By: Cedric Corbin, Executive Director at Insight Academy of Arizona
The kitchen table often represents the heart of a home. It’s where families share warm meals, talk about their days, build puzzles, and play games. It’s a place of connection. And for a growing number of families, it’s also where the back-to-school season begins.
In my time serving as Executive Director at Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ), I’ve heard from countless families about the significance of enrolling their children in online school—bringing learning into the home and often around the kitchen table. For many parents, that means a greater window into their child’s education and more opportunities to support their learning. Rather than waiting for occasional updates, they get to see their child’s progress and be more involved in their education, supporting their learning alongside state-certified teachers in a virtual classroom.
At a time when parents are increasingly focused on their children’s education and future, this firsthand view can be incredibly impactful. In fact, according to a 2026 nationally representative school satisfaction survey by K12, 89% of K12 parents said they feel connected to their child’s education—13% higher than a traditional public-school parent.
The desire for greater engagement and choice is reflected in broader school trends. A January 2026 survey found that 75% of U.S. parents either considered, searched for, or enrolled at least one child in a different school in 2025. While the reasons range, one thing is clear: Parents are increasingly looking for learning environments that fit their child’s needs while preparing them for the real world. For some families, online learning provides the ideal combination of family engagement, tailored support, and flexibility.
Over the years, I’ve spoken with families across Arizona, hearing about their experiences with the online back-to-school season, why online works for them, and what to expect. If you’re a parent who wonders what other options are available, the following insights from K12 parents can offer a glimpse of what back-to-school looks like when learning happens at the kitchen table.
How does online school work?
Many programs, including K12-powered online schools like ISAZ, provide similar structure and support as a traditional public school, including a state-aligned curriculum, live virtual classes, and instruction from state-certified teachers.
What does an online school schedule look like?
Flexibility is what sets online school apart. While online learners attend scheduled classes, many also have flexibility in how they structure the rest of their school day, choosing which subjects to begin the day with and deciding when they should take extra time to grasp complex topics before moving on. I’ve seen this flexibility make it easier for students to keep learning during travel, medical appointments, and other life events.
What supplies do I need for online school?
Many K12 schools like ISAZ provide the learning materials your child needs to complete their classes, including books, art supplies, science equipment, and sometimes, even a computer. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip the back-to-school shopping season—a lot of parents have shared that buying typical school supplies like notepads, whiteboards, wall calendars, sticky notes, and colorful pens have helped boost motivation, encourage organization, and personalize their child’s learning space.
How do online students make friends and socialize?
Many online schools prioritize socialization and create meaningful opportunities for connection and friendship. Virtual campuses like the K12 Zone at ISAZ provide a safe platform for students to chat, play games, read, and attend events like our annual in-person Talent Showcase for students attending K12 schools across the country. There are also additional national competitions, clubs, local meetups, and virtual field trips, helping students make friends and experience school spirit.
It’s not uncommon to hear enthusiastic and heartwarming stories of students meeting friends and teachers in person for the first time at graduation—demonstrating that genuine connections can begin during the back-to-school season, whether online or in person.
What’s my role in online schools as a parent?
In online schools, a parent or guardian steps into a coaching role that is quite different than a teacher. Their primary responsibilities include facilitating the daily learning process, providing guidance, and monitoring progress and attendance, with the level of involvement varying based on the child’s age and needs.
Learning coaches play an active role in their child’s education through an open line of communication with their teachers, which is not always possible in traditional school settings. Parents often use this direct communication to request more specific feedback or ask questions about a particular lesson.
Regardless of where your child attends school this fall, back-to-school responsibilities look similar for families across the country. From setting up an at-home workstation and meeting teachers on the first day of school to making sure your child is getting enough sleep and completing homework, we play an important, supportive role in their education—which also includes ensuring their learning environment meets their needs. And that can start with a conversation, right at the dinner table.