Virtual academies remove barriers and unlock student potential

Key points:

• Districts enhance strength within their communities by offering virtual academies
• iOnline and Hybrid Learning Strategies: eSN Innovation Roundtable
• Why blended learning is a top 12 way to help those most in need
• For more news on virtual learning, visit eSN’s Digital Learning hub

Two remarkable high school teachers changed the course of my life at a time when academics were the least of my concerns. Their belief in my potential and guidance helped me establish a solid foundation for my future and changed my life. This experience led me from a career in investment management to one in education, driven by a desire to make an impact and improve access to a quality education for all. My role in launching specialized schools in Louisiana for students with low-incidence disabilities reinforced the importance of educational options, a need that is universal regardless of a student’s abilities, grade level, learning style, preferences, social class, and geographic location.

I am committed to empowering students to receive a personalized and rigorous education that unlocks the unique potential–the genius–within each of them. I believe this can be accomplished through the introduction of virtual academy options within public school districts, giving families and students an option that may better serve their needs.

The K-12 education landscape is changing rapidly. For many, it’s changing for the better with the increased availability of options that enable students to learn in environments that are optimized to their needs.

As district and educational leaders know, nationwide, many children lack reasonable geographic access to in-person schools or are enrolled in schools that don’t meet their educational or lifestyle needs. Often, the only option available is a traditional public school, which typically operates on a one-size-fits-all model and schedule. While traditional public schools are effective for many students, they simply can no longer adequately serve the needs of everyone. Much of the recent change in education has been guided by an increase in families’ desire for choice. As a result, educational leaders are facing drops in funding due to a decrease in enrollment numbers, and they are responding by building robust and comprehensive alternatives to the traditional, in-person educational experience, the most significant being virtual learning. 

The desire for more choices has been made clear in recent research, and there is a growing shift in parental preferences when it comes to education. In a 2023 poll conducted by National School Choice Week, nearly half of all parents surveyed across the United States shared they were actively seeking a new school for the 2023-24 school year. Since the pandemic, it has become clear to many parents that online learning is a better fit for their children, prompting them to seek alternative school options for the best educational outcomes, like virtual academies. 

Technology has the power to make high-quality education more equitable, and virtual academies are designed with accessibility at their core. Students who live in remote or rural settings, who require a different environment due to social-emotional or special needs, or who engage in extracurricular activities with a rigorous training schedule can now access the same curriculum, learning environment, career preparation programs, and enrichment programs as their peers who attend traditional, in-person schools. 

Personalized learning is another foundational component of virtual academies that can remove barriers by catering to the diverse needs and abilities of students. Aristotle, often considered the pioneer of individualized instruction, emphasized tailoring education to harness each student’s curiosity and talents–a method that has endured over centuries.

Today, virtual academies continue to use personalized learning strategies, which may involve adjusting the pace, providing supplemental resources, and incorporating enrichment activities, such as participation in a gifted or talented program. Additionally, many virtual academies offer programs like dual enrollment and career and technical education (CTE) pathways, allowing students to earn certifications and college credit while still in high school, thus extending Aristotle’s educational philosophy into the modern era of learning.

There are countless compelling stories of students who benefitted from a virtual learning option. One student, living in a remote area, was travelling by ferry to school each day, leaving at 6 am and returning by 8 pm. Virtual learning eliminated the need for this lengthy commute to her local public school–a challenge many students face across the nation due to school closures, consolidations, and remote locations. Another student, who felt unchallenged in his previous school, thrived at a virtual academy that allowed him to accelerate his learning while earning college credits. Another student simply preferred the online learning environment following the pandemic and chose to continue their education in a virtual academy, finding it better suited their learning style. There are also stories of students who chose a virtual academy due to socioeconomic challenges, health issues, learning disabilities, or the demands of being part of a military family.

For many families, having choices means having a voice in how their child is educated. Virtual academies emphasize the parental involvement families want, encouraging a collaborative partnership between families and schools, where an open line of communication means families are well-informed of their child’s progress through detailed feedback.

With the right partner, districts can enhance their appeal and strength within their communities by offering a virtual academy as part of a portfolio of educational programs. This strategy can make the district a more appealing choice for local families, potentially helping to maintain or even increase enrollment. Families would be able to choose the educational environment that best suits their children, whether that is a traditional public school or virtual academy, ensuring an optimal learning experience for each student. 

As educators, we are partners in preparing students for a successful and fulfilling life beyond high school. Introducing a virtual academy option allows districts to meet a broader range of student needs, providing each learner with the opportunity to learn in an environment that best suits them. Together, we can empower students and have a profound impact on the next generation of leaders and innovators by offering them a choice—one that will help them reach their fullest potential.

About the Author:

Adam Hawf is Superintendent of Schools at Stride, Inc. Adam is dedicated to helping learners achieve their full potential through inspired teaching and personalized learning. Adam has worked to support school system leaders across the country and previously served as a public sector executive in Louisiana. He has extensive experience in school system leadership with a focus on reorienting bureaucracies to meet the needs of students and families.