Michigan Virtual Recognizes National Online Learning Day with 2024-2025 Michigan K-12 Education Data Highlights
Michigan Virtual Report Finds 150,000 Students Took Online Courses in 2024-25
More than 150,000 Michigan K-12 students took at least one virtual course during the 2024-25 school year, with participation strongest among students using online classes as a supplement rather than a full course load, according to Michigan Virtual.
The nonprofit education organization said roughly 11% of the state’s K-12 students enrolled in at least one virtual class. Virtual learners were represented across 68% of Michigan public school districts, generating nearly 1 million course enrollments at 1,363 schools.
Student outcomes varied by the number of online classes taken. Students enrolled in one or two virtual courses recorded an 81% pass rate, compared with 75% for those taking three or four courses and 63% for students taking five or more, Michigan Virtual said in its 2024-2025 K-12 Virtual Learning Effectiveness Report.
The figures suggest online courses are most effective when used for targeted needs, such as recovering credits, resolving schedule conflicts or accessing classes unavailable through a student’s local school, the organization said.
Michigan Virtual Vice President Joe Freidhoff said virtual education has become a routine option for students whose schedules or academic needs do not fit a conventional classroom structure.
Michigan Virtual, founded in 1998, compiles its annual report using enrollment, completion and performance information reported to the Michigan Department of Education and the Center for Educational Performance and Information.