You all make it exceptionally difficult to select a “best answer” because they are all, with a couple of exceptions, good and thoughtful answers. Those of you who offered wise counsel have given me a lot to think about, and I thank you sincerely.
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Excellent rhetorical question, but I'll answer it because the answer you're looking for isn't complete. "They are public charter schools", is true if they're publicly funded. If they're private, it's false.
K12 and connections academy are public charter schools if there is no tuition for the student. They are regulated by state education code as any public school is. They also operate as private virtual schools. In addition,there are many private online schools with no connection to k12 or CA. In some states those private online schools fall under state homeschooling law. In others they are like other private schools.
As far as what people call it, it would be best if everyone were specific. You independently or traditionally homeschool. They are virtually schooled. The trouble with getting offended by what they call themselves is that if they are privately online schooled and you call them out for stepping into your club, you are wrong in the states where private virtual schools do fall under homeschooling law. It's the kind of wrong that is unflattering and hurts rather than helps your cause.
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Since last decade, home education has become a thriving, mainstream, educational alternative. As a result of the increased growth of homeschool education, states started developing virtual schools in order to reach out to more non-traditional students. However, there are core differences between homeschools and virtual schools. Homeschooling is parent-directed education. Parents choose individualized curriculum that complements their child’s learning style and imparts the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values they choose.
Where as, a virtual school is essentially a small school in the home of each participant. Parents accept the school curriculum chosen by the state. A certified teacher take care of the records and progress of the students. Virtual schools are further divided in to public and private schools. Connections Academy is an example of virtual public school. There are many private online schools available such as The Ogburn Online School, Keystone School and North Star Academy.
Anonymous
In most states, parents who choose them do not need to abide by the same laws as independent homeschooling, if that what you're asking. Students who enroll in private online schools do fall under homeschooling laws in some states. People colloquially call any education at home homeschooling. It's more than semantics, but people don't care. It's all done at home, so to them it's homeschooling.
you're a regular here, on your third account by my count, so you knew the answer anyhow. Although you consistently ignore private online schools, and that in some states, they are homeschooled by a legal definition. So why do you need to ask?? Why do you ignore private online schools and that they do fall under homeschooling laws in some states? I assume because your bias is what is important, not that people understand their options. You and others have a lot of time on your hands. That doesn't look any better than the resident know-nothings, who answered after you asked.
sha_lyn68
Virtual charter schools are public schools. Other virtual schools are private schools. In some states, the private ones fall under homeschooling while in others they fall under private schools or distance education.
In most states, homeschooling falls under and is defined by very specific laws.
PS: then you have virtual /online curricula which aren't technically schools but are often confused with them.
George
Virtual or online schools allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home. That means, you don't have to go to physical classrooms. Yes, you can say it home learning or homeschooling.