Since their popularization, Online K12 schools have become a flexible and effective alternative to traditional classrooms. However, since it still isn’t as popular as traditional methods of K12 education, many people wonder how online schools work.
Let’s see if we, as an online K–12 school, can effectively showcase what virtual learning looks like to someone unfamiliar with it.
What is an Online School (in K-12)?
K–12 refers to the educational system covering kindergarten through 12th grade. It’s commonly used in the United States, Canada, and some other countries. It describes the school years of publicly supported primary and secondary education before college or university.
Online schools or virtual schools are virtual learning platforms that deliver a full academic curriculum through the internet.
When it comes to what K12 online school is, it refers to the full educational experience from kindergarten through 12th grade, completed entirely in a digital format.
Instead of going to school, students log into a secure learning management system (LMS). They can access lessons, assignments, and interact with certified teachers and classmates. They access the LMS from home or any location with an internet connection.
Children in elementary, middle, or high school follow a structured curriculum. It often aligns with certain standards, just like any other school. EduWW, for example, uses a United States based curriculum.
How Does Online K12 Education Work?
The experience can vary by grade level.
Most online K12 schools, including EduWW, offer a well-structured, engaging learning environment and quality education.
It is done through a mix of group and individual classes.
Here is what you can expect from an online K-12 school.
Learning Platform
Each day begins with students logging into a distance learning platform or also called “Learning Management System (LMS).
It is where they complete coursework, assignments, and resources are organized by subjects.
This platform serves as the hub for all learning activities.
Online Classes: Group & Individual
Classes are an essential part of the online schooling experience, offering structured interaction alongside independent work.
Group classes are:
- Typically held at scheduled times;
- Designed for interaction among students and a teacher;
- There to help build collaboration, communication skills, and community.
These small-group sessions typically include 10–15 students. Group classes are scheduled at specific times.
hey are designed to encourage real-time interaction with teachers and peers.
In elementary, middle, and high school, these sessions offer valuable opportunities for collaboration, debate, and social development.
Students across different time zones attend online classes that are thoughtfully scheduled to accommodate global learners.
Individual classes are:
- One-on-one sessions tailored to a student’s needs.
- Scheduled based on student availability.
- Ideal for personalized support or deeper learning.
One-on-one sessions are a core principle of personalized learning in online schools. These can be booked based on the student’s convenience and focus on targeted academic support.
Individual classes allow tutors to get familiar with each student’s pace and learning style.
Working on Assignments
After classes, students work independently on assignments, readings, or project-based work.
They have deadlines, but they can finish and submit the assignment earlier.
They can receive a grade and feedback sooner as well, which is what the flexibility of online courses allows.
Assignments are unlocked in sequence, encouraging students to follow the material in logical order.
Once all coursework in a given lesson is complete and the final test passed, the system unlocks the next unit.
How Progress Is Measured Online
Unlike traditional schools that rely solely on letter grades, many online programs (including EduWW’s model) use comprehensive progress tracking:
- Lessons — 25%
- Quizzes — 25%
- Essays & Projects — 25%
- Tests — 25%
Assignments are weighted evenly to ensure that students understand the material from multiple angles.
Students can view their overall progress percentage at any time via the platform, helping them identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Teachers also monitor this progress and provide support as needed, offering guidance when a student struggles or encouragement when they succeed.
Interactive Activities and Assessments
Online schools often incorporate multimedia content, educational games, and quizzes to reinforce understanding.
These tools make students learn in dynamic and engaging ways.
That is especially beneficial to younger students who benefit from interactive formats.
Interaction With Teachers & the Platform
Though much of the learning happens independently, online schooling is not self-guided in isolation.
Teachers are actively involved:
- Teachers monitor student progress closely;
- Students can message teachers directly for help inside the platform;
- Live support and one-on-one sessions are available when needed.
- They provide feedback necessary for evaluating the student’s progress and improvement
This ensures students stay supported throughout their learning journey.
Customized Learning Experiences
One of the biggest advantages of online K-12 education is personalization.
Students don’t have to learn at the same pace as their peers.
Instead, they can advance quickly through subjects they excel in and spend extra time on more challenging topics.
This flexibility helps learners stay motivated and minimizes the pressure that comes with traditional timetables.
Types of K12 Online Schools
There are different ways K12 online schooling can be structured, depending on the needs of the student:
- Blended or Hybrid Learning: Some students combine online learning with traditional schooling. This option allows students to attend a physical school part-time while completing the rest of their education online;
- Full-Time Online Schools: Students are fully enrolled in an online school and do not attend any physical classes. Their entire curriculum is completed online. Our online school, EduWW, is a full-time online school.
Who Can Benefit from K12 Online School?
K12 online education is suitable for some types of students while others may prefer more traditional methods of education.
Some groups who may particularly benefit from this model include:
- Students with Busy Schedules: Athletes, performers, and children involved in activities that require travel or unusual hours often find online schooling convenient. It provides the flexibility they need to manage both their education and their other commitments;
- Students Who Need Extra Flexibility: For families who travel frequently due to work, such as diplomats or military personnel, online schooling allows children to maintain a consistent education no matter where they are;
- Gifted Learners: Children who excel academically may find traditional classrooms too slow-paced. Online K12 schools allow these students to move through the curriculum at their own speed, ensuring they remain engaged and challenged;
- Children with Medical Needs: For students who are unable to attend regular school due to medical conditions, online schooling offers a convenient way to continue their education without missing important lessons;
- Parents Who Prefer Homeschooling: Some parents switch to K12 online schools as an alternative to traditional homeschooling. This allows parents to be more involved in their child’s education while ensuring they receive a structured curriculum from certified teachers.
Is K12 Online School Reliable?
That depends on the school and the platform you choose for your child.
We already mentioned that K12 online education is nothing new, and you can come across a variety of e-learning platforms/schools.
The first thing you should look for is if a particular online school has all the required permissions, accreditations and approvals.
Why Should You Consider the EduWW School?
EduWW is an online K-12 school approved by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI).
Also, we are accredited by WASC which gives our High school diploma additional edge.
Our education standards are also recognized by Quality Matters, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and improving the quality of online and blended education.
You can learn more about our credentials here.
We take a lot of pride in our learning program, and interactivity of the platform that engages kids, and somewhat motivates them to learn.
Besides that, we offer easy access with no bureaucracy, affordable tuition fee and full transparency without extra costs.
Enroll your child today!
Online education is our present, and the way the world is heading, it seems that is our future, too. Why not take its advantages right now?
Curious to find out more about EduWW? Explore our curriculums per grades. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, write us at [email protected].
