The rise of virtual learning has changed the way families approach education. For many adults supporting children, it offers the flexibility to tailor schooling around individual learning styles, family schedules and individual needs. However, the success of online education depends on more than teachers and a sound curriculum — it also hinges on the resource quality available to adults.
From open communication lines to academic support and parental training, some virtual schools educate children and empower parents to play an active role in their child’s life and academics. These five best virtual schools have distinguished themselves by providing exceptional parent resources. They were selected based on their ability to offer flexible schedules, personalized learning experiences and adult involvement in their children’s progress and educational journey. Discover the best fit for your child.
1. Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA)
CCA offers a robust online curriculum that sets the standard for virtual learning in Pennsylvania. The tuition-free public virtual charter school serves K-12 students nationwide, offering a flexible learning environment. Students can access lessons from the comfort of their homes, allowing for a safe and accommodating educational experience. The academy has over 1,900 certified teachers, 591 engaging courses and offers real-world work experiences to prepare students for the world.
The virtual school in Pennsylvania supports various learning styles to ensure that students with different learning abilities can engage with the learning materials provided. In addition to its offerings for students, CCA adopts the school-home partnership model, making parents learning coaches and allowing them to participate in the educational process.
To help families adjust to virtual school, CCA offers an ambassadors program to help new and experienced parents adapt to the latest learning updates. Experienced parents share their views and spread school awareness that is easily accessible for new parents to read. The school provides three family support services:
- Family services: A family involvement coordinator (FIC) oversees family mentors who help new families receive all needed resources. Family service centers across the states allow adults and kids to visit for more information, trips and events.
- Family mentors: Schedule in-person meetings with experts, attend weekly virtual support sessions and get-togethers with fellow adults.
- Military family resources: CCA provides Military OneSource, among other resources, for children with adults deployed for active duty.
2. Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
Florida Virtual School has been assisting K-12 students for almost three decades with its curriculum that caters to public, private, charter and homeschool children. Children can access online material 24/7, allowing them to study anytime, anywhere. The material comprises 190 courses, including NCAA-approved core, electives, world languages, and career and technical education. Adults can enroll their kids in one or several flexible and full-time courses, knowing they receive top-quality education in a safe, distraction-free environment.
The school offers personalized education experiences and resources. Parents and children can build a plan that best meets their learning needs and goals. Kids receive one-on-one support from certified teachers experienced in online education and professional development. Collaborative projects allow students to connect with classmates, counselors and teachers. Students can also attend field trips. The school’s parent resources to include them in their child’s journey, which consist of:
- Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System: This resource helps parents of children with special needs. Adults can submit a request, meet with a local team and receive support to ensure a successful learning journey.
- Florida Students Educational Resources for Learning: The website provides online resources for parents, tutors and caregivers to assist students in language arts, mathematics, science, civics and U.S. History.
- Reading Tips for Parents: This resource teaches parents how to help their children read actively to improve their vocabulary.
3. Connections Academy
Connections Academy is a tuition-free online school that allows K-12 students to learn in a manner that suits them. It uses a program that distance learning experts compiled with all challenges in mind to prepare students for a well-rounded education experience. It emphasizes its proven excellence, high-quality and unique curriculum, flexible and scheduled learning options, and college and career preparation and opportunities to connect with others. While your kid works at their own pace, they’re still able to interact and learn with their peers.
The Academy has over 20 years of experience in helping students succeed. Additionally, it offers several resources for parents to be better prepared to assist their children’s educational journey, including the following tools:
- Online parent portal: The parent portal contains several resources and materials to help adults understand how the school program works. This includes the learning coach success series, clubs and activity programs, and information on preparing for college and careers.
- Getting Started in Virtual School series: The series contains onboarding sessions to help parents become learning coaches, create routines, and understand the learning platforms.
- The Learning Coach Toolbox series: After completing the onboarding series, this series helps parents and guardians assist students throughout the year. Topics include motivating your students, helping them build character, understanding social-emotional learning and their learning process.
4. Bridgeway Academy
Bridgeway Academy equips students and families with purpose-filled education by empowering kids to pursue personal excellence and focus on their future through transformative education. The school offers support and growth to students and parents, instilling confidence through freedom and flexibility. The school assists all children, focusing on those with different learning abilities, accelerated students and athletes, and performers who thrive in learning at their own pace. They also offer resources for new and seasoned homeschoolers.
The approach starts with helping parents create a high-quality environment that benefits their child through student discovery, understanding how their child approaches learning, and creating a family dashboard to monitor progress. You also have multiple school programs that provide assistance and flexibility for your child to learn comfortably with experienced teachers. Experience the atmosphere before committing during a virtual open house. Once you’ve committed, the academy provides the following resources:
- Learning survey: Adults can find their child’s best learning path by answering questions to better understand and assist their child.
- Homeschooling community: Join meetings with other new or seasoned homeschooling parents during coffee chats and workshops.
- Academic advisor: The guidance counselor helps parents and students adjust to their customized curriculum and teaches parents how to support and assist children throughout the academic year.
5. Laurel Springs School
Laurel Springs School is a private online school that supports children’s learning while integrating their passions and fostering growth, mastery, purpose and independence. It is rated among the best online private schools in the United States and provides a flexible schedule to assist students’ learning wherever they are. In addition to learning at their own pace, children also get 10 personal days each semester.
The school provides over 230 college-prep course materials for K-12 students, available 24/7 to meet the learners’ goals and needs. Each student also receives one-on-one guidance from an academic advisor and counselor. A hybrid program for sixth to 12th graders includes weekly live workshops, a symposium course and additional social opportunities.
The fully accredited school provides a parent portal that allows guardians to be involved in the child’s organizational structure, learning environment, consistency rules and learning process.
- Elementary school: Resources for parents to follow the learning progression and ensure students complete assignments and projects. Parents should also encourage students to remain engaged in their tasks.
- Middle school: The school provides resources for adults to help children through their transformative years by providing age- and academic-level-appropriate resources. Give children more independence to complete tasks on their own.
- High school: Guides on encouraging your children to set their schedules and meet with counselors to prepare for college. High school parents can access Observer accounts to monitor their child’s progress, connect with the College Counselor and access Naviance to observe college plans.
Why These Are the Best Virtual Schools in Pennsylvania
Highly rated virtual schools offer numerous new learning opportunities that contribute to a student’s academic and holistic growth. Discover the best choice for your young learner.
Virtual School | Key Features |
---|---|
Commonwealth Charter Academy | CCA adopts the school-home partnership model, making parents learning coaches and allowing them to participate in the educational process. |
Florida Virtual School | The school adopts the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System to assist parents whose children have special learning abilities. |
Connections Academy | Connections Academy offers a parent portal with resources and materials to help adults best support their children. |
Bridgeway Academy | At Bridgeway Academy, the guidance counselor helps parents and students create a customized curriculum. |
Laurel Springs School | The school provides a parent portal to assist in the child’s organizational structure, learning environment and academic process. |
Choose the School That Supports You and Your Child
Navigating online education is easier when schools consider parents as active co-educators. These five virtual schools in Pennsylvania stand out for having thoughtful approaches toward parent involvement in students’ academic journeys— clear communication portals, advising networks and resources that give families the confidence to guide learning effectively. Choose a virtual school that helps your child achieve success academically and holistically.