When parents think about online education, the first concern is often: Will my child thrive without a traditional classroom? That’s an important question. But what many homeschooling families and parents of virtual academy students discover is that community in online education matters just as much as curriculum.
For families, community is what turns online learning into a sustainable, confidence-building journey. Instead of carrying the full weight of education alone, parents gain networks of support, encouragement, and shared wisdom.
1. Community in online education strengthens parents as much as children
The number of K–12 students learning at home rose from 3.7% in 2019 to 5.2% in 2023 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). With that rise, parents are stepping into new roles—not just as supervisors of lessons, but as guides, motivators, and advocates.
Research shows that when families are part of strong networks, students often achieve higher test scores and even stronger college outcomes (Ellerbe, 2024). Just as importantly, parents report greater confidence when they can share resources, swap strategies, and lean on one another in tough seasons.
For time-saving support at home, explore our blog on 7-Step Morning Routine for Calm, Connected Parents
2. Community helps prevent isolation
Flexibility is one of the best parts of online education. But without peers, it can also feel lonely—for both parents and kids. Studies have found that students without social interaction during online schooling are more likely to experience stress and anxiety (BMC Medical Education, 2024).
Community changes that picture. For parents, it means knowing your child isn’t navigating this alone. For kids, it means having friends, accountability, and a sense of belonging—even if the classroom is virtual.
To learn more about the impact of tech on children’s emotions, read Screen Time and Emotional Health: Understanding the Connection.
3. Community builds skills that last a lifetime
Parents know their children need more than math facts or reading practice. They need teamwork, empathy, and communication. Online learning communities give families space to practice these skills through peer projects, parent-led collaborations, and mentorship opportunities. When parents are modeling connection and collaboration at home, children carry those lessons into every part of their lives.
If you’re supporting younger learners, check out Easy Reading Routines Every Preschooler Will Love.
4. Community helps parents verify and enrich learning in real time
One of the biggest worries for parents is whether their child is getting accurate, balanced instruction. Being part of a community in online education gives families a way to compare notes, share trusted resources, and cross-check lessons as they happen.
Instead of waiting until the end of a semester to see that something doesn’t match your family’s values, parents can engage in real time—asking questions, clarifying content, and ensuring children are learning from reliable, well-rounded sources (Means et al., 2010; Baskas, 2022).
5. Community opens doors and builds future readiness
Beyond day-to-day learning, families operating within a community in online education gain exposure to the same platforms, tools, and collaborative environments used in higher education.
This early experience helps children build confidence in navigating digital learning systems, teamwork spaces, and real-time interactions—skills they’ll need in college or professional settings (Lukashe et al., 2024; Dello Stritto et al., 2023).
What This Means for Families
For homeschooling parents and those exploring online academies, the key question isn’t if community in online education exists—it’s what kind of community will surround your family.
At Parent Pathways Academy, we believe education is a family journey. We connect parents not just to expert resources but to one another, creating networks that ease the pressure and open new possibilities for both children and caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does community matter for parents in online education?
Because parents need networks just as much as students do—for sharing tips, finding encouragement, and learning from peers (Ellerbe, 2024).
How does community support children’s well-being?
Strong communities reduce isolation, help kids feel connected, and provide emotional support that boosts resilience (BMC Medical Education, 2024).
What do families gain long term?
Beyond academic success, community gives children lasting skills like empathy and teamwork, while parents gain the confidence of knowing they are not alone (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024).
References
BMC Medical Education. (2024). Social interaction and online learning efficiency for middle school students: The mediating role of social presence and learning engagement. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11505076/
Ellerbe, C. (2024). The rise of homeschooling: The confessions of an educator. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-parenting-playbook/202404/the-rise-of-homeschooling
National Center for Education Statistics. (2024, September 17). A higher percentage of K–12 students are receiving academic instruction at home. U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/9_17_2024.asp
Baskas, R. S. (2022). Online Learning Communities. (Discusses the role of community in sharing, feedback, and content verification). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED621103.pdf
Lukashe, M., Chigbu, I., & Umejesi, I. (2024). Synchronous Online Learning and Career Readiness in Higher Education: Student Perceptions, Challenges, and Solutions. Frontiers in Education. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1449363/full
Dello Stritto, M. E., Aguiar, N., & Andrews, C. (2023). From Online Learner Readiness to Life-Long Learning Skills: A Validation Study. Online Learning. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1412312.pdf
Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2010). Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies. U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf