Branson School Online

101 Saddle Rock Drive

School District

Branson Reorganized 82
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Branson Reorganized 82 School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 16, 2024

My three kids have been with Branson School Online since 2014. They went through elementary, middle and high school at Branson School Online.They have had different teachers through the years. Not once have I regretted being with them. I have 2 autistic kids and they have received adequate accommodations within a home school environment. During their elementary years, they had the same teacher for two years, then they would get a new teacher in second, then in fourth to help them adjust. When they reached middle and high school, they had a team of teachers per subject. Branson School Online helps with the funding you may need to set up your school space or for school supplies. If you need a laptop, they provide it. They provide tech support and safety in the school environment. As long as the kids are using the school laptop, I don't have to worry that they are in a dangerous website. I can always communicate with my children's teachers and feel heard and acknowledge. Even when the kids have been sick or in the hospital, accommodations are made to support them and the family. They provide monthly school field trips for the kids to socialize in person. Also, different interactive class groups to wok on assignments. I have researched and looked into other K-12 schools and haven't found the same commitment. I actually asked them to provide more Branson School Online schools because other states need them. Kids deserve these types of schools where they receive a great education with a variety of subjects in a safe environment.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2018

Not good online school at all, only K-3 after that teachers are Rude, they treat you as a number no as a student, the Principal is nice until you ask for help. No freedom at all with the school work, Please don't put your children through this, there are better options out there.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2016

The teachers in elementary are very helpful. LOVE their small online classes each week. The teacher also calls every week- LOVE IT!
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2015

The reason this school only ranks a 4 out of 10 is because they have a sub-standard faculty (with a few excellent teachers sprinkled in) receiving oversight from bumbling administrators. If the school were doing well at educating our children, the state would issue them a "performance plan." Instead, Branson has an "improvement plan" in place, but it really doesn't seem to be doing much good.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2015

I am surprised at some of these bad reviews. I don't think some of these parents new what they were getting in to when they signed up. My 3 children have been with Branson for 2 years and they are definitely stronger and more independent learner s than they were when we started. I have found their teachers to be excellent and very supportive. I feel that my children are more prepared to enter college than most of the kids I see from public schools.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2015

Homeschoolers beware. Our experience with the first and second grade teachers was not wonderful, and our experience with the administration was even worse. I thought I couldn't do it on my own, that I needed help with curriculum selection (and the cost of it all) and that my child would be lacking academically. Since I have been doing this "on my own" now a couple years, I found that just connecting online with other homeschoolers is much better support. I even get curriculum suggestions--and often excellent, free materials people hand down. I see now what my child was lacking from being in Branson for two years. I can't get that time back, but maybe by posting this I can help others.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2014

Although I love the concept of public school at home, I think this school gets it all wrong. There is very little freedom for individual families to pursue their goals. That wouldn't be too bad if they had good teachers. This is our second and last year of trying to make this bad situation good. The only good thing to say about the teachers is that some of them are good, and even the bad ones are better than the administrators.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2014

My children have been with Branson for over 10 years now. We've had nothing but great teachers who have been wonderful in their teaching. When one of my children started having difficulty it was picked up on by two teachers and relayed back to his homeroom teacher who immediately set up a meeting with all teachers, my son and myself to get him on the right track. We have only had two teachers (out of 24 we've had) that were not great teachers. My 6th grader did very well with the two teachers she had and my 9th and 12th graders had excellent support from teachers and counselors. Online schooling isn't for everyone and those who enroll their kids should look closely at it and not go in blindly.
Submitted by teacher on April 03, 2014

Branson is a wonderful school which is unlike any other online program out there. Branson's teachers create their own curriculum that is aligned with state standards. Students receive individualized attention and instruction and teachers are invested in making the experience positive for each child. It is also a great place to work and allows teachers to balance their family and personal lives with work.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2014

(What I thought I was getting? The flexibility of homeschool with the benefit of a strong curriculum.) What I got? Much less flexibility than homeschool with poor, pieced-together curricula. (What I thought I was getting? The support of excellent teachers.) What I got? One excellent teacher who knew her subjects and helped her students, and mostly awful teachers who knew less than their students and refused to be swayed by truth. (What I thought I was getting? A creative alternative to a bricks-and-mortar school.) What I got? A brick wall. (What they tell you is that just about everybody there loves it.) What they don t tell you is that there are a LOT of people who leave because they don t like it. There s a reason (um, actually many, many reasons) their rating is so low.
Submitted by parent on December 30, 2013

Branson School Online is a wonderful alternative to public school. We have been with them for six years and find it to be great for our family. The good: elementary has a very set structure so it is easy to follow. the teachers (with a few exceptions) are pushing your kids to succeed, The gifted and talented programs is phenomenal, and there is the opportunity for concurrent enrollment. You will find that the teachers who care, really, really care. These teacher are what makes BSO such a great school. The Bad:As you get to junior high and high school the set structure begins to fade, and not in a good way. The kids find it hard to determine what is due during the week because there is a lack of structured checklists; and the fact that every teacher is doing their own thing. Branson would be smart to have the board set up a structure that all teachers had to follow instead of allowing different rules in each class. I was told by one teacher that this was preparing them for college, but me son is taking college coarses that are much more organized. Overall I am pleased with BSO, they have great teachers (with a few exceptions), and present great opportunities for the kids.
Submitted by other on December 19, 2013

If you get a good teacher you're okay, and most of the teachers are good, but my teacher is not very smart.
Submitted by other on December 17, 2013

"My son is a 6th grader at Branson this year. He is thriving and is motivated because he gets to decide his schedule which is empowering. His is not into sports and since Branson allows him to plan his gym class, he loves trying different creative ways of exercising. He is very artistic and enjoys completing his work each day early so he can have more time learning and implementing art. When he attended the local school he would spend about 40 minutes on the bus ride one way every day. Instead of riding the bus for 180 minutes a day, he takes that time for art and other interests. The teachers are very patient, organized and they follow up each week with a phone call. This allows the parent to go over any concerns. What sets Branson apart from the public school is that a student will not fall through any cracks, meaning, if there is a missing assignment or your child is struggling, you will be notified right away. This is the key to success, catching it right away so there will be less confusion for your child, and if you need to get involved as a parent, you have the opportunity to do so. This is what I so appreciate about Branson, thank you 6th grade teachers!!!"
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2013

My daughter attended Branson School Online (BSO) four years and graduated in May 2013. She is now happily attending a selective college in Texas, studying vocal music performance, and is doing very well as a freshman with all As and Bs. She recently commented in a phone call home that in comparison with many of the other incoming freshmen, she feels she was extremely well-prepared for college through her academic experiences at BSO. Her teachers, counselors and the administrative staff were exemplary in meeting her needs in preparing her for college. Part of her success she also attributes to the opportunities BSO afforded her, such as their concurrent enrollment program. She ended up graduating from high school with 45 credit hours from a community college and the majority of those credits were accepted by her school. She, as well as we parents, received personal attention and all problems that arose were resolved quickly and expediently. Without reservation, she and I recommend BSO as a superb alternative to bricks-and-mortar school for the mature, diligent and ambitious student.
Submitted by other on November 19, 2013

I had a positive experience at this school. I am a graduate from this school (2004) and I appreciated the expanded opportunities I was able to engage in without sacrificing my education. Attending BSO encouraged me to develop independent study habits that have served me through college and career. I found value in taking ownership of my education and time. In response to the post on 11/15/13 - wow, it sounds like your family has had a frustrating year. I am a parent now with one school age child and I would heavily advise you to communicate clearly your concerns to the school's administration. You will very likely find that they are willing to work to address your concerns. In my experience, attending an online school requires a strong partnership between the school's staff and the families in order to provide a thorough and positive educational experience for the students. Communication and exploration of potential solutions to perceived issues is key. For your children's sake, please escalate your concerns to the administration and help them gain the insight they need to make your family's experience as positive as many other students', including my own. Best of luck!
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2013

We have successfully had our children enrolled in Branson School Online since 2009. I could not be happier with the organization, instruction, education and educators. Our first child started as a kindergartner and two years later our second child began his kindergarten year. If you are looking for a non-traditional school opportunity, I would highly encourage you to consider Branson School Online. Parents do need to be involved and be willing to work towards your child(rens) success, but the resources and support needed for ultimate success are provided.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2013

I can't say enough good things about Branson School Online (BSO.) My son went to a highly rated public school, and by 1st grade was having severe behavior problems that weren't getting effectively dealt with. We made the decision to switch to BSO. The 1st day at BSO, my son's teacher gave him an assessment test and adjusted his curriculum appropriately. When he misbehaved and had problems in class, the teacher, counselor, principal and I all had a meeting within 24 hours of the incident to set up a plan for success. Fast forward 1.5 years later (he just finished 2nd grade) and my son is excelling in all subjects. He meets weekly with his teacher and the school counselor. His test scores are significantly higher than that of the average 2nd grader. All of this and more is because BSO has dedicated, highly educated/trained, and extremely caring teachers/staff. Everyone at BSO works to form a personal relationship with students' families, and the teachers' are tireless in their efforts to ensure each child succeeds. If you are an involved parent who wants the best possible education for your children, then you will be highly satisfied with BSO.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2013

We just finished our sixth year with BSO and we love it! I feel like it gives us the best of both worlds. The kids are able to school at home with me, yet the curriculum keeps us on track and we have the support of some really amazing teachers. We plan to continue for many years to come!
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2013

My school is awesome. You work at you own pace which allows you to do other life things. Like spending time with your family, going to doctor appointments and work if need be. The teachers are amazingly smart and dedicated to all of their students.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2013

The teachers care a lot, the content is wonderful. I'm floored that the school only has a six out of ten when all the reviews give it five stars. There are always fieldtrips, and they try to spread it out all over the state so that everyone can get involved. The teachers do so much work and put in so much effort for every student. For kids who are fiercely independent and don't like brick and mortar schools, this is a great alternative. But at the same time the school finds ways to bring parents into the picture. Calls every week to check up and say something positive. As long as your child can motivate themselves even a little they will prosper immensely at this school. My daughter and I both have had a wonderful experience at this school.