The landscape of education in Indiana is shifting, and virtual learning is no longer just a supplemental option; it is a vital component of school district strategy. While the needs of each student vary, virtual learning provides accessible opportunities that work for students. As a statewide leader in virtual education, Indiana Online presents learners with opportunities to succeed at every corner. We collaborate with partner schools to provide wraparound services, rigorous online courses, and meaningful connections with highly qualified Indiana-licensed teachers to support students’ educational journeys.
For over 20 years, Indiana Online has set the standard for high-quality virtual learning in Indiana. Now, through our consulting services, Indiana Online can provide expertise to schools and districts that are interested in exploring or launching a virtual school or program.
On March 3, 2026, we brought district leaders together for our “Virtual School 101” workshop to dig into what it actually takes to get a program off the ground. Our team led an interactive deep dive, equipping leaders with the strategies needed to launch and sustain high-quality virtual programs. By addressing the most pressing questions in the field, we provided attendees with the clarity to move from uncertainty to a clear pathway. Every participant left with an actionable checklist to guide their next steps. Here, we’re sharing those same foundational insights to help implement your own virtual schooling program.
Start by Building a Solid Foundation: Legal & Governance
Above all, you must comply with Indiana’s legal framework for virtual education. Under IC 20-19-9-1, essential requirements for implementation and operation are mapped out, establishing what constitutes a virtual education program. Ultimately, this ensures that students receive a quality education through virtual platforms.
According to IC 20-19-9-4, districts seeking to establish a dedicated virtual school must meet specific criteria, including curriculum standards and teacher qualifications. This legal foundation is crucial for maintaining accountability and delivering effective educational outcomes in virtual settings.
Note Your District’s Responsibilities
Districts must ensure compliance with all regulations and maintain accountability even when using external vendors for virtual education services, thereby safeguarding educational integrity and quality. Even in virtual environments, schools are required to follow state testing mandates, which necessitate careful planning and coordination to maintain student accountability and performance evaluation standards.
Determine Student Population, Staffing Volume, and Attendance
A key component of launching a virtual school is determining the student population you plan to serve. While there are options available for all grade levels, consider any specific needs for those levels, since the ones in demand will help drive your virtual school’s development.
Whether you run your virtual school through a vendor or solely district-led, it is important to have a primary contact to facilitate all operations. Ideally, an administrator and a school counselor would be beneficial in supporting online learning.
It’s important to note that adhering to the 10/18 Attendance Rule is crucial, as it mandates attendance tracking in virtual settings to ensure accurate enrollment data and compliance with state requirements (IC 20-19-9-5).
Choose Your Path: Instructional Delivery Models
One size does not fit all in virtual education. During the workshop, we explored three primary instructional delivery models:
District-Provided Model: In this model, the district is responsible for providing the curriculum, platform, and teachers of record, ensuring full control over the educational experience and quality.
Vendor-Supported Model: In this hybrid approach, the vendor supplies the curriculum and platform, while the district manages its own teachers, allowing for a blend of external resources with internal oversight.
Full Vendor Model: This option allows the vendor to handle the curriculum, platform, and teachers, providing a comprehensive approach, but requiring careful vetting and accountability measures from the district.
Actionable Steps for Success
To move from a conceptual vision to a functional virtual environment, districts must prioritize the following operational pillars:
Technology Readiness: Connectivity enables the classroom to operate in a virtual setting, so devices should be provided to students prior to the start of the school year. Smooth instruction requires proactive measures such as whitelisting vendor sites and software in advance, as well as establishing a plan for device repairs and remote troubleshooting. It is key to have personnel who can support a student in their problem-solving, such as a remote access support platform.
Student Well-being and Inclusion: Fully supporting students remains a priority in a digital space. This requires a clear delineation of responsibilities for managing IEP and 504 accommodations to ensure all learning needs are met. Likewise, districts must establish comprehensive mental health support systems and crisis communication plans to foster student safety and academic success.
Alignment with the NSQOL: To ensure your virtual school meets the highest benchmarks for excellence, align your operations with the National Standards for Quality Online Learning (NSQOL). These standards provide a comprehensive framework to help districts evaluate and improve online courses, online teaching, and online programs. The leadership standards will be released soon.
Consider Accreditation: While online learning is unique in its own setting, you can seek accreditation information for your school or provider. For example, AccredVEd, powered by the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA), awarded Indiana Online the Virtual Learning Program Accreditation, making it the first program nationwide to receive this distinguished recognition.
Key Takeaways: Moving from Conversation to Connection
The exceptional level of engagement and enthusiasm demonstrated during the March 3rd workshop far exceeded our expectations. We welcomed 41 leaders representing 19 different school districts, all focused on one goal: building better opportunities for Indiana students.
What stood out most wasn’t just the turnout, but the engagement. It’s rare to see a room of busy administrators so deeply immersed in the material. Over a quarter of the districts in attendance expressed immediate interest in deeper consulting to get their virtual programs off the ground. We’d also like to thank our presenters for deepening engagement with every participant: Indiana Online Director Kim Hendrick, Indiana Online Assistant Director Melissa Bardack, and Principal of Franklin Community Virtual School (FCVS) Shelbie Murphy.
Are You Ready? Indiana Online is Leading the Way
Established in 2005 as a department of the Central Indiana Education Service Center (CIESC), Indiana Online is an accredited online program that partners with over 300 schools to offer more than 200 supplemental courses and a full-time virtual solution for middle and high school students. Consult with Indiana Online directly to build a partnership that addresses the specific needs of your school or district.
Stay tuned for insights from our April 24, 2026, workshop! Co-hosting with our Indiana Online Advisory Committee, we’ll discuss how to market your virtual school or program—featuring our thought partners, Media Services, a department of CIESC, and Sapphire Strategy.
