Why More Washington Students Are Choosing Online School for Safety, Belonging, and Mental Health 

For years, conversations about online learning have largely centered around flexibility and convenience. But according to longtime educator, Alica Pascua, something deeper is happening across Washington families today. 

After twenty-five years in education, including the past eight years teaching at Insight School of Washington (ISWA), Alica says many students are no longer turning to online education simply because it fits their schedule. Increasingly, they’re seeking learning environments where they finally feel emotionally safe, supported, and understood. 

Based in Renton, Washington, Alica serves as both a High School Social Studies teacher and Homeroom Teacher at ISWA. Education has always felt personal for her, and she works closely with students navigating a wide range of academic, emotional, and social challenges.  

Her passion for teaching started early. As a child, she would often “play teacher,” instructing her younger brother and cousin. That love of learning followed her into adulthood and was further shaped by cultural influences like the 1995 film Dangerous Minds, which reinforced her desire to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives. 
 
Alica exclaimed: “If I could be a professional learner, I would absolutely do that.” 

She witnesses this sense of emotional relief regularly. Many of those students, she explains, struggled in traditional school environments long before they ever enrolled online. Some are neurodivergent. Others felt overwhelmed by large crowds, social pressures, or classroom distractions. Many experienced bullying, anxiety, or a constant feeling of not quite fitting in. For these students, online learning can become much more than an academic alternative and those small moments matter. 
 
“Many of my students share that they feel happier and safer, and they’re even forming friendships in this environment,” Alica shared. 
 
She believes one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding online learning is the assumption that it feels disconnected or impersonal. In reality, she says the relationships formed in a virtual environment are often incredibly strong because teachers must be far more intentional with communication, support, and connection. 
 
“Being available and supportive is a huge part of this role. It’s what allows those relationships to grow,” she shared. 

As a Homeroom Teacher, Alica often becomes the primary point of contact for students and families, helping navigate everything from academic struggles to emotional challenges and day-to-day accountability.  Many of those relationships frequently continue long after graduation. 

Alica still stays connected with former students and says families often play a transformative role in helping students succeed. In one memorable situation, grandparents stepped in as Learning Coaches for a struggling student and completely changed the trajectory of that student’s experience through consistency, encouragement, and support.  

“That support system made all the difference, and it came from a place of care and accountability,” Alica shared. 

At the same time, Alica emphasizes that online learning is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Success still requires structure, communication, and partnership between schools and families. For students who previously felt overlooked, overstimulated, or emotionally exhausted in traditional school settings, the impact can be life-changing. 
 
She’s watched shy students slowly begin participating in discussions. She’s seen students who once dreaded school become excited to learn again. And she’s witnessed students discover confidence simply because they no longer feel judged every time they walk into a classroom. 

One student with severe anxiety spent months slowly building confidence before eventually turning on their camera during class for the first time. Another struggling student met weekly with Alica for brief 15-minute one-on-one sessions that gradually transformed both the student’s confidence and academic performance. 
 
She’s watched shy students slowly begin participating in discussions. She’s seen students who once dreaded school become excited to learn again. She’s witnessed students discover confidence simply because they no longer feel judged every time they walk into a classroom. 
 
“Students are given the opportunity to thrive where in other schools they weren’t able to,” Alica said. “They’re accepted for who they are, supported in what they’re capable of, and able to work at a pace that helps them be happy and successful.” 
 
As conversations around student mental health, belonging, bullying, and emotional well-being continue nationwide, Alica believes families are increasingly rethinking what success in education really looks like. For many students, it’s not just about grades or test scores. It’s about finally feeling safe enough to grow. 

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