A few years ago, online learning was discussed almost entirely in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools made an abrupt transition to remote instruction with limited preparation. Years later, online education hasn’t disappeared. More families are considering a wider range of educational options and looking for schools that better meet their children’s individual needs.

A 2026 survey from the National School Choice Awareness Foundation found that 75% of U.S. parents considered, searched for, or enrolled a child in a different school during 2025. Among those who enrolled a child in a new school, 32% cited dissatisfaction or a desire for a better fit, and 15% chose a full-time online school.

That reflects what I and my colleagues at Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) see regularly: students don’t all learn the same way or thrive in the same environment. For some, a traditional school is the right fit; for others, an online school provides the structure and support they need. On September 15, National Online Learning Day recognizes the role online education plays in expanding how students learn, grow, and thrive.

At IDVA and Insight School of Idaho (ISID), tuition-free public online charter schools, I’ve seen how online learning helps students grow academically, develop independence, and prepare for life after high school. Each spring, that impact becomes especially clear at our graduations across the state, where students and families share how online learning offered them a chance to succeed when they had struggled to find belonging elsewhere.

Several features make online learning worth exploring for Idaho families:

Flexibility

Students still follow a school calendar, meet attendance expectations, and complete assignments by set deadlines, but they can do so from home with more control over their day. This helps students managing health concerns, employment, family responsibilities, or athletic and artistic commitments. Flexibility doesn’t mean learning alone; schools, students, and families work together to build routines that keep students engaged.

Academic Support

Students learn from Idaho-certified teachers through live sessions, small-group meetings, calls, emails, and messaging. Teachers track progress and identify where students need more help, while counselors, advisors, and administrators address academic and personal barriers. Students can also join enrichment activities, career and technical student organizations, and in-person gatherings.

Safety

Students need to feel safe before they can fully engage. Online learning lets them complete school from a familiar environment while staying connected to teachers and classmates—especially valuable for those who’ve experienced bullying, anxiety, or health challenges that make in-person attendance difficult.

Access

Because IDVA and ISID serve students statewide, families can access courses, teachers, and programs that may not be available locally, especially in a large, rural state. Students get the structure of a public school while families gain greater visibility and support in their learning.

Possibilities Beyond Graduation

Online education helps students practice organizing their time, communicating electronically, and using technology responsibly. IDVA and ISID offer both college-preparatory and career-focused paths—rigorous coursework and dual-credit options for college-bound students, and career pathways often with college credit or industry certifications such as Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, along with opportunities in Medical Assisting and Cybersecurity through partner programs.

National Online Learning Day gives us a chance to recognize online education as an important part of Idaho’s educational landscape. For many students, it offers more than convenience—it provides access to caring teachers, academic support, career preparation, and meaningful opportunities to succeed.

Andrea Wells is the College and Career and CTE Administrator at Idaho Virtual Academy and Insight School of Idaho.