my parents to consider online school?
3. How long would transferring from my school to online school take?
4. Would my grades now affect my grades in the new school, or would I start out fresh?
5. How do electives work for online schools?

Answer 1

Hi Aidan.  I would humbly tell you its never a great idea to give anyone an "ultimatum" if you really want to try to convince them to do something your way.  It's always best to have people come to your side because they WANT to.  It sounds like you are a very motivated student.  What I might suggest is that you do a little bit of homework and find REAL LIFE studies that confirm that students who study online do as well, or BETTER THAN students in traditional settings.  You need to have good cogent arguments and real life proof of what you are trying to get across.

 

Consider this to be just like a school assignment.  Prepare a statistical report and analysis.  Get all your facts together and then present them to your parents.  If you want to know about transferring credits, pick an online program, write to them and see how its done. Ask them about electives.  

Answer 2

Never try to give your parents an ultimatum. You're a smart kid and that's not smart, won't work, and is not only disrespectful but also just plain silly.

 

Answers: 1. Ask your school guidance counselor about online schools in your area and ask your parents to call and inquire. 2. see below. 3. same answer as #1 . 4. If the online school is reputable and certified, you would transfer prior credits and grades resulting in your total GPA. 5. ask each prospective school.

 

2. It sounds like you don't have very open communication with your parents. Talk to them more about things important to you. That's essential! Because for them to say, "why would you want to do that?" seems strange and unhelpful. Ask them for a sit down with you to talk about this desire of yours. (I disagree with Sheryl's statement that you need a "cogent argument" etc. You are a kid, not a lawyer!) Your parents need to listen to what you think and feel because they love you, not because you " make a good argument".

By discussing this openly and respectfully your parents will understand you better and see that you are serious about this issue. (You're a teen and we change our minds often at your age) If you still feel the same way 3-6 months from now they will regard your request as more than a whim.

 

Just because your school is highly regarded doesn't mean you can thrive there. Why is your teacher allowing others to disrupt the class? That sounds awful for you! Get this issue cleared up by talking specifically about this with parents , a trusted/admired teacher, or school counselor.

 

There are a million ways we get educated. One of these is to practice patience and perseverance. There are all kinds of schools out there and if money is an issue, all of the best schools offer scholarships--some of which can be huge. Never disregard a school because you think it costs too much.

 

You cannot and should not need to think through and figure out an issue this important alone in 8th grade! 

 

Finally, the best way to learn is to read, read, read. Look up words you don't know in a dictionary, not a computer!

Congratulations on your great grades! Don't worry about your grades/high school, SATs, GPAs, and all that right now! Get assistance and give your parents plenty of opportunities to listen to your real concerns and work on this together !

And read,read, read!

 

Best of luck! Enjoy what you can at your present school. Time and love will surely take you far.

Take care!