Transitioning to an Online School

Adjusting to Virtual-Online School: What Families Should Know

Transitioning to a new type of school, and especially an online school, is a big change for a family. It's a shift not just in where learning happens, but in how your family structures each day, communicates, and supports one another. Most current NC Cyber Academy families agree it takes several weeks (sometimes longer) for everyone to adjust to new schedules, routines, and expectations, and that's completely normal. Every family adapts at their own pace, and what feels overwhelming in the first few weeks often becomes second nature by the end of the semester. Keep the following in mind as you get started:

Establish a Routine

• Start by creating a daily routine for your family
• Expect this routine to evolve as you and your student discover what works (and what doesn't) for your household

Your Role as a Learning Coach

• Plan to be more involved in your student's daily routine, especially in the early weeks of virtual school
• As your student grows more comfortable with online learning, you may be able to gradually increase their independence, depending on their age and maturity

Set Clear Expectations

• Just like a traditional school day, your student's virtual school day should include clear rules and routines
• Set expectations for both your student's coursework and their behavior as an online learner
• Clear systems at home help prevent distractions, keep students on task, and reduce conflict when motivation dips or work isn't completed

Create a Family Plan

• Talk as a family about shared goals, expectations, and what happens if those expectations aren't met
• Discuss your child's role as a student and your role as their Learning Coach—which may look different from your everyday role as a parent
• Be prepared to adjust to spending more time together than you may be used to

Don't Go It Alone

• Reach out to your student's teachers, school staff, and fellow Learning Coaches with questions
• Take advantage of school and teacher resources
• Connect with other NC Cyber Academy families through field trips and school events