Navigating the Path to Affordable Online Schooling: A Guide for Parents and Students

Online schooling has experienced tremendous growth in the past few years. With the rise of online schooling, parents and students are presented with a diverse range of educational opportunities. However, amidst this abundance, affordability remains a critical concern for many families. In this article, we will explore in-depth the affordability of online schools in India.

Also Read | 7+ Advantages of Online School that You Cannot Miss Out!

Navigating the Landscape of Affordable Online Schooling

Data suggests that the cost of traditional education in India is rising steadily. According to the National Sample Survey (NSS), the average annual expenditure on education per student in India increased from ₹1,820 in 2014 to ₹2,688 in 2019 for rural areas, and from ₹5,151 to ₹9,154 for urban areas during the same period.

Affordability is a major concern while applying for school admissions. There are many factors to consider, and several opportunities to look out for. So much so that it can be tiring at times.

But, what if we told you we got it all figured out for you? Here are the steps you need to follow.

1. Understand the Costs

The cost of online schooling varies depending on the class the student is enrolled in. Moreover, the fees also vary from institution to institution, depending on the facilities provided by them. 

Online learning eliminates the need for expenses like student housing, commuting costs, and on-campus meal programs, leading to substantial savings for students. In addition to this, online schooling also allows students access to a wide range of resources, thus catering to their further growth. The tuition fees, covering classes, and access to resources are quite less compared to traditional day schools wherein the fees nowadays can burn a hole in the pockets of middle-class men. 

Read More | Online vs Traditional School: Choosing the Right School for your Child

It is, however, important to note that online schools might also need parents to pay for additional expenses like extracurricular activity fees and standardized test fees. It is thus advisable to get a proper look at the fee structure of the online schooling that you are considering for your child as it differs from school to school.

2. Research Affordable Options

Research is the most important step when you are signing up for something, be it buying a new car or getting your child admitted to an online school. Thanks to COVID-19, India is now home to several online schools that provide top-notch educational programmes as per the needs of the students. 

Exploring online schools is pretty much the same as researching traditional day schools. Here are a few factors that you need to keep in mind:

• Fee structure
• Curriculum offered
• Student support
• Scope for extracurriculars
• Flexibility in scheduling classes
• Technology and platform in use
• Availability of financial aids

Thorough research is very crucial here. Make sure you connect to the school staff to get proper and detailed information in accordance with your and your child’s needs and choose the online school which fits the best.

Read More | Are You Choosing the Right Online School in India?

3. Evaluating Quality vs. Cost

As you go ahead in your quest to find the right online school for your child, you are sure to come across several affordable options. But being just affordable would be of no use if the school is not able to provide quality education to your child. But how do you determine if a particular online school is well-balanced in terms of affordability and quality? Here’s how you can find that out:

• Investigate Accreditation and Curriculum Standards: Accreditation is a crucial factor in determining a school’s ability to provide quality education. It is also crucial to check whether the curriculum that the school follows is adhering to the educational and developmental needs of the child, while also giving students options to explore.
• Access Student Outcomes Till Date: Evaluating past student outcomes is important to determine the credibility of any educational institution. Look through the records and browse through essential information such as retention rates, graduation rates and even post-graduation success.
• Look for Testimonials and Reviews: Testimonials and reviews from other parents and students provide a first-hand view of the workings of a school. Seek out reviews from present and past students and parents for information on their overall experience in the school. You can also look for detailed reviews for better understanding.

Check Out: Understanding the Essence of E-Learning and its Functionalities

Go School: Providing Affordable Quality Education

A completely online school, Go School merges affordability and quality. The school admits students from classes 6 to 12, with the average fee for newly admitted students being just around Rs. 2,16,000 to Rs. 3,60,000 per year. It is a new-age international school that is dedicated to providing outcome-based learning.

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Go School offers stress-free, systematic, and structured virtual classes from the best-qualified teachers and a curriculum that is otherwise inaccessible due to the distance from the school, the lack of skilled teachers for all courses in a conventional school, the lack of a decent school in the city or town, or because of expensive cost structures.

Striving to provide students with the best, Go School integrates the finest teachers and cutting-edge technology to give kids better access to a learning experience which is also the next phase of the educational revolution. Hy flex learning is at the heart of Go School, the school offers a safe learning environment where students acquire a top-notch education. The students of the school get the best of global curriculums & pedagogies together making them ready for the world apart from academic success.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, online schooling presents an accessible and flexible option for families seeking affordable alternatives. By understanding the costs, researching options, and evaluating quality, parents can help children embark on a fulfilling educational journey without breaking the bank.