A recent study in Epidemiology reaffirmed what many parents already sensed during the pandemic: extended school shutdowns and remote learning took a toll on students’ emotional and mental health. Yet, despite that experience, online schooling has grown rapidly — particularly among junior tennis players and other competitive athletes.
Families increasingly see virtual education as a way to align academics with demanding training and travel schedules. Among elite junior players, online school is often becoming the norm.
ICL Academy, one of the largest online schools serving tennis players, reports a 4,300% surge in enrollment since 2020. The school now educates roughly 532 competitive tennis players worldwide. COO Dayton Hansen said the growth reflects “a sustained shift” toward a model that supports academics without sacrificing training, competition schedules, or well-being.
Questions about socialization persist, but Hansen said in-person interaction remains “a core component,” with students gathering at tournaments and special events throughout the year. Parents like Meg Stratton say the flexibility has been transformative, allowing their children to focus on sport and school without constant logistical strain.
Another parent, Laura Lafors, moved her son to Laurel Springs online school for similar reasons. With ambitions for college tennis, she said the ability to travel and train more consistently outweighed concerns about reduced classroom time.
Dwight Global Online, affiliated with New York City’s Dwight School, positions itself as a premium hybrid model that blends rigorous academics with optional on-site activities. Enrollment has more than doubled since 2020. However, tuition can exceed $42,000 annually — significantly higher than many other online programs.
Experts caution that online schooling is not a universal solution. Mary Beth Finegan of the Child & Family Institute notes that flexibility can reduce stress for athletes with heavy travel schedules, but emphasizes that in-person environments generally foster stronger social and emotional skills. Some parents, meanwhile, report negative experiences, saying their children felt isolated and emotionally stalled.
Beyond schooling, tennis also faces another trend: “reclassing,” in which students repeat a grade to gain athletic advantage. Critics warn the pressure surrounding junior tennis — already emotionally intense — may be pushing families toward increasingly extreme decisions.
Ultimately, online education is likely to continue expanding, especially for high-performing young athletes. Whether traditional schools respond with more blended options remains to be seen. As families balance ambition, mental health, and long-term development, the central question persists: does flexibility outweigh the value of daily, in-person school life?
