The first parent-teacher meeting I attended for my son, Max, was during his kindergarten year. I squeezed into a pint-sized chair, feeling like a giant, while his teacher laid out her concerns. “He struggles to engage,” she said. “He prefers to wander off and chat with classmates instead of focusing.” She handed me a worksheet he was supposed to complete; instead of numerals, he had written, “I LOVE YOU DAD.”
That day marked the first time I found myself tearing up in front of a teacher, receiving a tissue from her as I wished fervently for things to be easier for him. It wouldn’t be the last time my heart broke for Max.
His school years became a mix of highs and lows, often resembling the same conversation with various teachers. He was often inattentive, lacked motivation, and distracted his peers—the “good” ones. Eventually, he received an ADHD diagnosis. While medication initially helped, side effects led him to request a break, leaving us unsure of how to proceed.
Max tried strategies from his cognitive behavioral therapist, but his struggles resurfaced. The breaking point came during a sixth-grade conference. The familiar complaints had escalated; now, classmates were teasing him, coaxing him into performing silly antics, like pretending to be a dog.
On the drive home, I felt crushed. “We can’t let him endure this,” I said to my husband between sobs. “Middle school is tough even for typical kids.” He agreed; we needed a change. But what could we do?
Many would consider homeschooling in such a situation, but that idea intimidated me. I had thought about it before, but the weight of managing his entire education felt overwhelming. Then I recalled hearing about a public online school that operated like a hybrid between traditional and homeschool, so I researched options. Within weeks, Max was enrolled in a program called K12, which aligned with our state’s curriculum.
Before he started, we participated in a thorough orientation over several days to understand the process and the expectations placed on us. The school provided a laptop, a printer, and all necessary materials at no cost, as it’s a public institution.
Max’s school days run Monday through Friday, beginning at 9 a.m. with social studies and language arts, followed by an hour for lunch, then science, math, and finally a study hall-like period. While there are no dedicated music, art, or PE classes, we can easily incorporate those at home or seek community classes.
He accesses his lessons through a platform called Blackboard, allowing him to interact with teachers and classmates via chat or microphone. Daily lessons are displayed on screen, mimicking a smartboard setup, and he can engage with videos and presentations. Homework is submitted online, and if he has written assignments, we either scan or photograph them to send to his teachers.
Social interaction hasn’t been lost despite the virtual format. The school offers a variety of online clubs, talent shows, and occasional meetups. Recently, they even rented a science center for online students in our area. Plus, with three siblings and a neighborhood full of friends, Max stays socially active.
My role is that of a “learning coach.” I don’t teach him directly, but I support him as needed and help him stay focused—a task that can be quite challenging. The school portal allows me to track his upcoming materials, classes, assignments, and grades, along with monitoring attendance, which is crucial for fulfilling state requirements.
While he still takes regular online tests, state testing involves a short drive to a local hotel where a teacher supervises him to ensure integrity.
This arrangement requires more effort from me than simply sending him off on a bus; however, it’s not as overwhelming as full homeschooling would be. The benefits have been remarkable. We no longer need a specialized learning plan, like a 504, as he’s free to move around during classes. We even bought him a small trampoline, allowing him to bounce instead of sit still. Distractions from classmates have diminished since they can’t engage with one another during lessons. If he wants a change of scenery, the laptop makes it easy to study anywhere.
The effort to adapt has been worth it; Max’s attitude has improved significantly. If it meant I had to do backflips to make school work for him, I would. Every child deserves an educational environment that accommodates their unique learning style—and for Max, that space is now our home.
Summary
Max’s transition to online schooling through K12 has transformed his educational experience. With a supportive learning environment that accommodates his ADHD and allows for flexibility, he can thrive academically and socially. The family has embraced this new journey, focusing on his well-being and engagement.
Keyphrase: Online Schooling for Children
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