How Online School Works
K12 takes online learning to the next level with a supportive environment that balances structure with flexibility. Young scholars engage with a quality curriculum that fosters a love of learning and personal growth.
The Benefits of Online Learning
Online school works much like conventional school with the added convenience of a virtual platform. Students can learn from anywhere there’s an internet connection. At the same time, students enjoy a strong curriculum and consistent academic guidance to support their unique learning styles. Students and parents at K12-powered schools have access to our Online Learning System (OLS) at any time. This uninterrupted access to lessons and resources helps bolster advanced learning initiatives for all grade levels.
Learn
Curriculum is presented through offline activities, as well as live online instruction, ready-made videos, self-paced assignments, offline activities, and interactive quizzes.
Discuss
We encourage active participation for all grade levels. Learners can take part in live discussions, post on message boards, and connect with peers to enjoy the social aspects of school in a safe, virtual environment.
Experience
Pursue interest groups, clubs, competitions, and other extracurricular activities — online and offline — to reinforce academic concepts and support fulfilling social interactions.
Take A Closer Look
Zoom in on the K12 learning experience and get a feel for what online school looks like day-to-day.
Top Online School FAQs Answered
Watch our video to discover the top 5 things you need to know about online school before enrolling.
1. What does online school actually look like?
2. Are there teachers and live classes?
3. Is there work outside of class?
4. What is a Learning Coach?
5. How should you schedule your school day?
A Platform Built for Personalized Learning
Our organized online portal presents students and learning coaches with resources and materials developed by an experienced team of curriculum specialists, UX designers, writers, and editors.
Find class schedules, online lessons, and helpful tools for all grades in one convenient platform where students also attend their virtual classes, skills labs, and small-group activities. A blend of reading material, live instruction with state-certified teachers, and hands-on activities like games, quizzes, and videos appeal to all learning styles.
Grades K-5 Online School Tour
Discover what online school looks like for students in grades K-5.
Grades 6-12 Online School Tour
Discover what online school is like for students in grades 6-12.
A Day In The Life Of A K12 Online Student
K12 combines live virtual instruction with offline activities that support a holistic approach to online learning. Students work closely with teachers and Learning Coaches to engage all aspects of independent and communal learning. A typical K12 school day consists of several parts.
Attend scheduled online classes with a teacher and peers.
Complete interactive activities and assignments through the Online Learning System (OLS).
Complete offline activities and assignments using K12-provided books and materials.
Attend “Class Connect” sessions for live instruction and support from state-certified teachers.
Interact with teachers and classmates online or by phone.
Participate in online or in-person extracurricular activities and clubs.
DAY IN THE LIFE
Hear From K12 Students
Meet a variety of students and see firsthand what sets K12 online school apart from the rest.
How Does Online Learning Work for Parents?
For each student, a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult serves as the Learning Coach in the home to support the child through the online education process. Duties include recording attendance, monitoring lessons and/or assessments, addressing challenges, and occasionally reviewing student work.
As a student progresses through the various grade levels, the time commitment for the Learning Coach will change. Younger children need considerably more support from their Learning Coaches, while online middle and high school students can work more independently.
How Much Time Will My Child Spend Online?
All K12 grades participate in online and offline school work. Higher grade levels tend to spend more time online compared to younger students.
Grades K-5
Students in grades K-2 typically spend 30-40% of their time online, while those in grades 3-5 spend 50-60% of learning time online.
Grades 6-12
The majority of middle and high school learning is done online, though offline learning activities are still prevalent and encouraged.
The Social Side Of a K12-Powered Online School
K12 understands the importance of social interaction as it pertains to intellectual and communal development. That’s why enriching social activities are built in and greatly fostered across the K12 curriculum. Students are encouraged to join social clubs and participate in extracurricular activities that speak to personal interests and establish social connections. Furthermore, students spend time together online in classes as well as during school outings and field trips.
A School Without Walls
K12 supports independent learning and academic excellence through a flexible system that goes beyond traditional schooling methods. Students learn through a combination of self-paced lessons, live instruction, practice, and offline activities.
All K12-powered public schools adhere to state testing, school accountability, and attendance policies, just as brick-and-mortar schools do, and graduates earn a high school diploma.
How do I get started?
I’m Ready to Find a School
Accredited K12 online schools are available in many U.S. states. Select your state for a list of local options.
