How Online School Works at K12-Powered Schools

Set your child up for success with personalized learning at a K12-powered online school.

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How Online Learning Works

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.

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Learn

Attend live online classes, complete assignments, watch videos, and take quizzes.

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Discuss

Participate in live discussions, post on message boards, and connect with peers.

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Experience

Complete practical assignments offline to help reinforce concepts.

WHY K12

Go Further with K12

Families find what they need to succeed with K12: a personalized approach to learning, inspiring educators, engaging technology, flexible scheduling, community support, and more.

Top Five Things to Know About Online School

Get a true feel for how online learning works with K12.

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  • 1. What does online school actually look like?

    Students and Learning Coaches log on to their online school portal to access schedules, attend lessons, complete assignments, see grades, and communicate with teachers.

  • 2. Are there teachers and live classes?

    Yes! Students attend live, regularly scheduled lessons led by state-certified teachers.

3. What is a Learning Coach?

A Learning Coach is a trusted adult who helps support, motivate, and guide their student through a successful school year. Depending on your child’s grade level, the Learning Coach time commitment will range from 4–6 hours to 1–3 hours per day.

4. Is there work outside of class?

Yes—outside of class, students participate in self-led assignments with support from their Learning Coach.

5. How should you schedule your school day?

Outside of live classes, students and Learning Coaches can set a schedule that works with their unique needs and commitments.

The Student Experience at K12-Powered Schools

Online learning at K12-powered schools works through a combination of live virtual classes, online and offline activities, and reliable support from teachers, parents, and students working together. This creates a balance for students to engage in their learning, discover their passions, and quickly address any challenge points.

K12-powered online schools are tailored to meet diverse learning needs of students in grades K–12, and every student is engaged, elevated, and empowered to be their very best.

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Learn

Students learn through an engaging mix of live online instruction, offline activities, self-paced assignments, videos, quizzes, and games.

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Connect

Students socialize in a safe virtual environment and deepen bonds both online and offline through clubs and activities.

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Grow

Teachers and tech support are available 24/7 via our online platform, so families get help whenever they need it.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Real Students, Real Stories

Variety is key to the K12 experience. Students balance online classes with engaging offline activities, like inspecting fossils under a microscope or observing marine life at the local aquarium. Each experience is unique, and you can hear more from online school families.

STUDENT SUCCESS

A Platform for Personalized Learning

With K12, each student receives an education tailored to their academic needs and passions, whether that’s exploring engineering courses or learning more about entrepreneurship.

Explore the Online Learning Platform

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Grades K-5 Tour

Discover what K12-powered online school is like for elementary school students and their Learning Coaches.

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Grades 6-12 Tour

See how middle and high school students at K12-powered schools learn in the ways that are best for them.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

How Online Learning Works for Parents

As a parent or guardian, you have unique access to your student’s learning. Serving as their “Learning Coach,” you or another trusted adult will help provide the support your child needs to succeed. This may include recording attendance, monitoring mastery of lessons and assessments, addressing challenges as they arise, and, on occasion, reviewing student work.

As your student progresses through the various grade levels, the time commitment for the Learning Coach will change. Younger students need considerably more support from their Learning Coaches, while online middle and high school students can work more independently.

4–6

HRS

Grades K–2

4–6

HRS

Grades 3–5

1–3

HRS

Grades 6–8

1–3

HRS

Grades 9–12

How much time will my child spend online?

All grade levels include online and offline work. Learning Coaches for younger students can expect their students to spend much of their time exploring concepts through offline activities with less screen time required. Students in grades K–2 typically spend 30–40% of their time online.

In higher grade levels, screen time increases. Those in grades 3–5 spend about 50–60% of their learning time online. In middle and high school, the majority of the school day will be spent online, although there are opportunities for offline work as well.

How Socializing Works at an Online School

At K12-powered schools, we know how important social interaction is for intellectual and social development. Students spend time together online in classes as well as during school outings, field trips, and clubs.* K12-powered online schools also offer national clubs to help students connect with peers who have similar interests.

TEACHER SUPPORT

Support Every Step of the Way

Students receive one-to-one support from teachers who celebrate their unique learning style and use innovative educational technologies and tools to guide success.

Embrace an A+ Education

All K12-powered public schools adhere to state testing, school accountability, and attendance policies, with graduates earning a high school diploma. Students benefit from:

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An Innovative Curriculum

Every learning style is supported at K12-powered schools. Through live lessons, hands-on exercises, videos, quizzes, games, and more, your child can embrace what works best for them.

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Engaging Lesson Plans

Lessons are mapped to state requirements and personalized for your child, inspiring students to discover a lifelong love of learning.

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Helpful Online Tools

Students and Learning Coaches can easily access assignments, engage in live virtual instruction, and communicate with teachers through our online learning portal.

Resources

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Start Online Learning Strong

Empower your child with a K12-powered education.

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Game Plan for Success

K12 sets students up for success with the tools they need to thrive.

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Tips for Everyday Success

Discover everyday tips to ensure a successful learning journey. 

A School Without Walls

K12-powered online schools provide the optimal balance of structure and flexibility. With a customizable online learning environment, our education experience can be tailored to your unique learner.

Students experience quality curriculum delivered in a fun, interactive, and engaging way. See your student discover their full potential with a K12-powered online school.

How do I get started?

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I’m Ready to Find a School

K12-powered public and private schools are available all over the country. Select your location for a list of available options.

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I’m Ready to Enroll

Create a Parent Portal account to begin the enrollment process.

*Extracurricular activities and clubs vary by school. Please check with your school.