The kitchen table often represents the heart of a home. It’s where families share warm meals, talk about their days, build puzzles, and play games. It’s a place of connection. And for a growing number of Ohio families, it’s also where the back-to-school season begins.
In my time serving as Head of School at Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), I’ve had the opportunity to speak with families across the state about why they chose online learning and what their back-to-school experience looks like. For many parents, learning from home provides a unique window into their child’s education, allowing them to be more engaged in their student’s academic journey. Rather than waiting for occasional updates, they can see their child’s progress firsthand while supporting their learning alongside Ohio-certified teachers in a virtual classroom.
At a time when parents are increasingly focused on their children’s education and future, this level of involvement can be incredibly meaningful. In fact, according to a 2026 nationally representative school satisfaction survey by K12, 89% of K12 parents said they feel connected to their child’s education—13% higher than traditional public school parents.
The desire for greater engagement and choice is reflected in broader school trends. A January 2026 survey found that 75% of U.S. parents either considered, searched for, or enrolled at least one child in a different school in 2025. While families have many different reasons for exploring alternatives, one thing is clear: parents are looking for learning environments that meet their child’s individual needs while preparing them for future success.
Throughout the years, I’ve heard countless stories from OHVA families about why online learning works for them and what new families can expect. If you’re one of the many parents wondering whether online school might be the right fit, here are answers to some of the questions I hear most often.
How does online school work?
At Ohio Virtual Academy, students receive a public school education taught by Ohio-certified teachers using a state-aligned curriculum. Students attend live virtual classes, complete independent coursework, and receive personalized support throughout the school year—all while learning from home.
What’s an online school schedule like?
Flexibility is one of the biggest differences between online and traditional learning. While students attend scheduled live classes, they also have flexibility in how they structure the rest of their school day. Families can determine the best time to complete assignments, spend extra time on challenging subjects, or work around appointments and extracurricular activities. I’ve seen this flexibility help students stay on track while balancing medical needs, athletics, travel, and other family commitments.
What supplies do I need for online school?
At OHVA, families receive many of the instructional materials students need throughout the school year, including textbooks, art supplies, science materials, and, for eligible students, a loaner computer. Many families still enjoy the excitement of back-to-school shopping by picking up notebooks, calendars, colorful pens, sticky notes, and other supplies that help students stay organized and personalize their learning space.
How do online students make friends and socialize?
One of the biggest misconceptions about online school is that students don’t have opportunities to build friendships. In reality, creating meaningful connections is a priority at OHVA.
Students can participate in virtual clubs, national competitions, educational field trips, and activities through the K12 Zone, where they can safely connect with classmates outside of class. Throughout the year, OHVA also hosts face-to-face events across Ohio that allow students and families to come together, strengthen friendships, and build a sense of community.
Some of my favorite stories come from graduation, when students who have spent years learning together online finally meet many of their classmates and teachers in person. Those moments are a wonderful reminder that genuine friendships can begin in a virtual classroom.
Is there a back-to-school event before school starts?
Absolutely. One of our favorite annual traditions at OHVA is our Back-to-School Picnics, held in communities across Ohio before classes begin.
These face-to-face gatherings give students and families the opportunity to meet teachers, reconnect with returning classmates, and make new friends before the school year officially starts. Families bring a sack lunch while students participate in age-appropriate games, activities, and prize opportunities. It’s a fun way to kick off the school year and a reminder that while learning may happen online, our school community extends far beyond the computer screen.
What’s my role as a parent?
In online learning, parents and guardians serve as Learning Coaches. Rather than acting as the teacher, Learning Coaches help establish routines, encourage good study habits, monitor attendance and progress, and communicate with teachers. The level of involvement varies depending on a student’s age and individual needs, but families play an important role in supporting student success.
At OHVA, Learning Coaches also benefit from regular communication with teachers, making it easy to ask questions, receive feedback, and celebrate student achievements throughout the year.
Regardless of where your child attends school this fall, parents play an essential role in helping students start the year strong. From creating a dedicated learning space and establishing routines to meeting teachers and encouraging healthy habits, every family wants an environment where their child can thrive.
For many Ohio families, that journey begins around the kitchen table—but it continues through a supportive school community that encourages students to learn, grow, and succeed both inside and outside the virtual classroom.
To learn more about The Ohio Virtual Academy Difference, visit https://ohva.k12.com/.
