Facts About K12 Public Virtual Schools
What is a virtual public school?
A tuition-free virtual school is basically public school at home or anywhere there's an internet connection. K12-powered virtual schools combine the benefits of traditional public schools—such as certified teachers, quality curriculum, and student clubs—with the personalized attention and convenience of online learning from the safety and comfort of home.
How does it work?
At K12-powered schools, students participate in live, online sessions (called Class Connects) taught by state-certified teachers. Coursework is a mix of online and offline lessons and activities.* Students receive a personalized approach to an engaging curriculum. Take a closer look at how online learning works.
Are there virtual private schools?
Yes! In addition to virtual public schools, K12 powers three, tuition-based private schools. We also offer individual courses for purchase.
Is virtual school the same as homeschool?
No. Virtual schools are not homeschools, nor are the students who attend virtual schools considered "homeschooled." Students at K12-powered schools:
Receive instruction and support from state-certified teachers
Follow an established curriculum
Receive grades, transcripts, and report cards
Are required to take state assessment tests
Are expected to follow state attendance and academic progress policies
Receive the support of school administrators and office staff
Earn a diploma upon graduation
What is my role as the parent of a child in virtual school?
Educators agree that strong parental involvement is important to a child's academic success. In K12-powered schools, a parent (or another responsible adult) is an active participant as their child's Learning Coach. Parents have access to K12-powered teachers for assistance and can even attend parent–teacher conferences. Learn more facts about virtual school from a parent perspective and check out the resources available for Learning Coaches.
Is socialization part of the virtual school experience?
K12-powered virtual schools offer many opportunities for students, parents, and teachers to connect and build lasting relationships within the school community.
See what A Day in the Life of several K12-powered students looks like, including their school-based clubs, community service, and other extracurriculars activities.
How much funding do public virtual schools receive?
On average, public virtual schools receive 30 percent less funding than traditional public schools. The majority of costs in a high-quality public virtual school go directly to student instruction, with teacher salaries often being the highest expense category.
It’s also important to remember that not all virtual public schools are alike. There are differences between high-quality, full time, statewide public virtual schools, like K12-powered schools, and other programs that offer simple correspondence or supplemental courses. Scaled-down programs usually cost significantly less to run.
What about academics and accountability?
Like traditional brick-and-mortar schools, public virtual schools must meet certain requirements. K12-powered schools are subject to academic and fiscal accountability requirements and audits, and must complete state-required reporting.
*Course materials vary by course and school. Please check with your school about offline course materials.
