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All School Options
Need More Help?Is Public or Private Online School Best?
K12 Provides Both.
K12 powers both tuition-free online public schools and tuition-based online private schools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Public schools are state-funded and limited to residents of participating states; private schools, like K12 Private Academy, charge tuition but accept students nationwide and internationally with year-round enrollment.
Are K12 Public and Private Online Schools Affordable?
Available in most states, K12-powered online public schools are tuition-free. Further, K12’s variety of fee-based elite private schools can be subsidized through vouchers or scholarships.
ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
How Do K12-Powered Online Public Schools Work?
K12-powered online public schools offer the same tuition-free education as traditional schools — funded through local, state, and federal tax revenue. Students follow a regular school year calendar and spend five to six hours per day with highly engaging curricula taught by state-certified teachers. They also participate in a variety of live classes, independent study periods, and extracurricular activities.
Uniquely, online public schools benefit students and families with:
Flexible schedules to accommodate appointments and lifestyle needs.
Personalized pacing to spend more time on challenges and master other topics quickly.
Hands-on parental involvement and visibility into what children learn.
Fewer distractions and social pressures compared to traditional classroom settings.
Access to a wide variety of national and local clubs, contests, sports, and activities.
ONLINE PRIVATE SCHOOLS
How Do K12-Powered Online Private Schools Work?
Sometimes states don’t offer funding for free public online schools. That’s where tuition-based online private schools come in. While each K12 private school has its own fee structure and unique offerings, all K12 private schools include state-certified teachers, flexible scheduling, a supportive community, Career and College Prep, and a quality curriculum that meets state and national standards.
In addition, K12-powered private online schools offer:
A vibrant, international student body and affiliation with global organizations.
Low teacher-to-student ratios, individual counseling, and early intervention.
Advanced career prep opportunities at no additional cost for grades 6-12.
Full-time or flexible dual enrollment options.
Faith-based electives (available at some schools).
PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE ONLINE EDUCATION
How Do Public and Private Online Schools Compare?
When choosing between a public online school or a private online school, parents should consider factors such as: teacher-to-student ratio, support and counseling programs, specialized courses, academic affiliations, and overall cost.
How does public and private education compare? Take a look.
| Public Schools | Private Schools | |
| Availability | Select states and regions | All states and most regions |
| Tuition | Free, no tuition | Fees vary by school, as low as $450/semester |
| Funding | Local, state, federal | Individual families and donors |
| Grades | K-12 | K-12 |
| Time commitment | Full-time (5-6 hours) | Full or part-time/dual enroll |
| State-certified teachers | Yes | Yes |
| Teaching methods | K12-trained | K12-trained |
| Specialized courses | Yes | Yes |
| Faith-based electives | No | Yes |
| College prep courses | Most schools, grades 6-12 | All schools, grades 6-12 |
| Local clubs, sports, activities | Yes | Yes |
COST CONSIDERATIONS
How Are Public and Private Online Schools Funded?
Learn more about how each type of online school gets funded:
Public funding
Virtual public schools offer a remarkable educational experience, supported by a blend of federal, state, and local funding, just like traditional public schools. While some districts might face challenges in providing a top-notch, full-time, statewide online program, there are alternatives to explore, including online private schools.
Private school vouchers
Online private school is funded by individual families and donors. When it comes to funding your child’s education, don’t worry — at K12, we believe every student deserves an exceptional, accredited education, regardless of their financial circumstances. Vouchers, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs set students on the path to success.
FAQs
Online public school is tuition-free and follows state academic standards, while online private school is tuition-based and may offer specialized curriculum, religious instruction, or international studies.
The right fit depends on your family’s budget, academic goals, and whether you want a free, state-aligned public school or a paid program with more curriculum flexibility, like an online private school.
Yes, K12-powered public and private online schools are accredited, ensuring the coursework and diplomas meet recognized academic standards.
Ready to get started?
I’m ready to find a school.
Accredited K12-powered online schools are available all over the U.S. Select your state for a list of local options.
I’m ready to enroll.
Simply create a Parent Portal account or log in to your existing account to get started.