Th is chapter describes the evolution of K-12 distance education, from earlier forms and methods up to the emergence of virtual schools. A virtual school is an educational organization that off ers K-12 courses through Internet-or Web-based methods. In many ways, the virtual school movement is an outgrowth of the independent study high school movement that began in the 1920s. Perennial issues, eff ective practices and lessons learned in prior incarnations of K-12 distance education remain relevant for K-12 online education policy and practice today.