About Us
Why K12?
Safety Needs
How Students Succeed
FAQs
Online Elementary School
Online Middle School
Career and College Prep
Online High School
Student Clubs
Career and College Services
Inside the Online Classroom
A Day in the Life
Social & Extracurricular
Advice, Tips & Inspiration
Benefits for Life
Enroll
All School Options
Need More Help?How to Find Online Schools in California for K-12 Students?
California students in kindergarten through 12th grade can attend a K12-powered online public school — including California Virtual Academies (CAVA), iQ Academy California, and Insight Schools of California — tuition-free for eligible residents. Tuition-based private options are also available statewide. Use the school finder to compare programs by grade level.
How Do You Enroll in Online Schools in California?
Families interested in an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar schools can attend an online school in California and benefit from K12’s interactive online platform, scheduling flexibility, personalized learning, and robust curriculum.
How Does Personalized Learning Work in California Online Schools?
K12-powered online schools empower California students with personalized learning and the tools they need to find their own path and succeed throughout their academic careers. Online courses give students the flexibility to spend more time on challenging topics, catch up where necessary and move quickly through subjects they grasp more easily. They can learn at their own pace in a safe, virtual environment.
Students in California online schools also receive the support they need through live classes and individual help sessions with credentialed teachers.
What Are the Benefits of Online Schools in California?
Students who attend online schools in California benefit from a flexible class pace and schedule, additional parental involvement, a robust online curriculum, and fewer distractions. They also have access to social opportunities and exciting class options not always found in traditional brick-and-mortar school settings.
Some key benefits of K12-powered California online schools include:
- Live online classes taught by California-credentialed teachers
- Robust curriculum combining online and hands-on learning
- Fewer distractions from peers and social pressures
- Interactive lessons, learning games, and videos
- Direct parental involvement as Learning Coaches
- Exciting extracurricular options, including unique, teacher-led online clubs
What Is the Difference Between Public and Private Online Schools in California?
K12 powers both online public and online private schools. Available in most states, K12-powered online public schools are tuition-free. They offer tuition-free education just as traditional schools do, funded through local, state, and federal tax revenue.
K12-powered elite private schools charge tuition and are designed to empower students to learn in any environment on a schedule that works best for them. Each K12-powered private school has its own fee structure and unique offerings tailored to your specific needs.
What Online School Options Are Available for Each Grade Level in California?
Whether your student is just starting kindergarten, expanding their knowledge in middle school, or preparing for college in high school,* you can find a great California online school powered by K12. If a public school is unavailable for your grade level, private schools are available at all levels. Throughout their entire education, students will receive the support they need from teachers, counselors, and other school faculty.
What Is Online Elementary School Like in California?
Young children learn through exploration, and K12-powered schools emphasize this for our youngest learners. Lessons include hands-on learning both on- and offline for a comprehensive experience. Learning Coaches can expect to spend 3 to 6 hours with their students each school day.
What Is Online Middle School Like in California?
In middle school, students become more independent learners as they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Families love the one-to-one attention, hands-on activities, and social opportunities K12-powered middle schools provide. Learning Coaches typically spend 2 to 4 hours a day with their students.
What Is Online High School Like in California?
In high school, students continue developing skills to prepare for college and the professional world. The learning experience is tailored to each student, allowing them to explore their own path with exciting electives, career prep, and more. Learning Coaches typically spend less time with high school students, around 1 to 3 hours per day.
Student Spotlight
Students of K12-powered online schools have the support and resources they need to make a name for themselves in their communities and beyond. Check out Kalani, a star online student in California.
Awards & Recognition
K12 meets the highest standards of educational management and has been recognized with awards and accolades for its curriculum, programming, and technology.
- Cognia-Accredited
- Award-Winning Curriculum
- Research-Backed Curriculum
- State-Credentialed Teachers
Which Online Schools Are Available in California?
FAQs for Online Schools in California
Yes, as part of Stride, Inc., a Cognia-accredited corporation, K12 meets the highest standards of educational management. Additionally, many individual K12-powered schools are accredited by a variety of respected accreditation bodies.
K12-powered online school in California has the same time commitment as conventional brick-and-mortar schools, which averages about 5 to 6 hours per day, plus homework assignments. Days include live online classes, group activities, study sessions, and offline projects.
Still have questions? Explore all our FAQs.
Yes. K12-powered online public schools in California are tuition-free for residents since they’re accredited public schools.
California families can choose from online public school, online private school, or homeschool programs through K12.
Yes, K12 allows midyear transfers so families aren’t limited to enrolling only at the start of the school year.
How to Enroll in California Online School
With K12-powered online schools in California, students receive an education tailored to their needs and interests, empowering them to set and achieve their goals now and in the future. If you have any questions before getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out.
*Grade-bands offered by K12-powered public schools vary. K12-powered private schools are available in all states, serving students in grades PK–12. Browse schools above or use the School Finder tool to find a school that suits your student’s needs.