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

See how and why online school works for Kimberly in this Student Advisory Council blog series.

By: Kimberly V., 11th grade student and SAC intern

K12 asked this year’s Student Advisory Council cohort what makes online school so great and here’s what our own Kimberly had to say.

What do you like about Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS)? Why does online learning work for you?

I like online school because it gives me flexibility and a positive space to learn. I can focus better, stay organized, and move at my own pace without all the distractions I had in in-person school.

Online learning leaves time to spend with my pets and loved ones, which I really enjoy. It lets me balance my classes, college work, internship, volunteering, and hobbies.

Did you previously attend a brick-and-mortar school? Why did you switch to online school?

Yes, I did. I switched because I needed a more supportive space where I could focus on myself and my goals. The positive environment helped me grow, open up, and get involved in things like clubs and more.

How was the transition?

The transition was smoother than I expected. The teachers were really supportive, and once I learned the online learning system, everything felt organized and easy to manage.

Did anything surprise you about online school at TOPS?  

I didn’t expect to feel so connected. The classes, clubs, and teachers make everything feel very supportive and interactive. The opportunities that come with it are really amazing. Online school has helped me really discover what I want to truly pursue in life.

My Online School Day

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

I start by checking my planner and schedule, going to my live classes, and working through my assignments. I mix independent work with my dual credit college classes. I take breaks to reset, and I usually finish early enough to work on my internship or hobbies.

On my breaks I like to stretch, get a snack, work on my art (visual art, digital art, drawing, theater), or listen to music.

Spending time with my pets is my favorite part of the day. I have a bunny, turtle, a cat, and a dog. Also having time to work on art, volunteer projects, or tennis.

What classes are you taking right now?

I’m taking digital media, algebra II, chemistry, AP® English and composition, business finance, business entrepreneurship, and my dual credit college classes—government and U.S. history. I’m in the business and marketing pathway of the Career and College Prep program, hence the business courses.

Finance and digital media are my favorite subjects right now.

Can you talk about your dual enrollment experience?

Dual credit has helped me get ahead in college. It’s challenging, but it’s helped me grow academically and stay focused on my goals. It gave me the chance to get a degree while in high school.

My Teachers & Classmates

Who’s your favorite teacher?

My finance and digital media teachers are my favorites. They make learning fun and easy! They truly teach lessons that are important in life.

My teachers are very supportive. They communicate well, explain things in a way that makes sense to me, and always check in to make sure I’m on track. They respond quickly, help when I ask questions, and guide me through both high school and dual credit work.

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

I’ve made friends through live online classes and clubs. We stay connected through the clubs we’re in and the K12 Zone.

Are you in any school clubs?

Yes—FBLA and DECA and SKILLSUSA. I’m the reporter or historian for FBLA too. Having an officer position has been a great leadership opportunity. Being part of Career and College Prep offers great club options to meet other students who are interested in the same things as me.

What are your hobbies?

I play tennis, paint, dance, make handmade cards for patients in hospitals, and help stray cats in need. I love creative writing and journaling, too. The flexibility of online school helps me balance all these activities without feeling stressed.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

My workspace is clean, organized, and colorful with mostly pink and pictures of my goals and pets. It’s a calm space where I can focus and stay motivated. One of the most interesting places I’ve done assignments was on a boat which was very calming and beautiful.

I love that I can manage my time the way I want, work in peaceful environments, and balance school with college and my internship and volunteer work. That’s something I couldn’t do in my old school.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

I want to run my own creative studio or brand, build myself a company.

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

Definitely. I’ve earned several certifications, learned real-world skills, and developed independence and responsibility. I’ve earned certifications in principles of business marketing, finance, professional communications, and Microsoft Office specialist word associate. I’m working on two others, an entrepreneurship and small business certificate, and an Adobe express certification.

What advice do you have for other students and families considering switching to a K12-powered school like TOPS?

Stay organized, communicate with your teachers, and take advantage of the flexibility. If you stay motivated, online school can open a lot of opportunities.

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

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

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