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For many children, attending school daily can be a daunting experience. Bullying, learning challenges, and a disconnect with traditional classroom settings can hinder their educational journey. Prior to the pandemic, options for these students were limited, but the crisis has prompted schools to expand their educational offerings, particularly through online learning. This virtual approach enables students to engage with their studies from home, with districts either developing their own online curricula or adopting successful models from established online schools.
As reported by the New York Times, “Last spring, as COVID-19 spread, districts began seeking ready-made digital curriculums. Many turned to established providers like Florida Virtual School, a 24-year-old online-only public school that offers free instruction to in-state students and franchises its courseware to hundreds of other districts.”
Online education appeals to many families as it provides flexibility, allowing students and parents to learn at their own pace. Each child has unique learning preferences, and online schooling can cater to those needs. Many parents are advocating for this mode of education to remain available permanently.
However, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of online learning. National online schools may not replicate the success of traditional schools, as they often require a self-directed approach that doesn’t suit every student. For those who thrive on social interaction, the virtual model can be isolating. Additionally, inconsistent internet access or financial instability can create challenges for families.
“I’ve had several students express anxiety about falling behind in subjects because they feel distance learning will be particularly challenging,” shared educator Emily Johnson with The Atlantic.
In St. Louis County, Missouri, the Parkway School District—one of the largest in the area—has decided to continue offering virtual learning indefinitely. “With approximately 17,500 students, we will keep providing both in-person and virtual learning options based on community feedback,” Paul Tandy, the district’s communications head, explained to Scary Mommy. “Currently, about 10% of our students have opted for our ‘Virtual Campus’ for the 2021-22 school year. Feedback indicates that online learning meets some students’ needs better, and they prefer this format.”
The Times reports that out of 13,000 school districts in the U.S., several hundred have launched virtual schools this year, with many establishing long-term online programs. These are distinct from current virtual learning setups; they feature dedicated teachers focusing exclusively on remote education, with no in-person classes.
Demand for virtual education remains high, especially as many parents are hesitant to send their children back to physical classrooms due to lingering COVID-19 concerns. For some families, online learning is a preferable long-term solution, prompting school districts nationwide to adapt accordingly.
Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, one of the largest districts in the country, is responding to this trend by preparing to enroll 1,000 students in its new online program, the Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence (FAVE). This initiative reflects the growing interest in virtual education, and a new team of educators has been appointed to lead the program.
Nonetheless, online-only education has its drawbacks. Students miss the chance to form interpersonal relationships with peers, and even those who excel in virtual settings often yearn for social interaction. Yet, the demand for virtual learning continues to rise. According to Census.gov, “Nearly 93% of people in households with school-age children reported their children engaged in some form of distance learning from home.” This statistic represents millions of students, many of whom prefer to continue with this mode of education.
The future of virtual schooling remains uncertain. Some are optimistic, while others express skepticism about its long-term viability. Nevertheless, for many families, this approach to education simply makes the most sense.
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Summary
Virtual schooling has emerged as a viable long-term educational alternative, especially for students facing challenges in traditional classrooms. While it offers flexibility and caters to diverse learning styles, concerns about socialization and self-directed learning persist. As demand grows, schools across the U.S. are adapting to provide continued online education, reflecting a significant shift in the educational landscape.