Understanding When to Make the Switch to Online School 

For K-12 students, a significant part of their lives is centered around school. The interactions students have with peers and teachers each day impact their ability to thrive, which is why ensuring they feel happy and safe in their learning environment is essential. As the fall semester comes to an end, many families are considering whether a different approach to education would work better for their child.  

According to a National School Choice Awareness Foundation survey from earlier this year, 60% of parents have considered switching schools for their children, and 27% of those parents looked into full-time online school.  

For Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA) alum Hailey and her younger siblings, online school proved to be the right fit for their needs. When considering options, her mom, Pearl, was determined to find a solution to help her children reach their full potential. Making the switch allowed Hailey to go from not feeling safe around her peers and failing classes to looking forward to class each day and graduating this year with straight A’s.  

“When Hailey was in 10th grade, she didn’t see a path toward graduation,” Pearl said. “Once she started at INGDA, her teachers helped build her confidence back and work toward walking across that stage to get her diploma.” 

A meaningful change in one student’s trajectory can have a domino effect. Since finding her stride, Hailey has inspired her younger brother, Joseph, to get back on track and work toward graduating this spring. 

If your family is considering transitioning to a new learning environment, here is a guide to determine if online school is the right fit for your child. 

Discover how online school can support your family. 

Switching to a new environment is a significant decision, but the transition could ultimately improve your child’s daily experience. In an online format, students receive the structure of a traditional school, with state-certified teachers, an award-winning curriculum, and collaborative classes with individualized pathways tailored to support their unique pace and learning style. INGDA students also have access to small group sessions, responsive game-based learning, career pathways, and advanced coursework to meet their learning needs.  

“When Hailey first started at INGDA, she was behind and needed extra support,” Pearl said. “The INGDA teachers were marvelous with Hailey. Any time she needed something, she could message her teachers and set up a 1-on-1. When she had trouble in algebra, her teacher would spend time with her and help her work out the problems.” 

Online school also allows for more flexibility to learn in a way that fits your lifestyle with the freedom to spend quality time as a family or pursue extracurriculars. For Hailey, this included pursuing her passion for photography. 

At K12-powered schools like INGDA, support extends to the whole family. We connect families with a supportive network of online learners, encouraging parents to share advice to support their students’ academic journey. 

“The resources we’ve been connected with are endless,” Pearl said. “I want to push my kids to what they’re capable of doing, and INGDA supports our family in doing that.” 

Consider why a new environment could best fit your child’s needs. 

Understanding your child’s current school experience will help determine the best path forward. Every school has strengths and challenges, but overall, your child should feel supported in a positive environment that inspires growth. 

When you are making your decision, consider the following questions: 

• Is my child receiving the individualized support or accommodations they need? 

• How well are they able to keep up with the classroom pace? 

• Can they stay focused and engaged throughout the day in the traditional classroom setting? 

• Does my child need access to enrichment opportunities like gifted programs or dual enrollment? 

• Does the school schedule align with our family’s lifestyle? 

• Are they eager to engage in school events, clubs, and/or sports? 

• Are they experiencing bullying? 

• Do they feel safe every day going to school? 

If your child does not feel safe interacting with peers at school due to bullying, online school offers safer opportunities for socialization through in-person field trips, the K12 Zone (a virtual campus), clubs, and competitions. For Hailey, many of her closest friendships were developed in INGDA’s art club; she continues to keep in touch with them today. 

Deciding whether to change schools should always be made with your child’s well-being and future in mind. Thankfully, modern education is evolving to meet the needs of diverse learners. If your child needs more individualized support, college or career preparation, or a safer environment, you have options beyond the traditional classroom setting. 

If you are considering switching to online school and are interested in learning more about our community, visit our How It Works page. 

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