Online K-12 Education as a Homeschool Option
April 4, 2026
Dr. Yelena V. Solodyankin
Homeschooling has been an option for parents for decades. In the beginning, parents who educated their children at home faced societal backlash. Many felt they were doing their children a disservice.
Taking Root
Homeschooling advocates held fast. They established laws and regulations recognizing teaching one’s children as a right. Today, K-12 online learning is one of the fastest-growing educational opportunities in America.
In the 1970s, 10,000 children were homeschooled. By 2010, that number had grown to approximately 2 million students. At the last count in 2016, 4.8 million children were full-time, online students.1
Antisocial? We Beg to Differ
The most frequent argument against homeschooling is socialization - or lack thereof. Contrary to popular belief, homeschooled students do collaborate. Online sessions and group projects encourage students to work together. Homeschooled kids play with friends, compete on sports teams, and go on field trips.
Online education offers myriad benefits:
- Self-paced learning - Students can speed up or slow down as needed
- Flexibility to support the needs of diverse learners
- Opportunity to incorporate Biblical principles into daily lessons
- Individual approach to learning helps both gifted and at-risk kids
- Unique course offerings - Dual Enrollment/Concurrent Credit (CC), and Advanced Placement (AP)
Learning Alongside The Kids
Parents benefit too. Online schools can help lighten the burden of record-keeping that accompanies homeschooling. This is especially true in states with strict rules for homeschoolers.
Parents are learning coaches. They provide support at home and help with time management. Parents also seek out and encourage socialization within the church and community.
Since 2003, Enlightium faculty and staff have served partner schools, online, and homeschool K-12 students. With parental support, excellent instruction, and a personalized approach to learning, Enlightium equips students with the academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in life. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288 or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.
References
1. Waters, L. H., Barbour, M. K., & Menchaca, M. P. (2014). The nature of online charter schools: Evolution and emerging concerns. Educational Technology & Society, 17(4), 379-389.
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About The Author
Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Yelena V. Solodyankin, the visionary founder of Enlightium Academy.
Dr. Yelena V. Solodyankin has more than 30 years of experience in the field of education. She founded an online Christian school in 2003, which is now Enlightium Academy. Since then, she has guided the development of seven brick-and-mortar private schools along the Northwest Coast within church communities.
She holds her PhD in Philosophy in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, Master’s degree in K-12 Guidance & Counseling from Whitworth University, and Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Gonzaga University. She also attended Pedagogical University of Kyrgyzstan and received a Diploma in Christian Studies from International Slavic Christian College. Yelena is ACSI and Washington state-certified.
Throughout her career, she has been devoted to preparing the next generation of leaders by making a difference in their hearts and minds. She has spoken at numerous educational conferences about the need for personalized Christian education and how she applied it to raising her three biological and five adopted children.
Hear From Our Families
Don’t just take our word for it—listen to the stories of families who’ve chosen Enlightium and found success. Our community of over 5,000 online students speaks to the strength of our program and the profound impact it has on our students’ lives.
We love Enlightium!
This was our first year with Enlightium Academy and I love it for my daughter! She has grown so much spiritually and academically! The weight of having to do it all has been lifted since I have 3 small children as well. We feel supported in our homeschool life!
Brittany R.
Greatest homeschooling program
This program is really focused on a good education for your kids.
Kristen S.
We went from discouraged to "We can do this!!"
The ability to adapt to our child’s learning challenges made for a smooth transition bringing joy that she is actually learning now and retaining the knowledge. We can not wait to tackle another year!
L. Allen
Love the curriculum
Love the curriculum. The teachers are wonderful and caring. Any technical issues are resolved almost immediately and the billing department has excellent customer service
EA Parent
We love Enlightium!
This was our first year with Enlightium Academy and I love it for my daughter! She has grown so much spiritually and academically! The weight of having to do it all has been lifted since I have 3 small children as well. We feel supported in our homeschool life!
Brittany R.
Greatest homeschooling program
This program is really focused on a good education for your kids.
Kristen S.
We went from discouraged to "We can do this!!"
The ability to adapt to our child’s learning challenges made for a smooth transition bringing joy that she is actually learning now and retaining the knowledge. We can not wait to tackle another year!
L. Allen
Love the curriculum
Love the curriculum. The teachers are wonderful and caring. Any technical issues are resolved almost immediately and the billing department has excellent customer service
EA Parent
Prayers answered!
This education option has blessed our lives in so many ways. We will forever be grateful to Enlightium Academy.
Marman
A wonderful experience
Enlightium academy has helped me so much in the homeschooling of my son. They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience.
Mandy
My kids are making way better grades
I love the curriculum given to my kids and the teachers are very helpful. My kids are making way better grades with this program then they did in public school.
Michael
Everything I was looking for
Enlightium Academy ended up being everything I was looking for. It offers a good, flexible curriculum that truly accommodates my schedule without sacrificing learning. Most importantly, they teach the Bible in such an amazing way. It’s just perfect—I don’t regret being part of this school for a moment.
Diliana S.
Prayers answered!
This education option has blessed our lives in so many ways. We will forever be grateful to Enlightium Academy.
Marman
A wonderful experience
Enlightium academy has helped me so much in the homeschooling of my son. They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience.
Mandy
My kids are making way better grades
I love the curriculum given to my kids and the teachers are very helpful. My kids are making way better grades with this program then they did in public school.
Michael
Everything I was looking for
Enlightium Academy ended up being everything I was looking for. It offers a good, flexible curriculum that truly accommodates my schedule without sacrificing learning. Most importantly, they teach the Bible in such an amazing way. It’s just perfect—I don’t regret being part of this school for a moment.
Diliana S.
