Online Schools in California
As a national leader in online education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, K12 offers a variety of California online public schooling options to fit your child's needs. Each school is a full-time, tuition-free online public school. Please be aware that some schools only serve residents of specific areas. Check our School Finder to verify which online school options are available in your location.
K12's California online schooling options include:
California Virtual Academies (CAVA) | Grades K–12
The 9 independent California Virtual Academies are K12's longest established online options in the state and offer students a fully accredited education. Passionate, California-credentialed teachers partner with families to create personalized learning opportunities to help students succeed. The rigorous, engaging K–8 curriculum includes traditional core subjects, art, music, and world languages. A K–8 Advanced Learner Program challenges students and fosters creativity. Honors, AP®, and numerous elective courses are available for high school students preparing for college and career. Field trips, social events, student government, and clubs connect students and families to an active school community.
iQ Academy California-Los Angeles | Grades K–12
iQ Academy of California-Los Angeles helps students become independent, self-motivated learners by giving them a strong foundation and opportunities to explore interests and reach their academic potential. Serving residents of five southern California counties, the accredited online school offers an innovative use of technology, a rigorous and engaging curriculum, Individualized Learning Plans for each student, and a personalized approach tailored to different learning styles. Eligible high school students can earn college credits on select courses through concurrent enrollment available in partnership with local colleges. An active school community provides support and enrichment through a variety of activities, including service learning for all grade levels.
Insight Schools of California | Grades 9–12
The two Insight Schools of California offer individualized academic, social, and emotional support to help struggling high school students catch up and excel. Experienced teachers and counselors inspire students to work hard and achieve academic success. Special programs provide support to families and help students increase their self-confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills. Counselors also guide students with college and career goals and skills. (Note: Upon graduation, students wanting to enter a four-year university will first need to attend a two-year or community college to meet university entrance requirements.)
A3-California Prep | Grades K–12
A3-California Prep provides an education that's rigorous and flexible, with field trips and enrichment activities. The school also offers some high school courses approved by the University of California for dual credit.
A3-California TEK | Grades K–12
A3-California TEK is a technology-focused online school with a diverse range of courses and extracurricular activities.
A3-World Language Academy | Grades K–12
As part of the A3-World Language Academy core curriculum, students can immerse themselves in a world language, choosing from among six different languages and extracurricular language clubs. A wide variety of electives are also available, including career technical education courses.
Uplift California | Grades 9–12
Uplift California provides a flexible education for students aged 16–24, with community collaboration days, workforce partnerships, credit recovery options, and enrichment activities.
Learn more information about K12-powered online public schools in California.
How Does it Work?
Online Elementary School
For students in grades K–5, the curriculum is mastery-based, encouraging students to fully master each lesson at a pace suited to their ability. The Learning Coach, who is typically a parent or other family member, is heavily involved in guiding the student through the lessons each day and works closely with the teacher to monitor student progress. Teachers provide frequent instruction through live, online classroom sessions, and they are available for extra help via e-mail or during office hours.
Online Middle School
In grades 6–8, students begin to take more responsibility for their learning as they prepare to transition to high school, although the Learning Coach continues to provide guidance and oversight. Students now receive grades based on their performance, rather than the mastery approach of the elementary grade levels. Frequent, live, teacher-led, online class sessions help students prepare for tests, master challenging concepts, or address gaps in learning.
Online High School
K12-powered high school programs use subject-specific teachers and require students to stay on pace with the class each day. Students are graded on their performance and receive credits toward earning a diploma upon graduation. Live, teacher-led online sessions may be required. Teachers may also hold optional online "office hours" when students need extra help. Courses may be offered in a variety of levels, such as honors, AP®, and credit recovery. Learning Coach involvement varies based on the student’s motivation and abilities.
What Are Online Lessons Like?
K12-powered online public schools in California use the renowned curriculum developed by K12's team of experienced educational professionals. We invite you to explore these links to learn more about our outstanding, engaging curriculum and to try out some of our sample lessons:
What Is a Typical Online School Day Like?
Our website A Day in the Life is a fun, engaging place to meet three real K12 students and find out how they go through a standard school day. Through videos, images, and timelines, you'll see what individualized online learning looks like on an average day for Zachary (5th grade), Elayna (7th grade), Paola (11th grade), and their parents.
Attend a Live Event to Learn More
K12 sponsors live information events for families so you can talk directly with knowledgeable K12 representatives to learn more about our online school options in California. We offer in-person events at locations around the state as well as live online events.
Other Online School Options
Our School Finder page will help you discover all the best K12 online schooling options in California, the U.S., and worldwide, including our private, tuition-based online schools or K12's online public school options in other states.
Families do not pay tuition for a student to attend an online public school. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided. Our enrollment consultant can help address your technological and computer questions and needs.
