OPINION: How Virtual Learning Changed My Son’s Life

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Three years ago, I was a mom looking for hope. My son Richard had been diagnosed with autism at age two. He was non-verbal and struggling in a traditional brick-and-mortar school. We got calls almost daily about issues in the classroom. I knew he was capable of more—I just needed to find the right environment for him to grow.

In a moment of frustration and desperation, I turned to Google and searched “online school in Texas.” That search changed our lives.

Today, Richard is in elementary school at Lone Star Online Academy (LSOA). He greets his teachers with “Good morning,” reads passages aloud in class, and earns A’s on his report cards. He’s found his voice—literally and figuratively. And I’ve been by his side, part of his learning journey every step of the way.

Virtual learning has been a lifeline for our family. As his mom, I’ve been able to witness his breakthroughs firsthand. I’ve seen the small moments that lead to big progress, and I’ve had the flexibility to support his unique needs without the stress and anxiety that came with his former school setting.

I understand that online learning may not be for everyone. But for families like mine, it’s not just a preference—it’s a necessity. That’s why I believe Texas must continue to support and expand virtual learning options, especially for elementary students.

For students with special needs, anxiety, health challenges, or even just different learning styles, virtual school can offer a safe, tailored environment that meets them where they are. It gives parents the ability to be involved, and it allows teachers to connect with students in smaller, more focused ways.

Yes, the first year was hard. I was overwhelmed and unsure. I even wanted to quit. But thanks to supportive teachers and a program that truly believed in my child’s potential, we stayed—and I’m so grateful we did.

I’m not a policy expert. I’m a mom. And from where I sit, every child deserves a chance to learn in the environment that helps them thrive. For Richard, that’s been LSOA. My hope is that more people will begin to understand that traditional classrooms aren’t the only path to success—and that for some students, learning from home with the right support can make all the difference.

Because sometimes, the right school isn’t a place. It’s a path.

– Adriana Angeles, Conroe, TX