87: Reimagining Education with Virtual School: A Flexible Option for Today’s Families

If you’re ready to transition your kids from traditional school, but you’re overwhelmed at the thought of homeschooling because it means you’ll have to build an entire education plan from scratch…

there’s another way you may not have considered: virtual school. 

And to clarify: virtual school is not the same as homeschooling. But it’s no less valuable!

In fact, I believe virtual school is a very powerful, underappreciated resource that we can tap into in our quest to reimagine education on our terms. 

Because if you’re just a regular mom like me - and you’re not a trained educator or a curriculum expert - it will likely take you sometime to get up to speed on what a home education could even look like. Where do you find the best curriculum? How do you teach all the things when you barely remember some of the concepts yourself (hello, calculus! 🥴). 

But it’s important to know that there are already home-based education systems in place that can help you through the process of stepping away from the traditional school model without taking on everything yourself.

That’s why I want to shed some light on virtual school because I find that it’s often an overlooked option. But it might just be the bridge your family needs if you’re exploring educational options outside of the traditional system.

So…what is virtual school, exactly?

Virtual school - also called online school or cyber school - is a K–12 education model where students attend school entirely online. Instead of sitting in a classroom, they log in from home (or wherever they are!) and access their lessons, assignments, and teachers through an online platform.

So here’s what that looks like...

• Instruction is delivered by certified teachers
• Lessons may be synchronous (live classes) or asynchronous (on your own time)
• Students follow a structured curriculum aligned with state standards
• They receive grades, report cards, and academic support, just like in a traditional school
• Many programs are tuition-free public options, while others are private and paid

So is virtual school the same as homeschooling? No.

In a homeschool setup, the parent is responsible for selecting and delivering the curriculum. You have full control—but also full responsibility.

Whereas, in virtual school, the instruction, curriculum, and academic tracking are all handled by the school. You, the parent, still play an important role as a learning coach or support system, but you’re not the teacher.

Nonetheless, both models can offer the freedom, flexibility, and customization that families are craving. And for families looking for a less overwhelming way to step outside the traditional system, virtual school can be a truly empowering option.

How Virtual School Can Be a Game-Changer

1. It’s a gentler onramp to homeschool life 

Maybe your child is struggling in their current school—because of the pace, the pressure, or even the people. You know something needs to change...but you’re not ready or able to jump straight into full-on homeschooling.

So virtual school gives you a way to step away from the brick-and-mortar model while still offering structure, certified teachers, and a clear curriculum. It buys you time to research, observe and to adjust.

2. It offers real-life flexibility

Families who travel and parents who have work schedules to maneuver around often find that virtual school works offer a tremendous amount of flexibility that traditional classrooms can’t replicate.

Many virtual programs now offer asynchronous options, so your child can learn on-demand, at times that fit your family’s rhythm.

Plus, virtual school doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Your kids can still participate in homeschool co-ops, extracurriculars, field trips, and more. Some virtual schools, like Georgia Connections Academy, even organize their own in-person student events and field trips.

3. It opens more doors for advanced learners

Some virtual schools offer AP courses, dual college enrollment, and specialty subjects that traditional schools might not offer.

One example I love is Arizona State University’s Universal Learner Courses, where students can take online college-level courses and only pay if they’re happy with their grade.

Programs like this give motivated students a chance to challenge themselves, earn college credit and explore their interests - without having to wait until after graduation.

Here’s what it all comes down to:

You don’t need permission to take control of your child’s education. And you don’t need to follow what everyone else is doing.

Whether you choose homeschool, virtual school, or a mix of both—you get to design what works best for your family.

If you're exploring homeschool or virtual school and need help figuring out the next right step for your family, let’s chat! I’m happy to help you take the next step forward.

Book your free 1-on-1 discovery call with me here!

I'm excited to begin reimagining with you!

Resources Mentioned:

• K12 Online Schools
• Connections Academy
• Burbrella Virtual Microschool
• Brightspire Virtual School
• Arizona State University Universal Learner Courses

 Ready to Homeschool in a Way That’s Aligned With Your Family?