Cyber Schools ARE Valued by Colleges, Vocational Training, and the Military

Cyber Schools are Valued by Colleges, Careers, and the Military

In recent years, the educational landscape has expanded, offering alternative avenues for learning beyond traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. Cyber or virtual schools, like CPDLF, have emerged as a popular choice for students seeking flexibility and personalized education. However, a persistent misconception looms over these institutions: the belief that colleges, careers, or the military dismiss candidates from cyber schools, deeming their education insufficiently rigorous. Let's dismantle this myth and explore how cyber schools are perceived and valued by higher education, career pathways, and the military.

Cyber Schools: Redefining Education
Cyber schools have gained traction as viable alternatives to traditional schooling. They offer a flexible learning environment, personalized curricula, and innovative teaching methods. Despite their non-traditional setup, cyber schools rigorously follow state-mandated academic standards, ensuring a quality education comparable to conventional schools. 

College Acceptance: Embracing Diversity
Contrary to popular belief, colleges and universities actively accept applicants from cyber schools. Admission officers focus on an applicant's academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements rather than solely on the school's physical existence. In fact, renowned institutions like Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have accepted students from cyber schools, acknowledging their academic prowess and unique learning experiences. College acceptance has less to do with the school itself and more about the applicants' personal experience. In fact, the MIT Admissions Blog has showcased stories of successful applicants from non-traditional educational backgrounds, emphasizing their holistic approach to admissions.

Career Pathways: Embracing Skills and Competencies
Employers prioritize skills, competencies, and real-world experiences over the school's physical format. Many industries, especially in technology and innovation sectors, value candidates who demonstrate practical knowledge and critical thinking—qualities often cultivated in cyber schools. Companies like Google and IBM have hired individuals from non-traditional educational backgrounds, recognizing the diverse skill set and adaptability fostered in these environments. Employers in the skilled trades want to know that applicants have earned their Pennsylvanian diploma and have an interest and aptitude for the trade - not the style of education they've received.

The Harvard Business Review published a piece discussing how companies are shifting their focus towards skills-based hiring, emphasizing the relevance of practical skills over educational backgrounds.

Military Acceptance: Evaluating Competencies
The military values diverse skill sets and competencies essential for service. Applicants from cyber schools are assessed based on their qualifications, aptitude, and abilities. Organizations like the U.S. Army and Navy have recognized the value of candidates from non-traditional educational backgrounds, acknowledging their potential contributions to various roles within the military. There is typically no concern with them accepting a graduate from an online high school  - as long as it was from an accredited school and the candidate has a good academic history and schools well on the ASVAB test. Like other post-high school options, the branches of the US military now assess competencies and aptitude, as well as educational background.

Rethinking Online Education's Perception
Cyber schools provide a valuable and credible educational experience, equipping students with essential skills and competencies. Colleges, careers, and the military recognize the strengths and diversity of candidates from cyber schools, challenging the misconception that these institutions offer a less rigorous education.

In conclusion, the narrative that colleges, careers, or the military discredit candidates from cyber schools lacks evidence in 2024. Instead, these institutions actively seek individuals with diverse educational backgrounds, valuing skills, competencies, and achievements regardless of the educational format. Cyber schools like CPDLF stand as legitimate pathways, offering a rigorous education that prepares students for various future endeavors after high school graduation. Virtual schooling is not the right path for every family, but for those who do excel at cyber school, their future choices are unlimited.