There's so much to know about the K¹² International Academy, you're bound to have questions. Here you'll find answers to common questions on the topics most important to you.

Are there independent study options for high school students?

High school students can choose from full- or part-time options; with the exception of foreign language, K¹² only offers teacher-supported high school courses. Like almost every quality provider of effective distance learning courses in high school, K¹² has found that, given the more complex material of high school, students learn best with the support of a qualified, capable, knowledgeable teacher. High school students can also benefit from a unique team of teachers, advisors, counselors, and customer service representatives who are dedicated to helping students achieve post-high-school success, whether that's working full-time or attending a 4-year university of their choice.

Can students work at their own pace?

The K-8 program offers a great degree of flexibility. A suggested lesson plan is provided to the parent or "learning coach" each week, which updates automatically as students progress through the curriculum. The parent/learning coach can vary the lesson plan, to accommodate the student's pace or abilities: for instance, some kids do better when they can concentrate their Math studies for longer hours per day but fewer days per week. The experienced K¹² International Academy teacher works in conjunction with the parent/learning coach to facilitate student progress through the daily lessons and to modify the pace and schedule according to individual student needs.

In the high school program, students are expected to be more accountable for their daily progress and time management. The student is expected to move at a more consistent pace with her or his "class," in each subject, though there is room for flexibility. There are weekly and sometimes daily assignments and due dates. Students are expected to complete assignments and submit them on or prior to the due date or the grade may be penalized. Students can work whenever they want, including over the weekend, and at their own pace, but must meet due dates for assignments. If students have a call scheduled with a teacher or have a synchronous online session, they are expected to attend those meetings.

How long will I have to complete a course?

The K-8 program is a mastery-based model. However, course access will terminate on the last day of the school year. Upon re-enrollment and at the start of the enrollment session, students can continue in a course from the point at which they left off.

The high school program is based on a 90-day per semester instructional model. Whether a course is one semester or two semesters, course access will terminate on the last day of the course schedule at which time the teacher will assign final course grades.

What is the role of the teacher?

In the K-8 program, an experienced teacher is assigned to each child and communicates with parents and students on a regular basis through e-mail, telephone, and online Web meetings. Teachers remain constantly involved to monitor progress, ensure mastery, and develop specific intervention plans when a child is struggling. The teacher manages all facets of the instructional experience, while the parent acts as the learning coach and is responsible for instruction on an ongoing basis.

K¹² high school courses are taught by teachers specifically experienced in their respective subjects. They grade students' assignments and assessments, respond to student questions via e-mail or phone, conduct online tutorial sessions to reinforce difficult topics, and conduct online "office hours" to allow students to "drop in" with questions. With K¹² teachers at the helm, parents don't need to worry about having expertise in high school subjects.

How do I communicate with my teacher?

Communications with your teacher can take place via e-mail, phone, online synchronous sessions, and/or office hours. The most consistent method of contact will be e-mail. Teacher availability will vary due to time zone differences. Teachers will address concerns within 24 hours, Monday through Friday, with the exception of school holidays.

Where can I view my grades?

Both parents and students can view grades along with course progress and attendance history in the secure communications tool, My Info. A link to the My Info tool can be found in the K¹² learning management systems.

Who is my support team?

The K¹² International Academy program was founded on a team structure with the purpose of delivering high-touch, end-to-end support to students and parents. The team is responsible for guiding students and parents on a personalized journey to success—in short, they ensure all students reach their xPotential™.

Members of this support team include the following:

• Teachers
• Academic Coaching and Counseling Services
• Academic and Career Guidence Counselors
• Admissions Advisors
• Customer Care Representatives
• Technical Support Representatives

This team of professionals is composed of experts in all aspects of online curriculum development and delivery, and is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and support. The team is committed to building extraordinary students with extraordinary character.

What is an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP)?

Every full-time student enrolled in the K¹² International Academy will receive an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), mapping out multi-year personalized learning strategies. The ILP is designed to organize and properly sequence the student's course work while helping articulate the student's academic strengths and weaknesses. For middle and high school students, the ILP expands to include academic objectives, including post-secondary goals for college and/or career. The development of the ILP is a collaborative team process involving all parties—the student, parent, teachers, guidance counselor, and advisor.

The ILP is just one more way K¹² helps each student reach his or her xPotential. We know from cognitive research that students who have clearly identified their academic goals in writing are more likely to achieve academic success than those who have not done so. We'll supply the paper (via the Web), and the stimulus for the imagination; your students will supply the dreams.