The first time I sat down with my son’s kindergarten teacher, I found myself in a tiny chair meant for little ones, knees almost up to my chin, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “He struggles to engage in class,” she shared, “preferring to wander off and chat with his peers.” She handed me a worksheet he had turned in, and instead of the expected numbers, he had written, “I LOVE YOU, MOM.”
That moment marked the beginning of a long journey filled with countless meetings, many of them echoing the same concerns: he was inattentive, not putting in enough effort, and often distracting the other students—those deemed the “good” ones.
After receiving an ADHD diagnosis, we tried medication, which initially helped. However, when we adjusted the dosage, my son reacted negatively and requested a break from the meds. How could we deny his request? He learned coping strategies from his cognitive behavioral therapist, but soon enough, the challenges at school re-emerged. The tipping point came during a sixth-grade parent-teacher conference. The feedback sounded familiar, but this time, there was a troubling twist: his classmates were beginning to bully him, coercing him into actions they knew he would comply with.
Heartbroken, I crumbled in the car, urging my husband, “We can’t let him endure this. Middle school is tough, even for kids without challenges.” He agreed; we needed a change. While homeschooling was an option, the thought of managing my son’s entire education felt daunting. I had previously heard about a public online school, a hybrid model, and decided to explore that path. Within a few weeks, my son was enrolled in an online program through K12, which adheres to our state’s curriculum.
Before starting, we underwent a multi-day orientation, familiarizing ourselves with what to expect and our responsibilities. The school provided us with a loaner laptop, printer, and all necessary course materials at no cost—being a public school, this was a great advantage. His school days kick off at 9 a.m., including subjects like social studies, language arts, a lunch break, then science, math, and a wrap-up period. While there are no music or art classes, we can supplement those at home or find local options.
Logging into his classes through a portal called Blackboard, my son can hear his teachers and communicate with peers through chat functions. He sees daily lessons displayed similarly to a smartboard in a traditional classroom, with interactive videos and presentations. Assignments are submitted online, and for hand-written tasks, we simply scan or photograph them to send to his teachers.
Social interaction remains a priority; he participates in various online clubs and activities, including talent shows and occasional in-person meetups. Recently, the school organized a day at the science center exclusively for online students, providing him with opportunities to connect with peers. With three siblings and a friendly neighborhood full of kids, his social life is thriving.
As his “learning coach,” my role is to support him rather than teach directly, which is a relief for me. I help keep him on track and redirect his focus—a task that can be quite challenging. I can monitor his weekly materials, classes, assignments, and grades on the school’s website. Tracking attendance is crucial since he must meet a certain number of hours each year to progress. He takes regular online tests, and for state assessments, we drive a short distance to a proctored exam site.
Although this arrangement demands more involvement than simply sending him off to the bus each morning, it is significantly less intensive than full homeschooling. The transformation we’ve seen in his attitude is astonishing. There’s no need for a specialized learning plan like he had in traditional school; he can move around his room freely while still engaging with his teachers. We even purchased a small trampoline, allowing him to bounce instead of sitting still.
The flexibility of online learning has been a game-changer, enabling us to conduct school anywhere. The effort I invest is minimal compared to the positive shifts I’ve observed in my son. If someone suggested I perform acrobatics for his success, I would gladly take on the challenge. Every child deserves the chance to thrive in an environment that suits their unique learning style, and for my son, that environment is now our home.