Tuition-free online public schools
Families across the United States are choosing online public school as an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar options. The benefits that K12-powered virtual public schools provide are vast, offering students of all ages access to a strong education, an engaging curriculum, plenty of social interaction, and a much more flexible schedule.
How does online tuition-free public school work?
K12-powered public schools online are similar to traditional schools in several ways.
Just like brick-and-mortar schools, K12-powered online public schools:
Are tuition-free and full-time
Serve students in grades K–12
Have classes taught by state-certified teachers
Provide educational materials (textbooks, workbooks, and other hands-on materials*)
Follow a traditional school year schedule
Adhere to state requirements for curriculum and assessments
Award graduates a high school diploma
What are the advantages of tuition-free online public school?
Even though online public schools are similar to traditional brick-and-mortar schools in many ways, they also have some distinct advantages. Most importantly, students attending K12 online public schools can build a more flexible schedule, completing their studies at their own pace in an environment that works for them.
Learn more about how online tuition-free public school works by watching the videos below.
Hear directly from students and parents about the advantages and challenges of public school online learning.
K12 schools offer various opportunities for students to socialize so they never feel isolated. In this video, discover how socialization at a virtual public school works.
K12-powered tuition-free online public schools combine a strong curriculum with innovative technology and teacher support to help students reach their full potential, creating a foundation for continued learning.
Benefits of Public School Online
Flexible class pace
Students can spend more time on challenging topics and less time on those they master quickly.
Flexible schedule
Families can more easily accommodate appointments and lifestyle needs.
Parent involvement
Parents play a more hands-on role in their child’s education.
Fewer distractions
Creating your own school environment at home can help eliminate distractions found in a traditional classroom.
Challenges with Public School at Home
Time commitment
Students attend live online classes and have both online and offline assignments to complete.
Independent learning
Especially in earlier grades, students will need a dedicated learning coach to help them stay attentive and on track.
Learning coach time commitment
Online learning requires a time commitment from the learning coach for an average of 3–6 hours for elementary, 2–4 hours for middle, and 1–2 hours for high school students.
Are there different kinds of online public schools?
Yes, there are several kinds of tuition-free public schools online to meet families’ needs and preferences. K12 supports public schools serving students in all grade levels from kindergarten through 12th grade in states across the country.
Awards and 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-Certified Teachers
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Featured Stories
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FAQs
How much does online public school cost?
K12-powered public schools are tuition-free online public schools, meaning they are free for students to attend. As public schools, they’re funded through allocations of local, state, and federal tax revenue.
What is the time commitment for online public school?
Online schools require the same amount of time as a traditional school, which is between 5–6 hours per day. These days include both online and offline learning.
Do tuition-free online public schools grant high school students diplomas?
Yes! K12-powered high schools are diploma-granting institutions offering successful graduates a formal high school diploma that provides the same credentials as if they had earned them at a brick-and-mortar high school.
How involved are parents when their child attends public school at home?
Parents or other responsible adults act as their student’s Learning Coaches throughout their online education. In younger grades, the time commitment is higher. But as their student grows and becomes a more independent learner, the parent’s role becomes less involved.
● Elementary school Learning Coaches can expect to spend the full school day with their student, ranging from 3–6 hours
● Learning Coaches of middle school students typically spend closer to 2–4 hours with their student
● Learning coaches of high schoolers can expect between 1–2 hours per day assisting their student with school-related work or communications
How to Enroll in Tuition-Free Online Public School
Ready to discover the benefits of public schools online? You can find a participating school near you by using the School Finder below or get started today by enrolling. If you have any further questions, please get in touch today.
*Course materials vary by school and course.
**In-person opportunities vary by location.
✝︎Grade ranges vary by school.
‡Career fields vary by school. Please check with your school.
