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

By: Madilyn K., 11th 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 Madilyn had to say.

My K12 Why

What do you like about online school?

I have loved my time in a K12-powered online school! From the wonderful teachers to the kind students, I have grown so much.

Did you previously attend a brick-and-mortar school?

I was in a brick-and-mortar school before transitioning to online school, and my in-person experience was subpar. I felt unsafe due to bullying from students as well as teachers. Since the transition to online learning, though, I feel safe, as every staff member and student is extremely supportive of my dreams and ambitions of becoming an actor. For example, my math teacher helped me create an incredible connection with a professional theater director and professor at Harvard University, for which I am eternally grateful.

My Online School Day

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

Another amazing quality of online schools is the flexibility. I have classes only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which means I have lots of time to pursue my dreams. I have time to participate in school clubs, sports, theater programs, dance, singing lessons, and so much more. 

What classes are you taking right now?

I am currently in the business pathway at my school as part of the career and college prep program. It’s helping me practice professionalism and learn skills vital to entering the workplace.

In addition, my school provides a college and career course called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). This course teaches us how to maintain good grades, take focused notes, get through the college admissions process, and prepare for the college workload. We also learn things to help us in adulthood, such as car maintenance, personal finance, and effective communication.

My Future

Do you feel that online school is helping you prepare for the future?

One opportunity my online school provides is an early college credit program. That means I get to take college courses in theater and dance, which prepares me for my future, while also earning high school credit. K12-powered online schools provide many students with college and career-based knowledge through specialized courses and more.

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

If you are thinking of switching to an online learning option, I strongly suggest you go with a K12-powered school. Making the change has strongly impacted my life and is the reason I succeed. 

Thank you, Madilyn! 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.

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