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Online Learning vs. Traditional Public School

Discover what sets online learning apart from traditional in-person school, and see what’s best for your family.

How are Online and Traditional Public School Similar?

K12 online public school and traditional public school have many things in common, including:

Tuition-free enrollment.
Courses taught by state-certified teachers
Collaborative group work and project-based learning
Social opportunities and extracurricular activities
Online and in-person events
A traditional school year calendar
Adherence to all state testing requirements

What Sets Online Learning Apart?

Instead of commuting to school every day, online students learn in virtual classrooms — from teachers who are experts in online education. Free from rigid schedules and distracting environments, each child progresses at their own pace — in the comfort of their own place. Online learning with K12 allows you to customize your child’s education in a way that suits your schedule and empowers them to explore their interests.

All K12 students are supported by a strong curriculum and consistent academic guidance aligned with their unique learning style.

Learning occurs through live online instruction and discussion, virtual quizzes and assessments, and offline assignments. Students can also connect with peers, post on message boards, and explore in-person extracurricular activities.

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What Other Opportunities Does Online School Offer?

Traditional public schools don’t typically support flexible schedules or offer a wide range of course options. Online schooling with K12 goes above and beyond to provide students and families with more schedule flexibility and course customization. We also offer:

How Involved Are K12 Parents?

K12 parents play an integral part in their child’s education, serving as Learning Coaches to guide student success. Learning Coaches provide ongoing academic support and guidance —keeping students on track and communicating with their teachers.

As Learning Coaches, K12 parents are typically more involved than traditional public school parents. Time commitments vary by grade level, but all Learning Coaches get dedicated support from K12 through supplementary materials and an active online community.

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What Does the Online School Experience Look Like?

K12 takes a comprehensive approach to online learning, offering a combination of live virtual instruction and offline activities. Students complete interactive activities, participate in offline and online assignments, take quizzes, and can explore extracurricular activities or clubs that speak to their unique interests.