What Online School Looks Like: A Student Day in the Life Q&A With Jonas

By: Jonas P., 9th grade student and SAC intern

SAC Blog Series: Each year, the K12 Marketing Department hires a cohort of high school interns known as the Student Advisory Council or SAC. This year, the talented group of students is creating social media content across platforms to help build brand awareness and engage our audiences around the online learning experience.

Let’s get to know these amazing SAC students. We asked them what makes online school so great, and here’s what Jonas had to say.

My K12 Why

What do you like about online school? Why does online learning work for you?

I only did preschool in-person, after that we did all online school. There are many things I like about it, such as being able to learn at my own pace, all the competitions K12 offers, and the ability to do work from anywhere.

My Online School Day

Can you describe a typical day and week for your virtual school experience?

My typical week normally focuses around school, the career technical education (CTE) program, clubs, soccer, and helping my mom and dad with things around the house. Playing soccer is my favorite part of the day.

What classes are you taking right now?

I’m taking honors algebra 1, English 9, skills for health, modern world studies, physical science, and foundations of career technical education (CTE). I’m in the engineering and design pathway as part of Career and College Prep, but haven’t yet started the courses.

English is my favorite subject right now and I’m planning to take a creative writing course in the future.

What do you like to do on your breaks?

My breaks are full of playing and practicing soccer with my brothers (I’m one of five), and reading. I recently read for 8 hours straight in a single day during thanksgiving break.

I love Tolkien’s works, but also enjoy books by Andrew Peterson. My favorite series would probably be The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson, but The Lord of the Rings (more specifically The Silmarillion) is a close runner-up. As you can tell, my favorite genre is fantasy fiction.

My Teachers & Classmates

How do your teachers support you at online school?

I really like my teachers, they are always trying to make classes fun and engaging. My English teacher is my favorite right now. There are numerous ways my teachers support me such as making help sessions and answering emails even after hours sometimes.

How do you stay connected with friends? Have you met friends through online school?

Yes, I have met friends through online school. I normally communicate through K12 Zone but after we get to know each other, we’ll share contact info (with parental permission).

What are your hobbies? Are you in any school clubs?

I’m in a lot of clubs like trivia, debate, robotics (the club and the competition), National Junior Honor Society, History Geeks, and esports.

I really enjoy the competitions K12 has to offer. I’ve competed in the Reel Me Competition and the Robotics Competition. I enjoyed robotics more because I love coding and it was fun working as a team.

Online school helps me find time to do this stuff by allowing me to learn at my own pace and giving me a lot of flexibility. My hobbies right now include soccer, reading, 3D design, biking, and playing chess.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

Something special about my desk is that it’s near my brothers’ desks so I’m always near them. I would say that the most interesting place I’ve done schoolwork would be in a small village in India when we were on a family vacation.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

My dream job would be a novelist, but I’ve also considered doing something in the engineering and design pathway. I feel like K12 is starting to prepare me for the future through Career and College Prep.

What advice do you have for other students and families considering the switch to a K12-powered online school?

Many people think that online school is limiting, but I believe that it’s actually the other way around.

Thank you, Jonas! To learn more about the K12 Student Advisory Council, visit their webpage, or see how your high school student can thrive in online school with K12-powered programs.

Jonas is a 2025 student at a K12-powered school in OH, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.