In the world of education, one size does not fit all. Every child is unique, and every family has different needs when it comes to learning. For Tennessee mom Samantha Warren, finding the right school environment for her six children was a journey that led her to Tennessee Virtual Academy (TNVA).

Through it all, Samantha has found that TNVA provides the flexibility, support, and resources her children need to thrive.

A Life-Changing Decision

When Samantha first heard about TNVA, her interest was piqued. Like many parents, she was struggling to find the best educational option for her children. Her eldest daughter has serious medical needs, including an immune deficiency and history of spinal surgery. So when the pandemic hit in 2020, Samantha made the decision to enroll her children in TNVA to keep them safe. 

They were immediately thrilled with the flexibility it gave them as they learned how to balance her daughter’s treatments and education. But when Samantha had to return to work in 2022, she moved her children back to a brick-and-mortar school. The transition back wasn’t as smooth as she had hoped.

Why Brick-and-Mortar School Didn’t Work for Her Kids

By spring of 2023, Samantha’s eldest daughter was struggling at school, again. Severe panic attacks and academic setbacks made it clear that the in-person setting wasn’t working. After excelling at TNVA, she had now fallen two grade levels behind. That’s when Samantha knew it was time to return to virtual learning.

“We decided to enroll all five of our children in TNVA,” she says. “We have three children with ADHD, a child with dyslexia, and a child with an immune deficiency. TNVA gave us the flexibility to meet their needs in ways that traditional schools couldn’t.”

The shift to virtual learning made an immediate impact. Samantha’s son, who previously struggled with D’s and F’s, was now earning a mix of A’s and B’s! He was finally in an environment that worked for him, allowing him to fidget and move around without getting in trouble.

“Our brick-and-mortar school just isn’t equipped to handle students with dyslexia and ADHD,” Samantha explains. “We fought for years for accommodations”, and they were ignored. TNVA, on the other hand, gave her family exactly what they needed from day one. 

Finding Passion and Confidence in Virtual Learning

The benefit of virtual schooling has gone beyond academics. Samantha’s children are now thriving socially and emotionally. 

Her oldest son, once bored and frustrated in traditional school, was testing at an 8th-grade level while only in 5th grade. “He would come home crying because he was just so unhappy,” she recalls. At TNVA, she was able to request advanced classes for him, and he finally felt challenged and excited about learning again.

For her second-oldest daughter, TNVA provided a safe space to break out of her shell. “She was shy and withdrawn in brick-and-mortar school, but now she’s the first to raise her hand in class,” Samantha says. Through TNVA’s interactive programs, she’s also made friends and even enjoys playing Minecraft Education with them during lunch bunch sessions.

The Freedom to Choose Education That Works

For Samantha, school choice in Tennessee has been life-changing. Having the ability to choose TNVA has meant:

• More one-on-one attention for her children
• Open communication with teachers
• An education that works with, not against, her children’s medical and learning needs
• A school that values flexibility, respect, and true student success

“I get to be more involved in my kids’ education,” she says. “I am able to see what they need help with and the teachers and I are able to give them some one-on-one attention.”

Samantha’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of school choice in Tennessee. Every child deserves an education that meets their needs, and for many families like hers, virtual school in Tennessee has been the answer.

For parents exploring alternative education options, Samantha offers this advice: “If you think you can’t do it, you can. I struggled with this decision for years… but it was the best choice I ever made for my kids.”

School Choice Gives Families a Voice

Samantha’s story is a testament to the importance of school choice in Tennessee. Every child deserves an education that meets their needs, and for many families like hers, virtual school in Tennessee has been the answer.

For parents exploring alternative education options, Samantha offers one final piece of advice: “Trust yourself. Trust your instincts. You know what’s best for your child, and TNVA is here to help make that possible.”