Delivering flexible, high-quality learning options for students, families and educators—anytime and anywhere.
Since 2008—when Julie Young won Pioneer’s Better Government Competition for her work at the Florida Virtual School—PioneerEducation has advanced digital learning through legislation and research. Our goal is to expand high-quality, accountable virtual education across the nation. Unlike leading states like Florida and Michigan, Massachusetts lags behind, even after a 2013 law authorizing growth. While more than 40 states offer full- or part-time digital programs, restrictive regulations have limited the Commonwealth to two online schools. Massachusetts schools were among the least prepared to meet students’ needs during the pandemic, exacerbating student learning loss.
Pioneer’s new book and toolkit, Virtual Schools, Actual Learning: Digital Education in America (2025), edited by Julie Young, Julie Petersen, and Kay Johnson, distills decades of research and lessons from leading states to highlight how high-quality materials can strengthen learning across America’s diverse educational settings.
Philanthropic support fuels our ability to deliver bold ideas, rigorous research, and real-world impact—advancing solutions that shape policy and strengthen communities.
Think you know which states depend most on Washington? Pioneer’s new Dependency Index may change your mind. Alaska ranks most dependent on federal funds, and Idaho ranks least. Check out where your state ranks here! https://loom.ly/6LMwO0c
