No two students walk the same path through school. While some excel in a traditional classroom, others encounter challenges such as academic hurdles, health issues, bullying or personal struggles that make it difficult to keep pace. For these students, the Ohio Digital Learning School offers a fresh start.

Online learning today is not the short-term solution it was a few years ago. It has evolved into a proven model that meets students where they are, helping them build confidence, recover credits and move forward with purpose. On National Online Learning Day today, we celebrate the resilience of young learners and the ever-growing role of virtual education in Ohio.

Families across the country are recognizing this shift as well. A recent survey found that 60% of parents considered moving at least one of their children to a different school last year, and more than a quarter explored a full-time online option.

At ODLS, we are Ohio’s statewide credit recovery school, designed specifically for students who need a path to graduation. Our state-certified teachers do more than deliver lessons. They provide encouragement, personalized instruction and interventions tailored to individual needs. Here, falling behind does not mean being left behind.

For some, online learning means catching up at their own pace. For others, it means learning in a safe environment where they can finally focus without fear or distraction. Every day, we see students regain not only credits but also their belief in themselves.

A safe learning environment is the foundation for academic success. Research shows that students thrive when they feel secure, and families across Ohio turn to ODLS for exactly that reason. By learning from home or wherever they feel most comfortable, students can focus on academics while building meaningful relationships with teachers and classmates through live sessions, clubs and school activities.

Earning back credits is only the beginning. At ODLS, we prepare students for what comes next. Whether it is enrolling in college, pursuing a career pathway, or gaining technical skills, our programs equip students with the knowledge and confidence to embrace the future.

Online schools are often misunderstood. Some assume they are isolating or less rigorous than traditional schools. In reality, ODLS students collaborate daily, engage in challenging coursework and are held to Ohio’s academic standards. The difference is that they learn in a way that adapts to their needs.

Ohio’s students are as unique as our state itself, and education should reflect that with a variety of educational models so each learner can find what works for him or her. For some, a neighborhood school is the right choice. For others, ODLS provides the safety and support that helps them succeed.

This National Online Learning Day, I encourage Ohioans to recognize the progress of virtual education and the students who are thriving within it. At ODLS, we are proud to help students turn setbacks into steppingstones and prove that every learner has the potential to succeed.

Dr. Brian Powderly is executive director / superintendent of Ohio Digital Learning School. He has served as a teacher, coach, adviser, assistant principal and principal.