Oregon Parent Coalition Releases Survey on Socialization

Oregon Virtual School Kids Stay Busy Outside the "Classroom"

Survey results show an active and engaged student population with diverse interests

Portland, OR ? 85% of Oregon children enrolled in full-time virtual public schools spend at least one hour each day engaged in an extra-curricular activity outside the home and at least one hour each day socializing with peers, according to a survey released by the Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance. The findings run counter to a popular myth about full-time virtual schools: that kids are stuck at home all day in front of a computer screen and don't learn important socialization skills.

"Misconceptions about the socialization of virtual public school kids stem from a basic misunderstanding about virtual education and its families," said Cindy McGraw, President of the Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance. "Just because a child doesn't sit in a classroom with 29 other kids doesn't mean they don't love to play sports, learn music, or hang out with friends. They're still kids."

The survey is based on responses from 210 families that attend either Oregon Virtual Academy or Oregon Connections Academy. Here are some other findings:

  • 40% of virtual school kids take music lessons or play a musical instrument.
  • 44% are involved in at least one organized team sport.
  • 29% participate in organized arts activities (theater, dance, visual arts).
  • 59% spend time performing community service.


The survey also found that 75% of parents chose virtual public school because of "negative socialization" in traditional schools, including bullying or inappropriate peer behavior.

"I've heard the argument time and again that virtual school kids aren't socialized," said McGraw. "That's just not the case. Besides, that argument implies a traditional classroom is always a positive environment for kids; it's clearly not."

To see the full survey results click here.

The Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance is a not-for-profit organization made up of parents with children in virtual public school who advocate on behalf of access to online education, quality curriculum and instruction, and stable funding.