How WAVA’s Executive Director Makes “School at Home” Work for Her Very Own Family of Six

Often when people think about online learning, they picture students sitting silently behind screens with little interaction. But for Susan Boyer, Executive Director of Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA), the reality of online public school has been anything but disconnected for her own family. 
 
In fact, Susan never expected her children would one day attend the very school she helps lead. 

Like many families, the Boyers experienced major shifts during and after COVID-19. Traditional routines changed, stress levels increased, and the family discussed a learning environment that felt more manageable, flexible, and supportive for everyone involved. 
 
What started as an educational adjustment quickly became something more meaningful: a lifestyle change that brought greater balance, independence, and stability into their home. 
 
Today, Susan and her family live on five rural acres outside of Yelm, Washington, where their days blend academics, family life, extracurriculars, and personal interests in ways that challenge many common misconceptions about online learning. 

This philosophy has become a guiding principle for their family: “School is part of your life, not your entire life,” Susan shared. 

More Than “School at Home”

Susan is also quick to clarify something she believes many people misunderstand about online learning. 
 
“WAVA is an online public school from home and it’s not the same as homeschooling,” she explained. 
 
Students at WAVA follow a structured curriculum aligned with Washington state standards while receiving live instruction and support from certified teachers, specialists, and public-school programs, including Special Education and Highly Capable services. 
 
Families also work closely with teachers and Learning Coaches to help students stay organized, engaged, and successful. 
 
For Susan, one of the biggest positives was realizing how naturally online learning does support each child’s individual needs and personality. 

One Family, Four Different Learning Journeys 

Sanders, Susan’s 10th-grader, enjoys the flexibility online education gives him to balance academics with his many hobbies and interests. Outside of school, he spends his time playing video games, practicing archery, building bows by hand, and dirt biking. Activities that allow him to stay creative, active, and independent.  

Henry, Susan’s 7th grader, appreciates the efficiency and independence that comes with learning online. He enjoys being able to work through his day in a way that fits his personality and interests, which include clay modeling, building with LEGOs, and connecting with friends through gaming. He’s also built an impressive dinosaur game collection, something Susan says reflects his curiosity and unique personality. 
 
Nikki, Susan’s 6^th-grader, especially values the balance and flexibility online learning provides. Along with maintaining friendships—including spending time in person with fellow WAVA students—she is actively involved in horseback riding and horse shows. The ability to work ahead, learn from different locations, and manage her schedule more independently has helped her successfully balance both academics and her passion for riding. 
 
Ellie, the family’s youngest and a 2nd grader, has embraced both the structure and independence that come with learning from home. Susan shared a favorite story about Ellie proudly finishing all of her household chores before even starting schoolwork for the day. She especially loves being able to spend extra time riding Titus, their 7-year-old chestnut horse, alongside her sister. 
 
The flexibility of online learning has made it possible for each child to pursue interests outside of academics while still staying focused on learning goals. 

The Transition Isn’t Always Easy. But It Can Be Worth It! 

Susan is also honest about the reality that transitioning to online public school takes adjustment and commitment from the entire family. Establishing routines, learning new systems, balancing responsibilities, and figuring out what works best can feel overwhelming at first. 

“It may be one of the hardest things you do as a parent,” Susan shared, “…but the payoff is worth it.” 

That transparency is one reason Susan’s perspective resonates with so many families currently exploring alternative learning options. As both a school leader and parent, she understands the challenges firsthand — from technology transitions and scheduling to helping children stay motivated and independent. 

At the same time, she has seen how personalized learning environments positively impacts family dynamics, student confidence, and overall well-being. 

A Different Kind of Flexibility 

For the Boyer family, online public school hasn’t meant lowering expectations. Instead, it has meant creating a learning environment that allows their children to grow academically while also developing independence, responsibility, and confidence. It has reinforced something Susan believes deeply: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. 

For families seeking a balanced schedule, support, and a different path forward, online public school may offer more possibilities than they initially imagined.

Back to Blog