Virtual schools have the same goal as traditional, brick-and-mortar schools: to graduate students. Unlike traditional schools, virtual schools are Internet based and available 24-7. They provide students the flexibility of any time, anywhere access to rigorous, personalized education. In the virtual classroom, every student is in the front row because he or she has one-to-one interaction with the teacher, and is directly accountable for every query, question or exercise. It is important to note that virtual schools are a complement as well as an alternative to traditional schools, not a replacement.

Nationwide 24 states have on-line education programs. In 1997, Florida established the first statewide, Internet-based public high school. Today the Florida Virtual School (FLVS) enrolls more than 60,000 middle and high school students. Regionally, New England lags behind the rest of the country.

A few NH schools currently offer online classes through agreements with out-of-state providers; however, participation is contingent upon funding by the sponsoring school district and/or reciprocal teacher loaning. New Hampshire's Virtual Learning Academy Charter School is the region's first-of-its-kind model. The Academy is available free of charge to any high school student who lives in the state of New Hampshire and does not require local school districts to loan teachers.

It is certain that additional states will join the virtual schooling movement, as the U.S. Department of Education encourages all states to establish and grow virtual schools through its National Educational Technology Plan.