For the Gibbs family, and many other families across the United States, the journey to find a quality education has not been easy. Rather, it has been one filled with pain, anxiety, and worry. That is, until the Gibbs family discovered the existence of public virtual schools.  

Timothy Gibbs lives in Oklahoma with his wife and three children. Life was good… until his eldest son headed into 10th grade. Seemingly overnight, his once grounded high school student who had a large group of friends, became the victim of severe bullying. The Gibbs family were failed by the public school system, who eventually insisted that Timothy’s son stay home “for everyone’s safety” while the bullies were able to remain in class and continue with their education. 

What followed was a year of broken promises: packets of take-home homework that stopped arriving, conflicting stories from school staff, and a growing sense that their son had been left behind.

But that was just the beginning. 

In 11th grade, while walking the family dog, Timmy’s son suffered a fall that resulted in concussion and potential brain injury. As he struggled to recover, school staff showed no concern for his well-being, instead demanding their son return for state testing even though he was unfit and still recovering. This was the final straw for the Gibbs family. 

A New Home at Virtual School

Desperate to make a change and sparked by harassment, Timothy Gibbs discovered Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA) and quickly enrolled their son for 12th grade. 

Since attending public online school, Timothy says that the transformation in his son has been “night and day”. Their son went from poor academic performance as a result of bullying and mental trauma to thriving in his virtual environment. 

He has reclaimed the joy of learning, earning mostly A’s and B’s, particularly in his music class where he will be a student leader next semester. He is now building towards his dream of a career in law enforcement, taking extra courses in criminal justice and sociology, opportunities that were simply not available to him at his previous brick-and-mortar school. 

Finding Accessible Learning Options

Beyond the struggles the Gibbs family faced with their eldest son, their second child found school difficult due to being legally blind without the use of her glasses. 

Timothy took a leap of faith and enrolled their daughter at OVCA alongside their son, and he and his wife have enjoyed watching their daughter blossom and thrive in her new environment. Unlike her previous brick-and-mortar school, where her needs were overlooked, virtual learning provided her with tools to succeed. 

Technology has provided unmatched accessibility, including text enlargement, AI-assisted reading, and empathetic teachers who are available for 1-on-1 support whenever she needs.

Debunking The Rumors

Recently, Timothy heard misconceptions within his community about virtual schools that shocked him. “We have heard from several parents who had kids in our old school who have told us they tried to switch to virtual school, only to be told that by law they cannot do so,” he explained. This is simply not the case. 

Timothy advises parents to do what is best for their child. “We really wish we had moved them 3 or 4 years ago,” he explains. So for those parents considering moving their child to virtual learning, he encourages them to do the research. Explore every corner of the school website. Ask questions. Use the live chat. And most of all, don’t be afraid to leave a system that no longer serves your child.

Proud Parents, Proud Advocates

The Gibbs family are now very vocal school choice advocates in Oklahoma, motivated by one simple factor: seeing their children happy again. The Gibbs children are safe, seen, heard, and most importantly… excited to be learning again. 

Timothy remarks that he proudly wears his PSO shirt when he brings his children to their state tests, in hopes of encouraging others to consider other education options like virtual school. 

Virtual learning has given the Gibbs family a new start. They are living proof that when families are given the freedom to choose a new path for their children, healing can begin, and futures can flourish.