8 Common Questions About Virtual School

When considering online school, it’s reasonable to have a lot of questions.

How do online school students socialize? How are online school students prepared for the future? What kind of opportunities do online school students have to make the most of their education?

Reevaluating your child’s schooling options can be an important part of the process to ensure they are receiving the best possible education and to set them up for success in life.

Between remote learning, hybrid learning, and more, it’s hard to know what the best fit might be for your child without having all the facts. As a tuition-free online public school, here are the common questions we are asked at Connections Academy® and the best questions to ask teachers about online learning in your reevaluation process.

1. What Is Online School and How Does it Work?

K–12 online public schools like Connections Academy provide families with the opportunity to connect to their online classroom entirely from home or anywhere with an Internet connection.

Virtual schools like Connections Academy offer:

the same, state-approved curriculum as brick-and-mortar schools

classes taught by highly skilled teachers specially trained to build connections to their students in the online classroom

full learning programs, including extracurricular clubs and in-person events for students in elementary school, middle school, and high school

a safe and supportive learning environment that meets students where they are

How Daily Learning Works in Online School

A student enrolled in online school attends classes and completes assignments through a personal computer with the assistance of their Learning Coach. Learning Coaches are often the student’s family member or other trusted adult who ensures that students are meeting attendance requirements, completing assignments, and have access to the materials and resources they need to learn best.

2. What Does a Typical School Day Look Like for Online Students?

Most online school teachers create a lifelong love of learning in their students by meeting regularly in the online classroom for live instruction. Known as LiveLesson® sessions at Connections Academy, the purpose of these live sessions is to provide students with direct instruction, differentiated and targeted support, peer-to-peer interaction, and practice opportunities.

Sample Online School Schedule

While students do have to meet attendance requirements, when they learn during the day is customizable. Students often make their own schedules with their families, but here is what they can typically expect to achieve during their learning day:

log in to the digital classroom to check in on important due dates, school announcements, and messages from their teachers

attend a LiveLesson session with their teacher and participate in an online discussion board or with other students directly in breakout groups

work on assignments or in-class reading

watch pre-recorded LiveLesson videos and email their teachers directly with any additional questions

3. How Do Students Socialize in Online School?

Building social opportunities for online students is critical in supporting their development. Many online schools offer clubs and activities that allow students to make friends, build on skills they’re learning in class, and gain confidence.

Online Socializing Opportunities

Online school offers lots of clubs, organizations, and activities for students of all ages to socialize and get to explore their interests. At Connections Academy, students can participate in:

Science or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Clubs

Esports Teams

Chess Club

Art Club

Gaming and Technology Club

Writing Club

Debate Club

Drama and Performance Club

Travel Club

Movement Club

Leadership Club

Kindness Club (promotes thoughtful, positive interactions)

Quiz Bowl

In-Person Socializing Opportunities

Even kids who learn at brick-and-mortar schools socialize with other kids outside of school.

Often, activities like the following can be found in your community:

local sports teams

community choir or youth orchestra

volunteer opportunities

community theatre

events at libraries and parks & recreation centers

Many online schools and homeschool programs partner with local school districts, so online students can join local sports teams and compete in contests at the local, state, and national levels.

Online schools often have opportunities for students to meet their classmates in person by participating in:

School dances

Field trips

Science fairs

Graduation ceremonies

4. What Role Do Parents Play in Online School?

Enrolling a student in online school should be something that is the right fit not just for the student but the entire family. As is the case at many online schools, students are supported by a parent or other trusted adult as their Learning Coach, who helps create a tailored learning experience. These customized learning plans make sure that students stay on task and have the tools they need to learn best, including creating and maintaining the student’s learning space and assisting with any technology. Learning Coaches and the student’s parents can leave teaching to the teacher while still taking an active role in their child’s education.

What Learning Coaches Are Responsible for:

scheduling the student’s day, including breaks and class time

regularly connect with the student’s teacher

make sure the student is understanding the lesson and progressing well

Younger students will need the most help, especially for those who are still becoming confident readers, while high school students are often more self-sufficient.

Average Time Commitment for Learning Coaches:

Elementary School: 5-6 hours per day

Middle School: 2-3 hours per day

High School: 2-3 hours per day

5. Are Online School Teachers Real Teachers?

Online schools like Connections Academy hire and train highly skilled, experienced teaching professionals who are certified in their subject areas—many even have master’s or other advanced degrees. These exceptional teachers are specially trained in online instruction and tailor the learning experience for each and every student based on their challenges, needs, abilities, and passions. Teachers build meaningful relationships with students and make connections on a personal level that creates a positive, online learning experience while keeping communication open. Just as with teachers at brick-and-mortar schools, teachers are accessible to answer questions about the lesson, provide additional help in case the student is falling behind, or address any concerns parents may have.

6. How Rigorous Is the Online School Curriculum?

Designed by experts in K-12 learning, the online school curriculum ignites curiosity and expands our students’ understanding of the world and their place in it. From learning about core concepts to using their new knowledge to fuel their creativity, online school students build the essential skills and adaptability they need to go further in the classroom and wherever life takes them.

Connections Academy, for example, has many students enrolled in Advanced Placement®* (AP) courses, are dual enrolled in local community colleges, and participate in professional organizations that help build College and Career Readiness skills. Students who graduate from online schools like Connections Academy have been accepted to top colleges and apprenticeship programs.

7. What if My Child Has Special Needs or Requires Extra Support?

Many K-12 online public schools like Connections Academy provide dedicated and credentialed support staff to provide individualized programs for students with special needs or who require learning accommodations. For students with IEPs, Connections Academy offers a range of special education services, including consultation, curriculum customization, collaboration with Learning Coaches and teachers, and direct instruction.

Since students learn at home, families have more control over their learning environment. Families can schedule more frequent breaks during the day, participate in lessons around the times the student learns best, and coordinate additional or alternative learning methods to supplement the teacher’s instruction.

8. Is Online School Right for My Child?

Online schools like Connections Academy can help students and their families take charge of their education and organize their school day to optimize both learning and personal development.

However, just like brick-and-mortar schools, online schools are not one-size-fits-all. Before enrolling in a tuition-free online public school, first check that there is an online school in your area that serves your student’s grade level. Some states offer multiple online school options while other states do not have online public school options available (though online private schools like Pearson Online Academy are open to students in the U.S, and internationally).

Find out if online school is right for your child by taking our online quiz or signing up to speak with an enrollment specialist.

*AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.