Only five years ago, online learning represented a modest segment of the education community. Now, years after a global pandemic forced most of the world into digital education, many families have discovered that it’s an ideal solution by choice rather than necessity.
Some students need more time and personalized attention. Others are self-motivated and accelerate through courses, eager for the next challenge. Still others have passions and talents outside the classroom that don’t align with a typical school schedule.
Whatever the reason, digital learning can be the answer a student needs to unlock a successful education experience.
Five Reasons to Consider Online Education
Whether you’re considering making a mid-year switch or beginning to explore your options for the 2025-26 school year, here are five reasons why digital learning might be a good fit for your family:
- Families control their own schedules. One of the better-known advantages of online learning is the flexibility it offers. Rather than being bound to a traditional school day, students can complete schoolwork on their own time.
Schools vary in their requirements for synchronous learning (when all students log on for shared class time), but the majority of learning occurs independently. Younger students tend to have more scheduled days than the older students, but still have more flexibility than in a traditional school setting.
Students at ASU Prep Digital, a K-12 online school chartered by Arizona State University, have a pace chart that guides what work is due weekly. It’s up to each student to structure their days, whether that means working on a course, attending live lessons, doing offline research or participating in student clubs.
What some families don’t know is that this flexibility extends well beyond the average school day. It’s never too late to switch—even in the middle of the school year.
- Students learn at their own pace. If you have a student who is a whiz in one subject but struggles with another, digital learning can be a welcome change, especially if the school emphasizes personalized learning pathways. Students have the ability to slow down or accelerate as needed to ensure they master the material.
For example, the full curriculum is available to students at ASU Prep Digital on day one. Students become co-designers of their educational experience and finishing a course early is just one perk. On the flip side, students might need extra time to complete certain projects or assignments. Working together with teachers and other support staff, students achieve a customized learning experience.
- Unique support programs ensure student success. While a traditional classroom teacher must base their instruction on the majority of students, digital programs make it easier to answer the unique needs of each student individually.
At ASU Prep Digital, Learning Success Coaches guide students throughout their experience. The LSCs play several roles, including school counselor, academic advisor, college and career advisor, emotional support counselor and academic coach. They monitor student progress daily, acting as a liaison between instructional staff and families and support learners with course planning, college applications and more.
While they are not tutors, LSCs work closely with the instructional staff, collaborating to set attainable learning goals and identify challenges. They also actively work to build community with weekly “homeroom” sessions and coordinate social events to keep students connected and engaged with one another digitally, and sometimes in person, too.
- Students gain essential life skills. Academic mastery is just part of the learning experience. Students engaged in digital learning frequently cite other skills such as time management, independence and self-discipline as the greatest benefits of their experience.
Additionally, students who learn online gain valuable experience using technology that is second nature to them, developing digital literacy skills that will transfer seamlessly to the college and professional settings.
What’s more, while engaging on virtual platforms, students practice articulating their thoughts and opinions on a regular basis, which naturally fuels their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.
- Students get a head start on future learning and careers. Online schools, such as ASU Prep Digital, offer courses that align with students’ personal interests and advanced coursework not typically available in traditional settings. This allows students to begin exploring potential career fields much earlier in their academic careers.
Additionally, some programs allow students to take concurrent university courses and start earning credits toward college majors before completing high school, giving them a head start on their future educational goals (and in many cases, substantial savings on typical college credit hour fees).
Upcoming Enrollment Opportunities
Families interested in exploring a mid-year transfer or getting a jump start on enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year can attend an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about ASU Prep Digital.
Unique teaching models at ASU Prep Digital support K-12 students using the latest technologies and layers of personalized instruction and coaching. ASU Prep Digital is a college preparatory program that is tuition-free for Arizona residents and offers students access to ASU courses to get a jump start on college learning.
During the information sessions, students and parents will have the chance to learn more about how the personalized curriculum at ASU Prep empowers K-12 students to work at their own pace, developing critical thinking and social-emotional skills through relevant projects and activities.
Arizona families interested in online learning through ASU Prep Digital can register to attend an online info session or view a pre-recorded session at asuprepdigital.org/information-sessions.