More students in Alabama are switching to online learning
Apr 7, 2025
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Five years ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, forcing schools to quickly shift to online learning.
Since then, what started as a temporary solution has grown into a permanent option for many families.
Leaders with the Alabama Virtual Academy said enrollment has skyrocketed in the years since.
Melanie Barkley with Alabama Virtual Academy said the school has seen a 50% increase in enrollment since 2020.
Three thousand students were enrolled in 2020, and now, they are serving more than 6,000 students.
Barkley said she thinks that after the pandemic more and more families saw online learning as a viable option for their child. She said students are turning to ALVA because it provides them with more flexibility.
Barkley added that ALVA allows them to support their students’ unique situations or needs. She explained that students with vigorous activity schedules or health conditions tend to thrive in a virtual learning environment.
Barkley said that students lean toward online education because they’re able to get more one on one support.
“The support that they’re able to give and the connection that we provide them with our teachers,” said Barkley. ”We’re in their homes, and that is a very unique setup for families to be able to have access directly to their teachers.”
Barkley said that virtual learning can meet the needs that traditional brick and mortar schools may not be able to for some families.
“I think ALVA provides students with a tuition-free public option that removes the barriers and offers flexibility,” said Barkley. ”It allows students to excel in different ways and explore their passions.”
Barkley said that ALVA also provides social opportunities for students to meet with their peers.
Students can join clubs, student council, and even go to prom.