A common misconception of online schools is that students lack socialization, with the virtual setting robbing them of chances to build friendships. However, as many families can attest, online school is not solitary work. Instead, it's a portal to greater flexibility, balance, and success in school and beyond.

Our Parent Pulse Survey released in September shed light on this specific issue. Contrary to beliefs that online school can be isolating, we found that 86% of parents believed it provided their child with more time to engage in extracurricular activities like sports, the arts, and math and science-related interests. For student athletes at The St. James Academy in Northern Virginia, this is especially true.

A Look Inside The St. James Academy

St. James Performance Academy is a world-class college prep sports academy constructed to raise top-level middle school and high school student-athletes. Virtual schooling by a K12 Private School affiliation equips serious study each day with world-class instructors. Competitors can balance schoolwork responsibilities with intense training that happens during the school day, all through the same paradigm, but making for positive, while fostering confidence and positive relationships along the way.

Student-Athletes Speak Out: Socialization in Online School

Making the switch from a traditional school to online learning is a big decision, especially for student-athletes balancing academics with intense training schedules. At The St. James Academy, students like Oliver, Peyton, and Kaylee have embraced this new approach, finding that online school not only supports their athletic goals but also allows them to stay connected with friends and teammates in meaningful ways. We spoke with them to hear how they’re adjusting to virtual learning, staying engaged with their peers, and thriving both on and off the field. Here’s what they had to say:

Oliver (9th Grade, Hockey Player) and Peyton (9th Grade, Baseball Player)

Q: You guys recently switched to an online learning model after being in a traditional public school setting since kindergarten. How is your experience going with virtual school? 

Peyton: I like that online school just gets to the point. In traditional classrooms, the teachers take, like, 45 minutes, like, just to get to the point. Now I can just go on the computer and you know what you're about to do

Oliver: I like the lessons that we do, because most of the time they take 30 to 40 minutes until I understand the concept.

Q: How has your social life and interaction with other students changed being at an online school compared to your previous brick-and-mortar school?

Peyton: In this [hybrid model] classroom, you can talk to anybody, anytime. We can still be doing our work while we still talk at the same time. But outside of school, I still hang out with people, some who [are also online students] or I hang out with my local friends after school. 

Oliver: Yeah, outside of school, I just hang with my teammates just like I normally would have at my old school. 

Q: Do you feel like you're getting a lot more practice time, without having to sacrifice your classroom or learning time? 

Peyton and Oliver: Yes! [enthusiastically nodding]

Q: Does online school make you a better athlete?

Peyton: Yes, because I'll get reps in like every single day. Basically, I'm working out every single day. I was an okay baseball player before but now, like, I'm definitely above average. 

Oliver: Oh yeah. We get a bunch of time with our sports and do heavy lifting or light lifting… but at the same time get really good school work too.

Kaylee (6th Grade, Hockey Player)

Q: What drew you to The St. James Academy?

Kaylee: "The hybrid model. Even though I am doing online school… I have people to talk to! I also came here for the chance to get better at hockey every day, because I have ice time in the morning and afternoon.

Q: How would you compare your experience as a student athlete at your previous traditional brick-and-mortar school to your virtual school now? 

Kaylee: With hockey, I’ve improved a lot faster than I would have if I just stayed in public school because I am able to get on the ice every day… I also really like being with my team. It's always really fun and I feel like we have really bonded.

The Reality of Online Learning for Student-Athletes

Oliver's, Peyton's, and Kaylee's lives highlight the reality of online learning at institutions such as The St. James Academy: students are not only learning and excelling academically but also forging lifelong friendships, developing their sporting abilities, and staying active socially.

Online school is not seclusion, it's personalization. Being able to set up schedules, work at your own pace, and devote time to extracurricular passions is a significant reason why families are turning to virtual schooling.

As more and more students seek flexible learning experiences, the time is right to shift the dialogue. Online learning means flexibility. St. James Academy is proof that students can succeed academically, socially, and athletically when given the right tools and resources.

For parents considering online learning, hear this: your child won't miss out on socialization. Instead, they'll have the ability to pursue their aspirations while forging meaningful connections throughout the process.