Global Village School is a fully accredited (WASC) international online/distance learning school founded in 1999.
Our creative, flexible approach and emphasis on peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability set us apart from any other online school.

Why Homeschool?​

There is a misconception that homeschooling refers only to education that happens inside the home. The reality is that homeschooling at its best takes advantage of the world as our classroom, building on the desire to learn that is innate in human beings. Please take a few minutes to watch this trailer for "Class Dismissed: A Film About Learning Outside of the Classroom," where people eloquently explain the philosophy of education behind a progressive homeschooling approach - "We are never out of school, because we are never out of life!"​

How do homeschooled students do academically?

We have found that homeschooled students do very well. A recent study* reports that in every category and in every grade level, homeschoolers perform above the national average. Many colleges are recognizing this fact as well; some even specifically look for homeschooled students. These students experience learning as fun and meaningful, rather than something that they are forced to do to get a grade or pass a test. They learn to think for themselves, to follow their own interests and ideas. Their learning is not interrupted by bells or class schedules or disruptive students; they are free to follow thoughts and projects to their natural conclusions. They also learn early about self-discipline and finding a study schedule that works for them.
* Report by Lawrence Rudner, statistician at the University of Maryland; published in the Education Policy Analysis Archives.

What about socialization?

Homeschooled students have many opportunities to be "out in the world" interacting with others. Many participate in community activities such as clubs, athletics, arts programs, internships, cultural activities, and community service. An advantage to schooling at home is that parents and students have more of a choice about how the "socialization" takes place. Homeschooled students are often more self-assured and confident; they are more comfortable being themselves and following their own interests and styles. Global Village encourages students to interact through the use of a dedicated Facebook group.

"...Another aspect I think is important to address with new home schooled students is the confusion about socializing. I know that was one of my original concerns. Derek has many friends and has no problems meeting and making friends. With home schooling he no longer worries about superficial things like style and dress. He is relaxed and able to express his individuality without the concerns of judgment and teasing from others."      
                                                                                     
Joseph, K-8 parent, Oregon  

​Can students who have earned a Global Village School diploma get into colleges?

Absolutely! ​Because you work with Global Village teachers, the school can provide full transcripts for graduating seniors. Most colleges in the US and Europe are well-acquainted and comfortable with the idea of homeschooling, distance-learning, and online or private schools (and we are all of those things!). Many colleges look for accreditation first and foremost. Most of our high school program graduates have gone on to pursue degrees at the college of their choice. Check out this list of colleges and universities that have accepted GVS students.

But is GVS accredited?

Founded in 1999, GVS has a well established history of successful students. Before we were accredited, the vast majority of students who chose higher education as their next path were accepted to the institutions of their choice. Still, we recognize that accreditation is important to many families as it provides some peace of mind to parents who know that a progressive & individualized program is right for their child, but are afraid of limiting her options in the future. This is why we decided to pursue (and achieve) WASC accreditation. So yes, Virginia - we are accredited!

​Just what is WASC and how does it evaluate GVS programs?

WASC is ​The Western Association of Schools & Colleges. WASC is one of only six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). The Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS) is the arm of WASC that evaluates K-12 schools.

Schools go through a rigorous, months-long process of producing a comprehensive self-study (around 200 pages long for GVS!) about the educational philosophy, expected learning outcomes, assessment methods, and more along with data about demographics and achievement. A three person visiting committee from ACS WASC  spends time meeting with teachers, students, parents, and the administrative office staff of a school, speaking with them about their experiences. The committee reviews the self-study and supporting documents, including student work samples, forms, policies & procedures, teacher and parent handbooks and so on. After the visit the committee submits a report and recommendation to the ACS WASC Commission, which makes the final determination whether to grant accreditation, and if so, what type. GVS received the highest level of accreditation that can be achieved. 

​WASC validates the "...integrity of school programs and transcripts worldwide for university acceptance." * 

​WASC accreditation means that the school K-12 programs meet "...the ACS WASC criteria for full accreditation and have a history and support system indicating a high-quality program that can be sustained into the foreseeable future." ​**

You can learn even more about what it means for a school to earn and maintain ACS WASC accredited status here. 

*Source: ACS WASC, http://tinyurl.com/p6aw9pu 
**Source: ACS WASC, https://tinyurl.com/y9rwneke

What if I only want to purchase K8 or high school curriculum?

Some families are experienced unschoolers or homeschoolers who don't want teacher support. If you're interested in using our curriculum in this way, please visit our buy curriculum only page for details. A this time, K-8 guides are available for purchase; high school guides are not.

Please remember that you cannot receive a GVS transcript or diploma without enrolling and working with one of our teachers.

​How much do the K8 and high school enrollment programs cost?
​Please see our K8 Program page or our High School Programs page.

Can I enroll my child in Pre-K?

We do not offer enrollment for Pre-K nor do we have a Pre-K oriented curriculum guide. If you think your child is not Kindergarten ready, please wait - there's no rush. Or find a local Pre-K built around discovery and play.

What makes Global Village School unique?

We seek to help our students live authentic and meaningful lives. We value peace, justice, compassion, sustainability, community, and integrity. We have an abiding appreciation of diversity, creativity, our fellow beings, and our shared Earth.

We are like a "regular" school in some ways. We prepare our students for college and we have courses, teachers, diplomas, and transcripts. We are also unique in many ways:

• We emphasize peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability
• We offer both web and text-based courses
• We are creative and flexible.
• We customize curriculum based on student needs, interests, and learning styles.
• We acknowledge the value of life learning and grant credit for numerous activities.
• We actively value creativity and independent thinking.
• We strive to have our students leave school feeling confident in their abilities to make an impact on the world around them.

Global Village School provides students throughout the world with a high-quality education that promotes peace, understanding, and respect. It is an education that supports students in truly being themselves, encourages them to follow their dreams, and helps them to become wise and capable stewards of the planet and each other. We work to nurture and protect the passion and enthusiasm for creating a better world that comes naturally to so many young people.

We believe that everyone has the right to receive an education in a safe, supportive environment. Accordingly, we provide a healing and empowering international learning community. In our view, knowledge and understanding are the keys to a true global community—one in which people celebrate differences rather than being defined or divided by them.

​Where can I find reviews of your program?

We have collected many testimonials over the years and some outside organizations have reviewed our curriculum as well. You will find many quotes from families spread around our site and you can check it all out on our testimonials page. If you're looking for reviews compiled by outside, independent sources, check our Google reviews, and Private School Reviews.

​How can I help support Global Village School's vision?

GVS is a non-profit school. All operating funds come from donations and tuition. Your tax deductible (Global Village School is a project of Community Partners and contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law) donations are always welcome. At this time we've not been able to consistently give out scholarships to those who need them, but we'd love to!

​Please remember to select "Global Village School" in the drop-down menu.
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Check out our support page for other ways to contribute to the growth of progressive, social justice oriented, personalized education.
       

Learn more about Global Village School's accredited distance learning program

If you have not already done so, please review the information specific to the grade levels you are interested in. ​​
We hope you enjoy exploring the wealth of information we've shared about the Global Village School homeschooling program.

Enrollment

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K-8 Program

Learn more about our K-8 program

K-8 Program

High School Programs

Learn more about our high school programs

High School Programs