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

By: Natalie M., 12th 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 Natalie had to say.

My K12 Why

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

I love the flexibility I get with online school and all the opportunities. It works for me because it gives me the opportunity to travel to different states or countries and still join my classes and do assignments.

Why did you switch to online school?

I went to school in person all my life until I switched to online four years ago. I switched because I travel a lot and learning online was more flexible to the point where I could travel at any time or day of the year.

How was the transition?

To be honest, it was a bit rough the first couple of months because it was just a different environment to get used to. After I got a routine and the hang of it, I really enjoyed it.

What has your experience been compared to your previous school?

The only thing I can really compare is the fact that I can travel now. I’d have to wait for my long breaks when I was in person, but now I don’t even have to wait—I can go at any time.

Another thing was I didn’t have time for anything like sports or baking because I would get out of school at 2 or 3 PM and be too tired for anything else after homework.

Did anything surprise you about online school?

Yes, I actually got my driver’s license through online school and my certification for business with the Career and College Prep program, which I would’ve never thought I could do in online school.

My Online School Day

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

Typically, in the morning, I wake up and do my first and sometimes second class. After that, I make breakfast and go work out. Then I join my third class. Once I finish my last class, I do all my assignments for the day. Then I get ready for the rest of the day’s activities.

My favorite part of the day is when I have that little break between classes, which usually is like an hour, and I get to be productive and do things or even just go out and play and then come back ready for my next class.

What classes are you taking right now?

I’m taking college math, geography, United States government, English 4, business ownership, and physical education.

My favorite subject is business.

What pathway are you in? What kind of classes do you take as part of that?

When I originally signed up for Career and College Prep, I said I wanted to study to be a doctor, so they gave me all of the classes that I needed in order to become a doctor. But I changed my mind and wanted to get into business. They helped me change pathways and gave me business classes. I’ve earned a project management certification already and I’ll actually earn another certificate this year.

What do you like to do on your breaks?

I like to either clean up, get something to eat, or go outside and play.

My Teachers & Classmates

Can you tell us more about your teachers?

My teachers are very respectful and always have lessons ready. They make sure that we’re participating. Once in a while, we’ll play games with questions from the class or the lesson, and it makes it really fun.

They definitely support me a lot. The teachers email and reach out to you making sure you’re okay and that you’ve done all your work. They also make sure you don’t fall behind and answer all your questions.

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

I stay connected with friends through social media or text messages. We try to hang out as much as we can whenever our schedules align. I’ve met several friends online and they’re just the sweetest.

What are your hobbies?

I like to play volleyball and bake. When volleyball season starts, the flexibility of online school helps because I have practice throughout the week and then games. I like to practice a lot. I started my own baking business too, so having the flexibility really helps me have more time to work on recipes or get stuff out there.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

I work at my desk most of the time. I have a lot of spaces. I don’t always work at my desk. Sometimes I like to work in the kitchen or outside. The most interesting place I’ve done schoolwork is actually in Argentina.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

I would like to go to college to get my master’s degree. Eventually, I’d like to own my own business.

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

Yes, I definitely feel like online school prepared me for the future, especially for business. I already know what I should expect and since I already have a certification, it will speed things along.

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

I would say get organized, make a routine, and stick to it. Then get out of the routine once in a while, go study outside or at a café. I know being in the same space gets a little overwhelming, which is why I recommend always doing something outside of your routine. I also recommend joining clubs. Don’t be scared. For parents, just be supportive and know that you’ll find a good environment or space for your child.

Thank you, Natalie! 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.

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