Virtual Education in K-12: Addressing Questions of Preparedness, Environment, and Performance

The 21st century has forced us to incorporate the use of technology in all areas of our lives, particularly during the pandemic.  An increasing segment of this virtual reality is education. Virtual schools provide numerous advantages that traditional schools do not offer, such as class offerings, and auditory books on the internet.  A part of the overall student population is unlikely to achieve in a regular school environment and may be drawn to a virtual school. These students are generally of color and come from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Opting to complete one’s educational journey via a virtual school has become the means of being more successful in a world that may have labeled one disadvantaged or at-risk, or failing.  The purpose of this study was to determine whether a virtual school serves today’s students.  Serving, in this inquiry, means assisting and supporting students in their efforts to be successful in completing their high school education. The strategy was to seek congruence regarding the responses of teachers, staff, and students to determine areas of agreement and difference. The study found significant differences in race, age, maturation, and satisfaction of students.