Military-connected families face unique challenges that civilian families do not, including frequent relocations, deployments, and the stress of reintegration after separation. Military children often endure additional stressors, such as the possibility of moving at any point during the school year. These moves often result in repeated losses of friends, teachers, and the familiar structure of their education. The absence of a stable and consistent school system exacerbates these challenges, leading to significant academic and emotional struggles for military-connected children.

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) must address these issues by offering a virtual school option for military-connected children who are not receiving adequate public education or need an alternative learning experience. This option is essential for providing stability and continuity for children who face obstacles that civilian students never encounter. While some families are fortunate to access DoDEA schools throughout their child’s K-12 education, others are stationed in areas where public schools are substandard, with test scores at or below the national average. In contrast, DoDEA schools consistently exceed the national average in academic performance. Public schools often lack the knowledge or understanding of military life and fail to offer the community or support that military children need to thrive.

The stress of school transitions doesn’t just affect children—it also places additional burdens on active-duty service members who must juggle family reintegration and constant school transitions. A virtual school option would ease these difficulties, allowing military-connected children to maintain a stable and consistent education no matter where their family is stationed. This option would ensure that children of active-duty, reserve, and retired military families receive a quality education without sacrificing their academic success for the demands of military life.

Military children are often forced to become resilient due to their circumstances, but they shouldn’t have to sacrifice a quality education to do so. We need more than a single “Month of the Military Child” to recognize and support their needs. A virtual school option would provide stability, continuity, and access to the excellent education they deserve.

The COVID-19 pandemic proved the feasibility of virtual schooling, with DoDEA successfully educating almost 10,000 students online. States like Florida and Texas have also demonstrated the viability of virtual schools, serving tens of thousands of students annually. A DoDEA virtual school could offer the same benefits, tailored to the unique needs of military-connected families.

We, the undersigned, call on DoDEA to establish a fully virtual K-12 program accessible to all eligible students, including dependents of active-duty, reserve, and retired military families. This program should provide the necessary resources, such as certified teachers and technology, to ensure a high-quality education at no additional cost to military families.

Military families sacrifice so much for our country. It is time we provide their children with the stability and quality education they deserve. Sign this petition to demand that DoDEA create a virtual school option for all military-connected students. After signing, share this petition with your network and contact your Congressional representatives to demand action. Every signature brings us closer to ensuring educational stability for military children.