A virtual public school (VPS) is a tuition-free, publicly funded K-12 school delivering all instruction online—but unlike homeschooling, students are legally enrolled in public school with state-certified teachers, state-mandated curriculum, and required standardized testing.
What is a Virtual Public School?
A virtual public school is a publicly funded educational option where students learn from home through online courses taught by state-certified teachers. Programs like K12 and Connections Academy operate in most states, offering complete K-12 education at no cost to families because they're funded by the same tax revenue as traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Students follow a state-approved curriculum, receive report cards and official transcripts, take mandatory state assessments, and graduate with an accredited diploma. This is not homeschooling—it's public school delivered remotely.
Key Takeaways
- Tuition-free—funded by public education tax dollars
- State-certified teachers provide instruction (parents are "learning coaches")
- Students must follow state curriculum and take standardized tests
- Legally considered public school enrollment, NOT homeschooling
- Available in most states through providers like K12 and Connections Academy
Virtual Public School vs. Homeschooling: Legal Differences
Advantages of Virtual Public School
VPS offers several compelling benefits. It's completely free—no curriculum costs, and many programs provide computers and materials. Professional teachers handle instruction, reducing the burden on parents who work or don't feel confident teaching certain subjects. Students receive accredited transcripts and diplomas without parents managing documentation. Special education services and IEPs are available because you're enrolled in public school. Many VPS programs organize virtual clubs, field trips, and even prom for socialization. For families wanting structure and accountability without daily school commutes, VPS can feel like the perfect middle ground.
Disadvantages and Considerations
The primary trade-off is control. You don't choose the curriculum—the state does. If your reasons for considering home education include teaching specific values, religious content, or using particular educational approaches, VPS won't accommodate that. You're also subject to public school calendars and pacing rather than the flexibility many families seek. State standardized testing is mandatory. Screen time is substantial (5-6 hours daily). And critically, parents still need to be involved as "learning coaches"—this isn't a hands-off solution. Some families discover that VPS requires nearly as much time as homeschooling but with less freedom.
The Bottom Line
Virtual public school occupies a unique middle ground—it provides the structure, professional instruction, and credentials of traditional schooling while keeping students home. For working parents, families uncomfortable with direct instruction, or those wanting an accredited diploma without private school costs, it's genuinely attractive. Just understand what you're signing up for: your child becomes a public school student subject to state requirements and curriculum. If educational freedom is your primary motivation, traditional homeschooling preserves that autonomy. If you mainly want to avoid the school building while accessing public school resources, VPS delivers exactly that.
