HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Many students are expected to return to brick and mortar schools for the 2021-22 school year. However, the number of students learning via computer will likely remain well-above pre-pandemic levels.

What You Need To Know

  • Hillsborough County Schools estimates about 3,500 students in virtual school program

  • Prior to the pandemic, system typically had 350 students enrolled in its virtual school program

  • Program supervisor said it's not the best option for everyone, however

  • More Education headlines

Sofia Muniz,9, experienced virtual learning for the first time last school year.

Muniz said she sometimes has trouble focusing in class but working online gave her options.

"Basically if I had a hard time with math and I want to take a break, I can easily go and move on to reading," she said.

Muniz' grades went up so as the new school year starts, her parents decided she's staying enrolled in Hillsborough Virtual K-12.

"It eliminated the distractions for her. It eliminated her time of not being motivated," said Alicia Muniz, her mother.

Enrollment numbers show there's still a lot of interest in virtual learning.

Prior to the pandemic, Hillsborough County Public Schools typically had 350 students enrolled in its virtual school program.

That number went up to about 7,000 students during the 2020-21 school year and the district estimates it will level off to about 3,500 students for the 2021-22 school year.

Deenee Upshaw, Supervisor for Hillsborough Virtual K-12, said families enroll for a number of different reasons.

"It is a good place for those independent learners, for students who want to take ownership of their learning," she said.

But Upshaw cautions it's not the best choice for everyone.

"We recognized that a lot last year where it was "I did it just because" and it just is not the best fit," she said.

Upshaw said her staff is prepared for the new school year.

"We are ready to go. We are ready to welcome our virtual students back," she said.

Meanwhile, Sofia and her mother said they are busy getting ready for the first day of school just like they would if Sofia was attending in person.

"It is something that is still fun. It's still exciting. It's still new and that's the biggest thing. Just like in brick and mortar, we are excited to make those connections.

She said they have no plans to "log out" of virtual school anytime soon.