More families than ever before are seeking flexible, high quality-alternatives to traditional, brick and mortar schools that many of our children are currently attending. So if you are a parent thinking of seeing what education options are out there for your family, or if you are already researching the best online schools in your state, we are here to help. 

Full-time online learning has become increasingly popular, but understanding what it can look like, or if it is even available to your student, can feel overwhelming. In this article, we will break down what full-time online learning really means, why so many parents are choosing it, and how your state stacks up when it comes to access, funding, and policy. Whether you’re new to the concept or ready to take the next step, we’ll help you navigate the options and make an informed choice that works best for your family.

What Is Full-Time Online Learning?

Full-time online learning is a flexible education alternative in which students complete all of their coursework entirely online, rather than attending classes in a traditional, in-person school setting. This model allows students to learn from home, or wherever they have internet access, while still receiving an education that is fully aligned with your state’s academic standards.

Students enrolled in full-time online schools are held to the same academic expectations as their peers in brick-and-mortar schools. They must meet deadlines, actively participate in virtual discussions, complete assignments and assessments, and engage with their fully-certified teachers throughout the school year.

Why Do Parents Choose Online Learning?

There are a multitude of reasons why parents turn to online learning, but it all boils down to one common thread: personalization. 

For many parents, the biggest benefit of online learning is the fully remote setup. Full-time online school means that all classes, assignments, and interactions with teachers and classmates happen online. Parents of children with chronic illnesses, those who’ve experienced severe bullying, or families living a transient military lifestyle (just to name a few) often appreciate the ability to maintain consistent learning in a safe, stable environment that works for their child.

Access to teachers and a transparent curriculum remain major pain points in the traditional K–12 system. But parents who’ve chosen online learning often highlight how accessible their students’ teachers are. Full-time online schools employ certified, licensed teachers who deliver their instruction through video lessons, live sessions, and digital assignments. Many parents say they have more regular communication with their children’s remote teachers than they ever had at their previous brick-and-mortar school! The students also note that they feel they receive more 1:1 attention, with specific learning differences or special requests being consistently acknowledged and supported by their teachers. 

By far, the number one benefit to online learning is flexibility. Depending on the program, students have the opportunity to decide when and where they complete their coursework, often moving at their own (more rapid) pace. Accomplished student athletes, in particular, build their academic schedules around extra practice hours, allowing them to keep pace with their coursework while dedicating more hours to their athletic pursuits. On the other hand, academically gifted students appreciate the ability to keep at their own pace while adding on additional coursework, with many graduating high school having completed several college level courses during their junior and senior years. 

Online learning has many incredible benefits making it the perfect education solution for families who need flexibility or a different learning environment for their child. 

Top States for Online Learning

While each state has its own unique approach, some stand out as leaders in supporting full-time online learning. According to our most recent report, these states are all stars when it comes how well they support access to online public education:

1. Arkansas - Receiving straight A’s, Arkansas continues to be a leader in the school choice movement, particularly when it comes to access to online education. 
2. Idaho - Standing up top as another leader in online education, Idaho boasts many virtual options across the state as well as remote-proctored testing for its online public school students. 
3. California - Another state that received nearly all A’s, California funds full-time online students at 100% of their state-based funding. 
4. Missouri - With favorable open enrollment policies and 100% of state based funding for online students, Missouri may take another step in 2025 to introduce legislation that would allow for remote-proctored testing. 
5. Oklahoma - While also fully funding online students, Oklahoma’s open enrollment laws  allows students to transfer to another school anytime if the district has capacity.

To learn more about online learning policies and see how your state measures up, check out our Parent Choice Report Card, a parent’s guide for navigating the landscape of online education across the United States.

What Policies Impact Online Learning?

School choice and access to online learning vary significantly from state to state across the United States. Generally, three key policies influence the availability and quality of online schools in your state:

State-Based Funding
These policies determine whether online schools receive equitable funding compared to traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Fair funding for virtual public schools ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the resources they need to succeed in a digital learning environment, helping to close opportunity gaps and promote educational equity. While online learning may not be the right fit for every student, equitable funding allows online schools to operate effectively and adapt to the diverse needs of families.

Enrollment Policies
As online education continues to evolve, it’s critical to establish clear, inclusive enrollment policies that ensure all students can access full-time virtual public schools. Key pillars that shape accessibility are open enrollment policies, diverse virtual learning options, no enrollment caps, and the absence of restrictive enrollment criteria.

Remote-Proctored Testing
Students learning online should be assessed in the same environment in which they are taught. Remote-proctored testing alleviates burdens on families by removing the need for time off work, childcare, or long travel to testing centers, particularly in rural areas where the nearest testing site might be several hours away.

Where Can I Learn More About Online Learning?

Whether you're connecting with other parents or researching online, there are many ways to explore the school options near you. Understanding the online school options in your state can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help.

Our Parent Choice Report Card is a comprehensive guide designed to help parents navigate the online education landscape in their state. In this report, we break down key policies so you can see how your state compares and make informed decisions about the best learning environment for your child.

How Can I Advocate For Better Online Learning Policies In My State?

Our children are the future, and the future starts with us!

From sharing your story to meeting with legislators, it has never been easier or more important to make your voice heard. Our team can help you learn how to contact your legislator, begin your own advocacy journey through social media, or bring you to in-person events where you can share your story and meet with fellow parents across the state. 

With your help, we can ensure all students have access to the education that works best for their unique learning needs. Join us at Parents for School Options as we continue to fight to make a difference in your child's educational future.