Parents Bust the Top 5 Virtual School Myths
byConnections Academy
6 min to read
Many families wonder if virtual school lives up to the hype. Myths about learning online can raise many questions for families interested in enrolling: Can online school offer the same quality education, social interaction, and academic rigor as traditional, in-person schools? Can parents truly be involved in their child's learning journey when learning from home?
Connections Academy® parents are here to set the record straight. They've experienced the transformative power of virtual learning firsthand, seeing their children thrive in an environment tailored to their needs and aspirations. Through their personal stories, they debunk the common learning myths of online education to experience a learning experience full of personalized support, meaningful social connections, and academic excellence.
Go beyond the myths and discover the facts about online learning.
Myth #1: I won’t be involved in my child’s education if they attend virtual school at home.
Truth: Virtual school encourages active parental (or other trusted adult) involvement by being a Learning Coach. While state-certified teachers are responsible for in-class instruction, Learning Coaches collaborate directly with their student to provide guidance and support. This flexible approach empowers you to be present for key moments in a student’s academic journey.
"My son has been with California Connections Academy since kindergarten. This year he'll be going into 2nd grade. I love that I can spend more time with him and be more involved in his curriculum."
— Mariana M., California Connections Academy
Myth #2: My child won’t have as much teacher interaction and support in virtual school.
Truth: Virtual school teachers are highly accessible and committed to providing individualized support for their students. They leverage various tools like video calls, emails, online forums, and real-time chat to ensure each student receives the personalized attention they need. This frequent communication loop fosters a strong teacher-student connection, promoting academic progress and addressing concerns promptly.
“We have excellent communication between our daughter’s teachers and administrators, and they take any questions or concerns we have seriously. My entire family is thrilled that our daughter can get an education this way in a safe, loving, and supportive environment.”
— Jennifer C., Colorado Connections Academy
“They [teachers] truly care about their students’ education and future. My child has surpassed my expectations through the help of South Carolina Connections Academy. They really think about and care about your children's future. Also, they care about what and how your child feels.”
— Bambi P., South Carolina Connections Academy
Myth #3: My child won’t have many opportunities to socialize if they attend virtual school.
Truth: Virtual school offers a variety of engaging social experiences that go beyond the physical classroom. Students connect with peers through interactive LiveLesson® sessions, virtual field trips, online clubs, and community-based activities. These interactions foster positive social connections, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, even in a remote setting. Additionally, virtual school can provide a safe and inclusive environment for students who may have struggled with social anxieties or bullying in traditional schools.
“This school has everything an in-person school has and more! You can be involved in school activities, in-person events, student council, field trips and so much more. You also can be as involved as you want.”
— Katherine G., Texas Connections Academy
“My family travels for work, and we needed to take our son with us. We decided to give Missouri Connections Academy a try because of the flexibility. It has been a great success. Our son says he feels like he has learned more than he did at his in-person school. My husband was concerned about his social interactions, but they have regular opportunities for him to get together and meet people in his own age group. He also has plenty of time to talk to his friends.”
— Mandy E., Missouri Connections Academy
“There are many clubs, field trips, etc. for the students. They can stay social with other students if they want to. I feel like my daughter gets one –on-one attention and help when she needs it.”
— Michelle S., Louisiana Connections Academy
Myth #4: Virtual school isn’t as academically challenging as brick-and-mortar school.
Truth: Virtual schools like Connections Academy adhere to rigorous curriculums in line with state standards, ensuring your child receives a high-quality education on par with traditional institutions. The personalized learning approach allows students to progress at their own pace, tackling challenging content that aligns with their individual interests and abilities. Many virtual schools offer gifted and honors courses for advanced learners, and high school students can pursue Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare for college-level work. This academic rigor prepares students for success in higher education and future careers.
“Switching out of the brick and motor school to Tennessee Connections Academy has been the best decision for us. I personally love the more challenging curriculum. One of my kids is in the gifted program and the other is a slower learner who can work at his pace without the stress.”
— Carly J., Tennessee Connections Academy
“If you are looking for a school that will teach your child more than they would learn at a public school, this is the choice for you! The teachers and staff are so nice, and they even have courses to give students an opportunity to learn about new material. They even have an early-graduate plan.”
— Abigail G., Alabama Connections Academy
Myth #5: My child would spend all day on the computer if they went to a virtual school.
Truth: While technology plays a vital role in virtual learning, it's just one facet of its diverse and engaging curriculum. In addition to screen time, students in online school participate in a variety of hands-on activities, projects, and interactive exercises. They may conduct science experiments, create art projects, participate in outdoor learning experiences, and engage in physical activities as part of their lessons.
“We are able to work at our pace. We have enjoyed the virtual and in person field trips. They seem to offer something for everyone with a wide variety of options.”
— Kim J., Minnesota Connections Academy
Discover How Virtual School Can Benefit Your Child
These are just a few examples of how Connections Academy® addresses common online education myths.
Learn more about the key differences between online and traditional education and download our free eGuide to see if a Connections Academy-supported school could be the right fit for your family.
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