This "Informed Educator" provides a snapshot of the current state of virtual education at the elementary and secondary levels. A number of critical factors are addressed, including: (1) the types of online courses and schools now available; (2) virtual program providers-- institutional, school, district, state, consortia and private sector; (3) student characteristics that increase the likelihood of success in virtual learning; (4) effects of virtual learning on student achievement; (5) understanding the skills required to be a successful online teacher; and (5) critical planning considerations, including internal vs. external course development.