What Online School Looks Like: A Student Day in the Life Q&A With Selena

By: Selena W., 11th grade student and SAC intern

SAC Blog Series: Each year, the K12 Marketing Department hires a cohort of high school interns known as the Student Advisory Council or SAC. This year, the talented group of students is creating social media content across platforms to help build brand awareness and engage our audiences around the online learning experience.

Let’s get to know these amazing SAC students. We asked them what makes online school so great, and here’s what Selena had to say.

My K12 Why

What do you like about online school? Why does online learning work for you?

I really like the flexibility and comfort that online school provides for me. My schedule changes daily so that flexibility helps me complete work at my own pace and time.

Why did you switch to online school?

I switched to online school because I wasn’t learning well in a brick-and-mortar school environment, and my grades were not at their best. Ever since I switched, my grades have improved significantly and I’m able to understand lessons more easily.

What has your experience been compared to your previous school?

My experience has been less stressful compared to my previous school. I also have more free time for myself and I can go hang out with my friends. We like to go to the mall or the movies if we’re not hanging out at home.

Did anything surprise you about online school?

The electives and extensive help offered to students surprised me. For example, I’m taking criminology and business communications classes to align with my goal of going into forensic accounting.

My Online School Day

Can you describe a typical day and week for your virtual school experience?

Well, my typical day usually begins around 7 AM. First, I wash my face and do my skincare. Second, I brush my teeth and change my clothes. Third, I prepare myself with music (usually) or sometimes stretching. Then, I make myself a good breakfast.

Afterwards, I log into the K12 online learning system to view current or any overdue assignments. If I have work to do, I’ll do a chunk of it right then. Here, it’s usually time for live online class sessions! At 11:45 AM, I usually eat lunch and go on my phone before going back to classes at 12:55 PM. After all my classes are finished, I begin homework. After homework, I help with cleaning and chores. Lastly, I go through my evening routine, preparing my laptop and clothes for the following morning.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays usually look like that. On Tuesdays and Fridays, I have fewer classes so I usually get ahead on homework or spend time with my siblings watching movies or playing games. On Saturdays and Sundays, I’ll usually help clean my house and take a chill day, or two.

My favorite part of the day would be when I’m finally done, have completed my tasks for the day, and feel that sense of accomplishment as I lay down to rest.

What classes are you taking right now?

Aside from usual standard classes, I’m taking honors classes including American literature and algebra II, and criminology as an elective. I’m in the Business Management pathway as part of our school’s Career and College Prep program. I took a business management class last year. This year, I’m taking business communications.

I’d say English is my favorite subject.

What do you like to do on your breaks?

I like to usually go on my phone and be on social media. Sometimes, I prefer to watch a movie or show.

My Teachers & Classmates

Can you tell us more about your teachers?

My teachers are honestly really chill. As long as you complete the given assignments, do good work, and participate, they and the classes they teach are enjoyable. They support me by offering various help resources for assignments, step-by-step videos of lessons, and hosting live support sessions.

How do you stay connected with friends? Have you met friends through online school?

Yes! I have made good friends from online school and stay connected with them through the K12 Zone.

What are your hobbies?

I love to bake and draw, and I’m able to do those things due to the flexibility that comes with online schooling. I can move the times I would do my homework to later in the day in order to do my activities and hobbies.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

My workspace is so peaceful. I love that I have a window view because it evokes tranquility for me. It helps me wind down from exterior frustrations and focus on my work.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

I want to go to an in-state university, get my bachelor’s degree, and eventually become a forensic accountant. Online school is definitely preparing me and paving the way for my college education and future in business-related endeavors.

Thank you, Selena! To learn more about the K12 Student Advisory Council, visit their webpage, or see how your high school student can thrive in online school with K12-powered programs.

Selena is a 2025 student at a K12-powered school in CA, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.