Choosing to return to school as a parent is a deeply personal—and often daunting—decision. For Charlottesville mom Maureen Leahey, the idea of completing her bachelor’s degree while raising her six-year-old daughter and working full-time felt nearly impossible at first. She worried about balancing classwork, parenting, and her career. But she also knew that finishing her degree could open doors to new opportunities.
After researching her options, Leahey found an online program offered by the UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies that fit her life, meeting her priorities of accreditation, positive name recognition, and transferability into a master’s program. It wasn’t easy, but it turned out to be life-changing for both mother and daughter. Her daughter got to know her mom’s classmates and teachers—and sometimes even joined classes.
“She absolutely loves to see that I’m pursuing my dreams. I think it’s probably a big thing for kids to be able to see that,” Leahey shares.
Leahy’s story reflects what many local parents experience. The idea of adding schoolwork to already full days can feel overwhelming. Yet education can be a powerful tool, opening doors to career advancement, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. Research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that college graduates typically earn significantly more than high school graduates, and those with advanced degrees or certificates often see both financial and personal growth.
AT A GLANCE:
- Parents returning to school to get a degree can explore a variety of options, including online, in-person, and hybrid classes, to find one that fits their family’s needs.
- In Central Virginia, the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers online degrees, certificates, and career accelerators designed for adult learners.
- For parents, flexible programs with a variety of support tools, financial aid, career services, and the option to pause and resume the program as needed are key factors that can help you complete your degree.
Exploring Local Program Options for Parents Going Back to School
No single program works for every family. Fortunately, Central Virginia offers a variety of flexible paths. Some adults thrive in online classes, while others prefer in-person or evening courses. Hybrid models combine both, allowing learners to choose what fits best. Consider how you learn best: do you need scheduled class times to stay accountable, or do you prefer the independence of self-paced work? Then, look for schools with accreditation and strong support systems for adult learners.
The University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) offers online degrees, certificates, and career accelerators designed specifically with adult learners in mind. With a graduation rate twice the national average, SCPS has a strong reputation for supporting students who are balancing work, family, and life.
After 19 years with PBS, Charlottesville resident Sumner Menchero dipped her toe back into school with a single online class. Initially nervous about feeling isolated or out of place, she found her Strategic Leadership course so inspiring that she completed an entire Leadership certificate and ultimately launched her own business, Menchero Creative Consulting.
“Through my certificate program, I started to understand my leadership style, the value I can bring to the table, and how I can continue to evolve as a leader,” Manchero reflects.
Quick Checklist: What to Look for in a Program for Parents
(Adapted from advice by Cyrus Webb, UVA SCPS)
- A history of successfully supporting working adult learners
- Flexible formats (online, hybrid, evening)
- Reasonable timelines for completion
- Instructors experienced in both teaching and their industries
- Advisors who can assess prior credits or work experience
- Support systems for students facing challenges
- Ability to pause studies if needed
- Financial aid or employer tuition benefits
- Accessible IT and tech support
- Emotional and mental health resources
- Career services for students and alumni
- Personalized academic planning support
Tips to Thrive as an Adult Learner
Creating structure is key for parents returning to school. Without structure, it’s easy to feel pulled between folding laundry, finishing assignments, and helping your kids with their own homework. Student success coaches for adult learners say that setting aside consistent study times, such as the same part of every weekend, can make a big difference.
“Start slow,” advises Cyrus Webb, a student success coach at UVA SCPS. “It can be helpful to get your feet wet in a class or two before fully jumping in.” From there, experiment with time management techniques, gradually adding more class commitments until you find a rhythm that works for your family.
Open communication is also key. Talk with your partner, children, and employer about how responsibilities may shift while you’re in school. Will you need help with school pick-ups? A swap in chores? Fast dinner plans on class nights? Planning ahead will help minimize stress and miscommunication.
And when life inevitably gets messy, give yourself grace. Webb notes that students who proactively talk with instructors or advisors when challenges arise often find that adjustments can be made to help them stay on track. Flexibility, not perfection, is what matters most.
The Right Time Might Be Now To Go Back to School
There may never be a perfect moment to go back to school, just as there’s never a perfect time to start a family. Each parent’s circumstances are unique, and the timing often comes down to balancing your goals with your family’s needs.
Some adults pursue education to advance in their current careers. Others use it to pivot into a new field or to fulfill a long-held dream. Honest conversations—with yourself, your loved ones, and school advisors—can help you decide if the time is right. Talking to alumni can also offer valuable insight into the realities of a program, from time commitments to financial investment.
Charlottesville couple Claudia and Robert Edmonds decided to take the leap together while juggling five children and full-time work. They enrolled in a flexible online evening program that allowed them to support each other and keep their household running.
“Being on the same page is the most important part,” Robert said. “There are so many moving parts…Our days [were] pretty regimented, and we [had] to be flexible with each other.”
Their experience underscores an essential truth: there’s rarely an easy time to go back to school. But with support, planning, and determination, anything is possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AS A PARENT IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA
What fields of study does the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies offer?
The UVA SCPS offers a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree. Students can focus their studies on many fields of study, including business, cybersecurity, healthcare management, the liberal arts, and public safety management.
How many classes do I need to get an associate degree at PVCC?
Students at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville can get a two-year associate degree, a one-year certificate, or short career studies certificates. The specific number of credits and classes you need will vary depending on the program. Associate degrees require around 60-72 credit hours. If classes average 3 credits each, this is equal to 20-24 classes.
How many one-year master’s programs does UVA offer?
Several schools at the University of Virginia offer one-year master’s degree programs, many of which are designed for working professionals. There are one-year master’s programs at the McIntire School of Commerce, College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Education and Human Development.
Resources and References – Going Back to School as a Parent
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Unemployment Rates and Earnings by Educational Attainment, 2024
- Forbes, 24 Reasons a Certificate if Better Than an Expensive Graduate Degree, 2017
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