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

By: Naomi D., 12th 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 Naomi had to say.

My K12 Why

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

I really like being an online student. I’ve been able to work at my own pace, as well as gain the flexibility to complete my schoolwork on the go when needed. Online school works for me because I like to work on my own and create my personal schedule. I can tie both academics and personal activities into my routine, while having enough time in between.

Why did you switch to online school?

I became an online student in 6th grade and stayed with K12. Now I am an early graduate senior! I switched to online school because of COVID-19. My parents felt that it wasn’t safe to go back to my brick-and-mortar school, so I decided to stay with my K12-powered school.

The transition was actually pretty easy. To be honest, the first few days I was nervous because I did not know what being in an online class setting was going to be like, but I adapted to the change very well.

What has your experience been compared to your previous school?

My experience has been great! I’ve had a very unique experience as an online student. I’ve been able to take many honors, AP®, and dual credit courses, as well as be a part of clubs such as: Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), which are preparing me for my future. By taking these courses and being a part of the clubs, I even had the opportunity to graduate early!

Now, compared to my previous school, they didn’t offer many rigorous courses or academic clubs, so being able to have the opportunity to do this with my K12-powered school has been amazing!

What’s something you can do in online school that you couldn’t do in your old school?

Travel, 100%. Even if it’s just heading to run errands for the day, there’s no way I would have been able to do that in my regular school without being absent.

My Online School Day

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

My typical day and week go by pretty smoothly. I attend my live online classes each day, complete my schoolwork, participate in any club meetings, then I’m done for the day. Sometimes I do work a little later, but I certainly don’t mind. Some days it just depends on whether I would like to work during the day or in the evening.

What classes are you taking right now?

I am currently taking AP® biology, dual credit American literature, dual credit psychology, dual credit college preparation, counseling and mental health, and many other health related courses.

My favorite subject is biology.

I am in the healthcare therapeutic pathway at my school as part of Career and College Prep. I’ve taken health science and medical terminology courses and am currently taking anatomy and physiology, as well as pharmacology.

What do you like to do on your breaks?

I like to play with my two dachshunds, Dolly and Drakelyn, stretch, and even do a quick dance routine!

Can you talk about your dual enrollment experience with your college classes?

I’ve had such a great experience as a dual enrollment student! I have taken about 12 dual credit courses so far, though I am expected to graduate with 39 college hours, making me a sophomore when entering college. I also had the opportunity to be a part of my dual credit college’s Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, into which I was recently inducted. I’ve preferred taking dual credit courses. They’ve helped me work independently and gain credit for both high school and college.

My Teachers & Classmates

Who’s your favorite teacher?

My teachers are very supportive and generous. When it comes to communicating with them, they are great.

My favorite teacher is my pre-Calculus teacher from my 11th-grade year. This teacher was very helpful, supportive, and willing to help us understand the content. She’s also a part of the high school National Honor Society organization, which she runs alongside others, where I have been able to keep in contact with her.

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

Yes, I’ve met friends through online school. I’ve participated in the in-person outings my school organizes and met many friends at those. I like to stay connected with them through text, calls, and fun meet-ups we organize.

Are you in any school clubs?

Yes, I am in quite a few school clubs such as Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), SkillsUSA, National Honors Society, and Student Council. I’m also the representative of HOSA and secretary of FCCLA as well. It’s been fun holding a leadership role.

What are your hobbies?

In my free time, I like to attend hip hop dance classes at my dance studio. The flexibility of online learning helps me fit this extracurricular into my week. Usually after I have completed my schoolwork for the day, I head to dance!

Can you tell us about your workspace?

I like to have a comfy workspace in the comfort of my own home. Most of the time I like to work on my couch alongside my pets. The most interesting place I have done schoolwork in is in Albuquerque, New Mexico when I was on a trip.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

I would like to attend college to pursue a career as a neurologist.

Do you feel that online school is helping you prepare for the future?

Definitely! Being an online student has helped me take courses related to my healthcare concentration and connect to other opportunities outside of K12. For example, I received two conference invitations related to medicine and healthcare, as well as psychology and neuroscience. Moreover, I had the opportunity to be invited to leadership events on behalf of my grades and GPA, which stood out to the conference organizations. Mind you, these are my top universities that I want to attend, so being able to even have received the invite meant so much to me.

What advice do you have for other students and families considering the switch to a K12-powered online school?

I would advise that you take advantage of what K12 has to offer! It is so much more than just taking courses online, the preparation and flexibility the schools offer each student are so great!

Thank you, Naomi! 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.

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