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

By: Stella A., 10th 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 Stella had to say.

My K12 Why

What do you like about online school?

I like that I get to work at my own pace and have a lot more flexibility. It works for me because I focus better at home and don’t get as distracted as I did in a regular classroom. 

I was also bullied for my vitiligo at a brick-and-mortar school, and online school has somehow made me more confident and able to go out in public with my head held high.

Why did you switch to online school?

I switched to online school because I was having a hard time keeping up with the fast pace, and I felt kind of stressed at my previous brick-and-mortar school. The transition was a little weird at first, but once I got used to the schedule and how to use the online platforms, it got a lot easier. 

My experience with online school has been better in some ways—I feel more comfortable, and I can take breaks when I need to. 

What’s something you can do in online school that you couldn’t do in your old school?

One thing I can do now that I couldn’t do before is move at my own pace. If I understand something fast, I can move on, or if I need more time, I don’t feel rushed. 

Did anything surprise you about online school? 

One thing that surprised me was how much support I still get from my teachers, even though we aren’t in a physical classroom. 

My Online School Day

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

A typical day for me starts with checking my schedule and logging into my first class. I take a couple quizzes a week and have 4–5 live classes a day, max. I get off around 2–3 PM, and on Mondays and Wednesdays, I have club soccer from 6:30–8:00 PM.

What kind of classes are you taking right now? Are you in a career pathway?

I usually do a mix of live lessons and independent work. I take classes like English 2 Honors, Algebra 2, Chemistry, World History Honors, Spanish, Medical Terminology, and Health Science.  

I’m in the health science endorsement, so I take Medical Terminology and Health Science in my 10th grade year.  My favorite subject is Medical Terminology because I love learning how the human body works. 

Do you have a favorite part of the day?

My favorite part of the day is when I get to do projects, because I like being creative.  

What do you like to do on your breaks? 

During breaks, I like to play games, nap, or go outside for a run.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

My workspace is in my living room. I have a little desk by the window with my iMac, notebooks, and some writing utensils to the right of my computer. I usually work there, but since my classes are online, I can do it from anywhere. One time, I did my schoolwork at my best friend’s house since I was pet sitting.  

My Teachers & Classmates

Who is your favorite teacher?

My favorite teacher is Mrs. Banks because she makes the lessons super fun and easy to understand. All of my teachers are super supportive. They always answer my questions quickly and give helpful feedback on my assignments.  If I’m stuck, they’ll meet with me one-to-one or send videos to explain stuff better. 

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

I stay connected with my friends through group chats and video calls. I’ve actually met a few new friends through the Student Advisory Council team.  

Are you in any school clubs?

Yes! I am in the HOSA club for future health professionals.

What activities or hobbies to you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I absolutely love playing soccer with my little siblings since we are all in the same club. The flexibility of online school definitely helps—I can get my schoolwork done earlier in the day and still have time for my hobbies. 

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

After high school, I want to go to college to study kinesiology and become a physical therapist. 

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

Online school is definitely helping me prepare because I’ve learned how to manage my time, stay organized, and work independently. 

Thank you, Stella! 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.

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