A few weeks ago, hundreds of parents, students, and educators gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for a day celebrating education freedom and online learning. Online Learning Day brought together families from across Ohio to highlight something that can unite us even in a fractured and polarized time: the freedom for parents to choose the best education for their children.
I serve on the board of Ohio Parents for Education Freedom (OHPFEF), which hosted the event. Many of the families who attended are part of Ohio’s public eSchools, including Ohio Digital Learning School, Ohio Virtual Academy, and Ohio Connections Academy.
Usually, an op-ed is one person explaining why they believe something matters. This time, I wanted to do something different. We asked students why they love their online schools – and their answers say more than any argument I could make.
“I can work at my pace. I learn more. I like my teachers. I can stay home.” - Grayson
“I love my online school because it allows me to focus and not feel pressure. It allows me to take my time. It allowed me to speak at the Ohio Statehouse on Ohio bill 25 without being absent from school.” – Lilly
“It makes it easier to focus when in my own home, and I can understand better because I have the option to rewatch the class.” – Alexis
For many students, online education simply allows them to learn better. Roman told us he finds it “easier to concentrate” learning online rather than in a busy classroom. That may not be true for every child – and that’s exactly the point. Education freedom recognizes that children learn differently. Each student has unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles.
Safety is another reason many families choose online public schools. Several students told us they appreciate learning in an environment free from the violence and drugs that sometimes affect traditional school settings. Maxwell said he loves his eSchool because there’s not fighting and “people don’t sell drugs.”
Others spoke about escaping bullying. Zahir explained it simply: “I have fun learning when I’m not getting bullied.”
Every parent wants their child to feel safe and supported at school. For students like Zahir, online learning provides that opportunity.
Some people mistakenly think online education means students sit alone with a computer all day, guided by an AI program. In reality, public eSchools combine live instruction with independent learning. Students interact regularly with teachers and classmates, and they participate in in-person events and activities. In fact, many students told us the face-to-face gatherings organized by their schools are among their favorite parts of the experience.
Flexibility is another major benefit for many families. Online learning often allows students to balance school with athletics, family responsibilities, or health needs.
Legend said he enjoys his eSchool because it gives him more time with his dad.
Nick explained it this way: “It’s nice being near my parents all the time because they both work from home. I have jiu-jitsu five days a week, so it’s nice to be able to fit in those extra practices without worrying about scheduling.”
For Mia, flexibility helps her pursue sports and her passion for art. It also makes managing a strict gluten-free diet easier because of a severe allergy.
Every one of these students has a different reason for choosing online education. But their stories point to the same conclusion: when families have the freedom to choose the learning environment that fits their child, students thrive.
Supporting Ohio’s eSchools does not mean opposing traditional public schools. Ohio families rely on many types of schools – public, charter, private, and online. The goal is not to force every child into the same system. The goal is to give parents the ability to choose the option that works best for their child.
Amy, a student at Ohio Virtual Academy, summed it up better than anyone: “Online learning at OHVA these past five years has been the best thing that has happened to me.”
In a time when so many issues divide us, education freedom offers something rare: a principle that benefits every family, every community, and every child.
When we recognize that every student learns differently – and give families the freedom to act on that truth – children across Ohio have the opportunity to succeed.