PreK : Virtual option from K12 Private Academy could make your child’s early education experience better.

For many parents, preschool is the first big step in their child’s educational journey. But what if that step could happen from the comfort of home—with the same quality learning, structure, and socialization you’d expect in a classroom?

At K12 Private Academy (K12PA), families are discovering just that through the school’s PreK and early elementary programs, designed to combine hands-on learning with the flexibility of virtual education. In this blog, you’ll learn from Tiffany Gleason, Lower School Department Chair for PreK–5, and Kelly Carruth, PreK Teacher and Lower School Lead, on exploring how the program works and answer common parent questions.

How Does Virtual PreK Work?

One of the first questions parents ask is simple: What does online preschool even look like?

According to Gleason, the key is balancing screen time with hands-on learning. “The curriculum is very robust. It includes online and offline materials,” she explained. “The computer might say, ‘Go grab your base ten blocks or this book,’ and then kids dive into hands-on practice before returning to the computer for a wrap-up. Little ones need that balance, and the program is built for it.”

For preschoolers, the program also emphasizes consistency. “Our PreK students have one dedicated teacher they see every day,” said Gleason. “That stability helps them feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn.”

What Role Do Parents Play?

In virtual PreK, parents or caregivers act as the child’s “learning coach.” That might sound intimidating, but Carruth reassures families that the program is designed with them in mind.

“The preschool program is very hands-on,” she said. “Parents guide children through offline lessons—things like sorting, shapes, and colors—while I supplement with online sessions. Families can choose how involved they want to be in live classes. Some join daily, while others work more independently and pop in occasionally.”

For working parents, flexibility is a big benefit. “We’ve had families who do most of the week’s work on weekends, or parents who fit lessons around their schedules,” Carruth explained. “Nothing is required at a set time, so it really works for different lifestyles.”

How Much Screen Time Is Involved?

Another common concern: how will my preschooler focus on a computer all day?

To answer simply, they don’t. “At this age, their work should take two to three hours a day, and most of that is offline,” Carruth said. “Live lessons are short, fun, and interactive, with songs, stories, and calendar activities. Most of the learning happens with physical materials and parent-guided activities.”

Is Virtual PreK Effective?

Parents may wonder whether children can truly thrive in a virtual preschool. Gleason says the results speak for themselves.

“It’s amazing what a five-year-old will learn to do on their own,” she noted. “They’re far more computer-savvy than we think. Within a week or two, many of them are saying, ‘I got this,’ and moving confidently through their lessons.”

Carruth agrees, adding that the growth she sees is remarkable. “By the end of the year, students who barely knew their letter sounds are speaking more clearly, drawing detailed pictures, recognizing shapes, and even reading simple words. Their progress is incredible.”

What About Socialization?

One of the biggest questions about online learning is how kids make friends and practice social skills.

Carruth addresses this through daily optional live sessions. “We start with songs, calendar time, and lots of sharing. The kids love getting on the microphone and talking—it’s their time to interact. Some come every day and wouldn’t dream of missing it, while others join when it fits their schedule.”

Can My Child Do Virtual PreK for One Year or Two?

The program serves both three- and four-year-olds, and families can choose to do it for one or two years. “Learning is cyclical,” Carruth explained. “A three-year-old may only complete part of a lesson, but when they return as a four-year-old, it feels new again. They’re ready for more depth and build on what they already know.”

Why Families Choose K12PA

Every family’s reason for choosing virtual preschool is unique. Some want flexibility while working from home, others seek an alternative to limited local options, and some simply want to be more involved in their child’s education.

For Gleason, the heart of the program is the connection between teachers and families. “The secret ingredient is my teachers,” she said. “Families want to feel heard and supported. When they trust us, their children thrive—and happy families come back year after year.”

Carruth adds: “If families want to spend more time with their children and have a say in how they learn, this is the program for them. The flexibility is hard to beat.”

Final Thoughts

Choosing a preschool is a big decision. At K12 Private Academy, the PreK program gives parents the best of both worlds: a rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum and the chance to be an active part of their child’s first school experience.

As Gleason summed it up: “This program allows you to be an active participant. You see firsthand what’s in front of your child every day, and you get to watch them blossom. It’s a safe, exciting way to start their educational journey.”

Interested in learning more? Explore K12 Private Academy’s PreK and early elementary programs here and see if virtual learning is the right fit for your family.