5 Questions to Ask When Considering a Virtual School

September 16, 2025 byConnections Academy

4 min to read

Parent working with child using laptop for online school

Parents with school-aged kids make many tough decisions these days; selecting the right school for their child is easily among them. With the growing number of school options available nowadays, it’s important to explore each possibility and ask the right questions before you plan for your child’s education, especially if you’re considering transferring to an online school.

What Is Online School?

Tuition-free online public schools, like Connections Academy-supported schools, are fully virtual, K-12 schools with a curriculum designed by experts and delivered by teachers who are specially trained to teach online. It’s a well-rounded experience that empowers each student to learn the way they learn best in a supportive and robust community built on connections.

Learn more: “How Does Online School Work?”

What to Look for in an Online School?

A wide variety of factors go into online school selection criteria, so consider the school’s program as a whole — including the quality of academics, commitment to career development and college readiness, and extracurricular opportunities. What’s important to your student and family should go a long way when comparing online schools.

Questions to Ask When Considering an Online School

Here are some essential questions to help you learn how to choose the right online school for your student and family.

1. Why are you seeking an alternative educational approach?

The first step in considering an alternate education method for your child is to clearly define your family’s overall educational goals. Having a better idea of how your child learns best and what level of commitment they need from you, their teachers, and the learning program itself can help you better understand the must-haves when comparing online school options. Look not just at what you are hoping to find in a new school, but also what you have not been able to find at their old school. Are you looking for a more challenging curriculum? Greater control of your child’s education? Increased scheduling flexibility? Typical acceptance rates into a four-year college? College or career planning and preparation? Take some time to reflect on your student’s goals before you jump into the process.

2. Will the online school meet your child’s individual needs?

Every child has their own unique learning preferences. Does your child perform better with hands-on lessons? Is your child an auditory learner who needs extra time to complete reading assignments? Perhaps your child needs an accelerated pace for some subjects but not for others. When evaluating what questions to ask online schools, consider what options are available for personalizing your child’s learning experience to help them thrive.

3. Does the online school offer a high-quality curriculum?

The importance of online school accreditation cannot be understated. Online public schools like Connections Academy offer a curriculum that meets state and national education standards. Beyond these benchmarks, most parents also want a curriculum to challenge and prepare their children for success in life.

Be sure to look for an online learning program that is accredited regionally and by AdvancED, the world’s largest education community and premier accreditation organization.

Additionally, look for a school with a curriculum that:

Builds a solid foundation in core courses like reading, writing, and mathematics.

Develops 21st-century critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

Uses high-quality materials from leading educational publishers

Engages students with interactive learning tools and other creative resources

Offers opportunities for gifted and talented, honors, and AP classes if your child needs more challenge

4. Will the school provide opportunities for students to succeed and grow outside of the classroom?

Kids need a well-rounded learning experience with opportunities to experience success and a sense of accomplishment both in and out of the classroom. When comparing online schools, make a list of the extracurricular and social activities they offer as well as any career and college readiness programs. Look at testimonials and any student success stories to see how current and past students have used online school as they pursue their goals.

5. Are you prepared for direct involvement in your child’s education?

Before deciding to enroll a child in an online school, families should give serious thought to the level of involvement required. Consider how much time you or another trusted adult can spend monitoring and coaching your child’s online education. You may want to talk to other parents about their experiences with online learning—and be sure to ask more online school questions about training and support for families.

What Makes a Good Online School?

A good online school is going to be the school that best meets your student’s and your family’s needs and education goals. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to education, but with all these questions in mind, you can feel more prepared when comparing online schools to find the right fit.

Connections Academy-supported school has a lot to offer, including a strong circle of support that allows students to make valuable connections with their peers, families, and talented educators. To learn more and to see if a school is available in your area, download our free eGuide and speak to an enrollment specialist.