Frequently Asked Questions
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers.
We don’t just offer a one-size-fits-all private school experience. Our portfolio of online programs cater to a wide range of needs—from complete flexibility to rigorous college prep. Find the right fit for your child based on your family’s top priorities below:
General Questions…

Online school works much like traditional school with the added convenience of a virtual platform. Students learn from anywhere there’s an internet connection on our Online Learning System (OLS) while enjoying a world-class curriculum and consistent academic guidance to support their unique learning needs.
In traditional homeschooling, parents choose the curriculum and hold primary responsibility for instructing their children. K12 Private programs provide many options for home-based education, one of which is online homeschooling. We also offer full-time, teacher-supported education options that share similar requirements and benefits of traditional brick-and-mortar private schools.
All high school graduates from K12-powered schools receive a state-issued diploma.
K12 is a Cognia-accredited corporation and meets the highest standards of educational management. Cognia is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide through accreditation, research, and professional services.
Cognia-accredited organizations share a unified, clear, and powerful accreditation process designed to help schools continuously improve.
Additionally, many K12-powered schools are accredited by a wide variety of respected accreditation bodies, including:
- Northwest Accreditation Commission
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- NCA Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
Tuition & Affordability…

Tuition and fees vary by program. Additionally, we offer several options for financial aid and assistance, based on your family’s needs, location and enrollment choices.
Questions About Academics…

Some K12 Private Programs provide the support, accommodations, and modifications your child needs as specified by their IEP. Teachers and paraprofessionals at those schools are passionate about student success. Communicate with them regularly to gain insight into your student’s progress and find the best ways to offer support.
Schedule and class structures vary based on your chosen program. While online school provides greater flexibility for students and families to structure their daily schedule, some programs do follow a traditional academic calendar of expected school days and attendance requirements. In those programs, live classroom sessions with teachers called Class Connects help provide a consistent daily school routine so students stay on track. Outside of live class sessions, students can set up their lesson schedule to fit the pace and ways they learn best.
Other programs, such as at The Keystone School, do not have attendance requirements or live sessions, nor do they follow a traditional academic calendar.
Some of the private school options may offer different testing requirements. You may speak to one of our enrollment consultants for more specific testing information for a particular state or school.
Teachers at K12-powered schools are specially trained in virtual instruction, follow best practices that have emerged from years of real-world experiences, and participate in ongoing professional development. Many have experience teaching in both online and traditional classroom settings, but choose to teach online because of the unique opportunities to tailor a successful academic journey for each student.
In all of our programs, teachers are available for student support through email, phone, and virtual instruction. Once your child is enrolled, you will be provided with details about class schedules and teacher’s office hours for your chosen program.
Students work through material at their own pace, so the amount of time to get through each day’s lessons can vary. In the elementary grades, students spend 4 to 7 hours a day on school five days per week. In middle school, students are expected to spend 5 to 7 hours on schoolwork each day, and high school students average 6 to 7 hours a day. Students who transfer to a K12-powered school mid-semester may need to spend additional time at first to catch up on material they have not yet covered.
The frequency of classes and whether attendance is required in real-time will depend on your school’s policies, course requirements, and the needs of your child. Check with your school for specifics.
Designed for students who didn’t pass a subject the first time, K12’s credit recovery programs help students get back on track. We use innovative approaches to teach unlearned concepts, letting students move past material they’ve already mastered. Offered throughout the year, the credit recovery programs gives students the flexibility to fit courses in when it best suits their schedule. We offer online credit recovery course options across subjects, including English, math, science, history, and electives. Course availability varies by school and is subject to change.
College & Career Prep…

Students have gone on to attend many different postsecondary institutions, including Ivy League schools. We also offer courses and workshops for students interested in getting started on a career straight out of high school.
Career and college prep prepares students to take one or more industry-recognized certification exams, depending on the selected career pathway and how many courses they successfully complete. Certifications or credentials are issued by various certifying bodies, including Adobe®, Microsoft®, NOCTI®, and ACTE®.
An industry-recognized certification is a way your student can demonstrate to college admissions officers and employers that they have the skills and technical expertise to be successful in a particular field or role. Most certifications require students to take an exam to show they’re knowledgeable in the content. Exam requirements may include a hands-on component and may have an associated fee.
Students can stay at their local school and add career and college prep into their existing schedules through K12 Private Academy’s part-time option. This tuition-based opportunity lets students take career electives, prepare for industry certification exams, and get access to support services such as internships, networking opportunities, and career clubs, all while completing their local curriculum. Please note there is a fee associated with this flexible career and college prep option.
Some students already know what they want to do after high school, and taking career prep courses can give them a head start. Others may not know, and career and college prep can help them explore different occupations and career fields. Others may simply enjoy taking courses that they find relevant to their everyday lives. Career and college prep helps students build career specific skills and also master professional skills such as teamwork, project management, and leadership—all needed to succeed in college or the workplace.
Dual enrollment or dual credit refers to a program where high school students take courses, typically offered in partnership with a college or university, and receive both high school and college credit for completing them. Dual credit courses are often taken as an addition to regular high school courses and may not have as strict eligibility requirements as dual enrollment.
Dual credit opportunities vary by state, school, and partnerships with individual colleges and universities. Many K12 private programs offer dual enrollment options.
Socialization & the Student Experience…

Since all academics are virtual at online school, it’s important for children to have a way to connect with other students through social activities and extracurricular clubs. K12-programs are unique in the number and diversity of social opportunities offered for enrolled students and other learners to connect with their peers.
Social opportunities include extracurricular activities and clubs for all grade levels, national competitions and contests, summer camps, and enrichment programs. Students can explore their passions and interests while developing meaningful friendships within a safe online learning environment at K12-powered schools.
Many experts believe online students have abundant opportunities to participate in meaningful social activities both online and in-person. Homeschooled children and children who attend online schools are not confined to their homes. Rather, they’re encouraged to participate in various outdoor activities and interact with friends and peers. This could include field trips to the zoo, a play, or a museum; playing a sport; engaging in an artistic activity; or otherwise participating in their communities.
The social component of learning does not disappear when school takes place online, but it does look different. Students participate in group projects through breakout sessions. They may also collaborate on assignments to solve problems and overcome challenges. Students are encouraged to treat the online classroom as a traditional experience, leaving cameras and microphones on to connect more effectively.
Outside the classroom, students gather for online clubs, contests, field trips, workshops, and other extracurricular activities. These tools can be especially helpful for shy students, who may already have something in common with the others in the club, thereby easing initial connections.
We haven’t forgotten that adults need a social network, too! We have resources and activities for parents and guardians, including our Learning Coach Community. You’ll have many opportunities to connect with other parents and Learning Coaches and find opportunities for your child to be more social. Some of the K12 enrichment programs also have sessions for adults.
We encourage you to draw support from our community. To start, we recommend the Behind the Scenes Facebook group. Some schools also have a Learning Coach Community built right in the K12 App—check to see if your school is one of them! Also, many K12 programs have Facebook pages to connect with local families. In addition, you can attend one of many events and activities where you can meet other families and teachers.
How Does It All Work?

Families enrolled in a K12-powered private school program may receive materials as part of their tuition. Check with the private school directly to enquire about course materials.
When purchasing individual courses, all materials sent to you are yours to keep.
You need either a Windows or Mac computer with an internet connection. Required software programs can be downloaded for free. Most courses have audio, so speakers or headphones are required. World language courses require both speakers and microphones.
Both students and Learning Coaches need some basic computer and internet skills. We provide information on how to set up your accounts, and the online program is user-friendly. We also provide technical assistance if you have questions.
Other than a computer, printer, internet connectivity, and perhaps a headset, students only need basic school supplies to learn online. This includes paper for writing and printer; pencils and a pencil sharpener; and a binder, notebook, or folders to store printed items and completed assignments. Learning Coaches also need to supply replacement ink for printers.
Students may also find these items useful:
- Crayons, colored markers, colored pencils
- Pens
- Highlighters
- Scissors
- Tape
- Glue
- Ruler
- Index cards
- Page protectors
- Calendar or planner
- Clock, watch, or another way to keep track of time
You will also need household items occasionally. Schools will often provide you with a supply list. Some schools also provide computers, printers, and a headset, and some reimburse for internet connectivity costs—you will be advised of this during enrollment.
Students also need a set-aside area in which to learn. A learning area needs a work surface, such as a desk or table, seating for the student and Learning Coach, adequate lighting, minimal distractions, a place nearby to store learning materials, and a strong, reliable internet connection.
Documents submitted during the enrollment process are similar to those provided when enrolling in any school. Enrollment documents are used to:
- Confirm the legal guardian is enrolling the student(s)
- Verify proper grade placement for the student(s)
- Ensure course and material orders are accurate to avoid delays
- Comply with district, state, and federal requirements
The specific documents needed for enrollment vary between schools. Examples of required documents include:
- Proof of Legal Guardianship (if not established by proof of age/birth certificate)
- Proof of Age
- Homeschool Documentation (if student was homeschooled last year)
- Immunization
- Health/Vision Form
- Special Education Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Evaluation Report
- Report Card
- Transcript
You will receive more information and a complete list of required documents when you begin enrollment.