By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations, Florida Virtual School

Survey results show families are prioritizing flexibility, teacher support, and personalized learning in online school.

As more families explore alternatives to traditional classrooms and school choice, online schools continue to grow in popularity across the United States.

Recent survey results from Florida Virtual School (FLVS) families provide a closer look at why families choose online learning and what they value most once they enroll.

Across nearly 2,000 parent responses from elementary, middle, and high school families, the results identify consistent priorities: flexibility, strong teacher support, and a learning environment designed around individual student needs. A majority of respondents, nearly 95%, gave their experience a high rating.

The survey highlighted several key factors influencing enrollment decisions.

1. Flexible schedules make it easier to manage school and life

One of the most commonly cited reasons families choose online learning is flexibility.

In survey responses, parents described the ability to set their own schedules and adjust pacing as a key benefit of attending an online school. Students can complete coursework at times that align with their routines, whether that’s early mornings, afternoons, or evenings.

For some families, that flexibility supports:

• medical or health needs
• travel or extracurricular commitments
• nontraditional work schedules

Survey responses show that families value learning models that adapt to students’ schedules and needs.

2. Teacher communication and access are central to the experience

Parents described teachers as accessible, responsive, and proactive, often reaching out to provide individualized support.

Across grade levels:

• Roughly three-quarters or more of parents rated teacher communication at the highest level
• About 8 in 10 families said they feel connected to their child’s teachers

Parents frequently described teachers as:

• accessible and responsive
• proactive in reaching out
• available to provide individualized support

Survey responses show that many families report strong connections through regular communication and one-on-one interactions with teachers.

3. A quieter, more controlled learning environment matters to families

Survey responses show that families value the opportunity for students to learn in settings with:

• fewer distractions
• less peer pressure
• more opportunities to focus

Some parents also noted that their children feel more comfortable participating in class or asking for help in a virtual setting.

Survey responses also reflect that families choose online learning for specific needs and preferences, including environment and learning conditions.

4. Personalized pacing supports different types of learners

A recurring theme across survey responses is the importance of learning at an individualized pace. 

Parents reported that online school allows students to:

• spend more time on challenging concepts
• move more quickly through familiar material
• build independent learning skills

Some parents reported improvements in academic confidence and performance. Survey responses also highlighted the availability of additional support alongside opportunities for independent learning.

5. High satisfaction suggests families are finding what they need

Across elementary, middle, and high school, most parents reported positive experiences with online learning.

Survey data shows:

• Nearly 95% gave their experience a high rating (4 or 5 out of 5)

Open-ended responses reflect similar themes, with parents describing the school as a strong fit for their family’s needs.

Survey results highlight flexibility, teacher access, and personalized learning as common features of families’ experiences.

What families consider when choosing online school

The survey results identify common factors families consider when evaluating school options.

The survey data reflects questions some families consider during the decision-making process:

• Does the student benefit from a flexible or self-paced schedule?
• Would a different learning environment support focus or comfort?
• Is regular access to teachers a priority?

Survey responses indicate that families choosing online learning often prioritize flexibility, personalization, and consistent teacher communication.

A continued shift in school choice

Survey responses reflect ongoing interest in flexible and personalized education options across grade levels.

As school choice options continue to expand, survey data from FLVS provides insight into the factors families report when selecting an online learning environment.

About the Author: Katie Hodgins leverages her extensive experience and passion for storytelling to highlight the people, places, and opportunities that define the FLVS community. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is proud to have planted roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.