English | Español

A day in the life of online school for Micah and Sarai with Ana and Steven (mom and dad as well as Learning Coaches)

Favorite Subject(s): Art
Hobbies: Trampoline Park

Favorite Subject(s): Reading, Art
HOBBIES: Hiking, Dance

Why K12?

Ana and Steven wanted an option where their children could be challenged and learn in a way that worked for each of them as individuals. The built-in flexibility outside of the scheduled live classes also gives them the ability to arrange each school day in a way that works for them, which is super helpful for a family with two entrepreneurial parents.

Live Classes and Assignments

Schoolwork for Micah and Sarai is a mix of scheduled, live classes called Class Connect sessions, and self-guided offline assignments they can do more at their own pace. Their parents also plan educational activities like nature hikes where they can discuss lessons outside of the house and classroom.

For example, a typical day may have Micah starting with a live science class led by his state-certified teacher and then having self-guided lessons for Language Arts and math later in the day. If he gets stuck, his mom or dad is there to help him as well as his sister as she goes through her work for the day.

A typical day for Sarai may start with spelling practice and then include live math and history classes later. She can ask the teacher questions in the live classes, via email, or during weekly office hours.

A benefit of schools powered by K12 is that the educational materials—a computer, textbooks, supplies for offline activities, and more—are provided.

Family Schedule

Learning Coaches typically spend between 4 to 6 hours each day with elementary school students like Micah and Sarai providing oversight and helping them through their lessons and assignments.

They also give gentle reminders to take breaks and get back on track when needed.

In Micah and Sarai’s case, their mom (Ana) and dad (Steven) take turns being Learning Coaches depending on what the family needs each day. They can each be helping a child for the day, or both at once, or switch children on certain lessons or topics.

Learning Coaches (often parents) aren’t on their own either. Teachers are accessible for questions and there are communities specifically for Learning Coaches that provide extra support and share resources.

Student Schedule

Family

Micah

Sarai

Q & A with Ana

Why did you switch to online school?

We researched for a few years, looking for something that we’d consider a step-up, something that would challenge Micah and Sarai more.

I worked at a school-based health center in the past—which gave me an inside look at how schools operate, from the teachers to the bullying to the barriers individual families face. It was easy to see how children could get lost in the traditional school system, and we wanted to make sure each of our children was getting enough attention academically.

Curriculum

The number of classes students take varies per grade level and individual. For example, students in elementary school like Micah and Sarai typically take between 4–6 subjects each semester, with maybe 2–4 of those requiring scheduled, live classes.

The other subjects are completed via offline assignments and skills labs in the K12 interactive online learning system where their Learning Coach can help.

In addition to core academic subjects like English, math, science, and social studies, K12-powered schools have a great selection of electives, like art and music.

Classes schedules may vary considerably based on the individual student and their needs, state, and any special programs.

SEE HOW OUR CURRICULUM IS DEVELOPED

Q & A with Ana

How was your family’s transition to online school?

The transition as far as me being more involved in my children’s education, that part wasn’t bad at all.

The timing of it all made it tricky for our family because we actually had a family emergency the same week that online school started that required us to go out of state. So a lot was going on there for me personally, but it worked out well because online school made it easy for me to pack up the kids and their laptops, and school came with us. The whole set up allowed me to take care of my family while also making sure Micah and Sarai didn’t miss any school; we could do both.

Micah and Sarai’s time away from the computer looks like …

A lot of learning beyond the classroom like their family hikes where they get to exercise, explore, and ask questions.

Break Time

Like many 1st grade students, Micah has a lot of energy, and with online school, he can move around as he needs to and still get his work done.

That was more of a challenge in traditional school. When he’s super active and energetic, it helps his mom remember how lucky they are. Micah suffered a birth injury that left him paralyzed for a few months. Doctors said he wouldn’t be able to play sports or do half the things he does now. They’re so proud of all he’s been able to accomplish physically and in school. Online school has helped him show everyone what a brilliant child he is.

Students Get to Be Themselves

Online students can be themselves; they don’t have to fit into a set box to succeed academically or socially.

Sarai is a natural entertainer who incorporates joy, laughter, and dance into everything she does. That unfortunately translated to being disruptive in a traditional school setting. Now though, she can focus in her classes and on her assignments without having to dim her light. She’s super inquisitive, can work pretty independently, and often takes on leadership roles in group work.

Ana can help redirect her focus if needed and support her more now in online school.

Q & A with Ana

What is it like doing school at home with your whole family? How do you navigate all that as the Learning Coach?

Every day is different, and we can schedule each one in a way that works best for all of us.

Our anchors are live classes and anything like that with a set scheduled time. We make sure to set up each day so that those things get done and work the rest of the day’s responsibilities around them. For example, both Micah and Sarai have live classes first thing in the morning, so we try not to schedule anything outside of the house for that time.

The great thing about online school, though, is that if we do have to be away from home at any time, we can bring the laptops with us and use our phones as hotspots to finish any important work. There’s always a built-in back up plan, no excuses.

Social Time

Micah and Sarai are social butterflies! They love to do activities outside when they can.

Ana plans things like family hikes and trips to the trampoline park, where they jump, hop, flip, and get their energy out. Both children like to play basketball, and Sarai is in a dance class.

In addition to social activities in your local community, K12-powered schools also have a collection of clubs and other extracurricular activities for students and their families to join.

SEE EXTRACURRICULARS AND EVENTS

More Q & A with Ana

How does the school support you?

We get regular check-ins from the support team at the school; every few weeks we’ll get a message asking how things are going and if we need anything. Technical support checks in, too, which we don’t usually need help with but it’s nice they ask. It seems like somebody is always on top of things and ready to keep us updated.

Do you have any advice for families that might be considering online school?

The best advice I could give is don’t underestimate the power you have to teach your children. Just because you may not be a certified teacher doesn’t mean you can’t help them in this kind of Learning Coach role. You know your child better than anybody, plus schools powered by K12 have great teachers and teams of support to help you along the way.