Online School Doesn't Mean On Your Own

Consistent connection is the key to student success. Whether you’re in-person or online, teachers and support staff should be available, responsive, and proactive—not just checking in every couple of months.

At New Code Academy, if your child starts to struggle, we notice. And we act. Because no student should fall through the cracks.

What Should Support Look Like in an Online School?

Not all online schools are created equal. Whether you're exploring your first virtual option or making a change, it's important to know what kind of support your child—and your family—should receive. Here’s what families should expect when they enroll in a virtual learning program:

• Open access to teachers and support staff. You shouldn’t need to wait for a scheduled check-in. Can you reach out when your child is stuck or confused? Are staff available for quick questions, one-on-one help, or just to talk through challenges? Support should be responsive, consistent, and easy to access.
   
• One-on-one attention. Every student learns differently. Look for a program that offers personalized support—like extra help from a subject-area teacher, check-ins with a counselor or coach, and custom plans for catching up or getting ahead. Your child deserves more than a one-size-fits-all education.
   
• Real-time feedback. Progress shouldn’t be a mystery. Are teachers actively monitoring student work? Do they give timely feedback? The best online schools notice when students are struggling—and take action before it becomes a bigger problem.
   
• Parent Partnerships (Without Making You the Teacher)
  You should be part of the team, not the whole team. A great online program keeps you informed and involved but doesn’t expect you to take on the role of teacher. You should be able to support your child’s learning without needing to reteach the material or track down answers on your own.
   
• A Plan for Falling Behind—And Catching Back Up
  Life happens. Kids hit bumps in the road. Find out how the school supports students who miss a few days, struggle with a subject, or lose motivation. There should be built-in systems for helping students get back on track—without blame or shame.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Choosing an online school can be an overwhelming process for some families, with polished promises or complex jargon. But real support should be visible in the day-to-day experience—how teachers interact with students, how services are delivered, and how each child is seen.

New Code Academy’s approach to support isn’t just buzzwords—it shows up in the way we actively design online learning experiences for every student. Whitney Determan, a K–5 Computer Science Integrationist, sees the difference firsthand:

“Some students with special needs have trouble feeling comfortable with large group work. In a traditional school, they might get pulled into the hallway to work alone. At New Code Academy, we can design a setting that fits them from the start. That’s the power of personalized support.”

This kind of intentional design helps students feel safe and supported—not spotlighted for their challenges, but empowered by their strengths. Consistent connection, individualized instruction, and a whole-child approach truly make a difference.
 

You’re Not Alone, and Neither Is Your Child

If a program only checks in “every couple of months,” that’s not support—it’s a form letter. You and your child deserve better. 

At New Code Academy, we support and encourage our students every day—not every couple of months.

If you’re looking for a learning environment that’s built on connection, consistency, and care, we’d love to talk.

“Our child has thrived beyond our expectations in their first year at NCA… The providers build authentic relationships with our child, so they want to participate. Teachers simply showed up with curiosity and figured out how to meet our child’s needs. NCA has been a lifesaver for our child and family.”
 — New Code Academy Elementary Parent