The kitchen table is often the heart of a home — where families share meals, talk about their days and connect. For a growing number of families, it’s also where the back-to-school season begins.

As director of academics at Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA), I’ve heard from countless families about what it means to bring their child’s education into the home. Rather than waiting for occasional updates, parents get a front-row seat to their child’s progress, supporting their learning alongside state-certified teachers in a virtual classroom.

That firsthand view matters. A 2026 nationally representative school satisfaction survey by K12 found 89% of K12 parents feel connected to their child’s education—13% higher than traditional public school parents. A January 2026 survey found 75% of U.S. parents considered, searched for, or enrolled a child in a different school in 2025. While the reasons range, one thing is clear: Parents are increasingly looking for learning environments that fit their child’s needs while preparing them for the real world. For some families, online learning is the answer.

Over the years, I’ve spoken with Idaho families about what back-to-school looks like for virtual students. Here are answers to the questions I hear most.

How does online school work?

Many programs, including IDVA, offer the same structure and support as a traditional public school: state-aligned curriculum, live virtual classes, and instruction from state-certified teachers.

What’s the schedule like?

Flexibility is what sets online school apart. While students attend scheduled classes, many also choose how to structure the rest of their day—which subjects to tackle first, and when to slow down on complex topics. That flexibility helps students keep learning through travel, medical appointments, athletics, jobs, and harvest.

What supplies do I need?

IDVA provides the learning materials students need—books, art supplies, science equipment, and a computer if the family needs one. Many parents still enjoy back-to-school shopping for notepads, whiteboards, calendars, and colored pens that help boost motivation and personalize their child’s learning space.

How do online students make friends?

Online schools prioritize socialization. Virtual campuses like the K12 Zone at IDVA give students a safe place to chat, play games, and attend events. Older students can join the Esports team. IDVA students can attend in-person events such as prom and local meetups, participate in national organizations and competitions like FCCLA and BPA, and take part in virtual field trips. These opportunities help students build friendships and experience school spirit.

What if my child has a disability?

IDVA has the same responsibilities as any other public school. We work with a wide variety of students with different needs, ranging from students with autism and hearing impairments to those with behavioral disorders and physical disabilities. We customize each student’s education and Individualized Education Program (IEP) based on their needs, helping set them up for success today and beyond graduation.

What’s my role as a parent?

In online school, parents step into a coaching role, facilitating daily learning, offering guidance, and monitoring progress and attendance, with involvement varying by a child’s age and needs. Learning coaches also keep an open line of communication with teachers—something not always possible in traditional settings.

Regardless of where your child attends school this fall, back-to-school responsibilities look similar for families everywhere—from setting up a workstation and meeting teachers to making sure your child gets enough sleep and does homework. Parents play an important, supportive role in their education—which includes ensuring your student is set up for success in a learning environment that meets their needs. And that can start with a conversation, right at the dinner table.

Bio: Jenny Whelan is Director of Academics at Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA), a tuition-free online public charter school serving students in grades K–12 across Idaho. IDVA is accredited by Cognia and was recognized as a School of Distinction in 2024.