How Does Online School Work? - Connections Academy®

As families explore the possibility of online education, they often wonder what a typical day might be like when they can set their own learning schedule, or how students engage with teachers virtually, or how students socialize with each other when they spend the school day at home.

We understand why families are asking. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions families can make for their student.

At Connections Academy^®, we receive a lot of questions about how online public school works. While many students and parents are curious about online school and its benefits, the idea of making the leap from a traditional setting to a virtual one leaves many wondering what it’s actually like, how to prepare for online school, and whether it will be the best option based on their needs.

Common Questions about Online School

Are there Teachers and Live Classes in Virtual School?

Students enrolled in an online public school like Connections Academy attend classes in virtual classrooms with a state-certified teacher who has tailormade instruction for remote learning. At Connections Academy, these are called LiveLessons^®.

Beyond virtual classes, kids can participate in smaller group sessions with other students as well as one-on-one sessions with their teachers through phone, Webmail, or LiveLesson sessions. For many families, the personal interaction between student and teacher is among the biggest advantages of online school, helping students build upon their strengths and address areas of need.

A father is helping his dauther take notes for an online class

What Does an Online Classroom Look Like?

Most online classes are delivered through a web-based program that allows teachers to communicate with students using a variety of interactive tools, including video, audio, chat, whiteboard, poll questions, and more. In other ways, the experience for students is like that of a traditional classroom: teachers introduce and explain academic concepts and material, ask questions to students, answer questions from students, and engage in discussions.

How Do Online Students Socialize?

Students interact with peers during classes, in small group sessions, and through messages, emails, video calls, and more. At Connections Academy, there are additional opportunities to connect with other students through extracurricular clubs, e-sports, activities, and in-person field trips. At Connections Academy, we believe that social interaction with peers is an essential part of any school experience for students of all ages.

What do Online School Schedules Look Like?

Like students at traditional schools, most online students start their school day shortly after breakfast and end their day in the mid-afternoon. Schedules include virtual classes and independent work across a range of academic subjects, and periods for electives and virtual clubs. At Connections Academy schools, many days include one-on-one sessions between teacher and student. Lunch, breaks, and flex time are part of every day.

Because Connections Academy offers a flexible approach to learning, students can structure their individual schedules in a way that best suits their personal needs or circumstances.

A young girl is raising her hand during an online class

What Does Online Homework Look Like?

Homework for online school students is a lot like homework for students at many brick-and-mortar schools: it is accessed online, and mostly completed on a computer. Many assignments can be printed. Reading material can be printed or read online. Sometimes traditional, physical copies of books and texts are provided to students.

As with any school, the amount of homework generally increases as students move into higher grades. Due dates for assignments can typically be adjusted to meet the needs of each individual student.

How Many Hours a Week Are Spent in Online School?

The specific number of hours a Learning Coach must ensure their student completes each week varies from state-to-state; however, some states suggest students spend an average of six hours a day attending LiveLessons and completing assignments. While a student’s day-to-day schedule can remain flexible, the required attendance helps ensure students give themselves enough time to work through assignments at a healthy pace.

What Is the Curriculum at Online School?

Every online school curriculum is unique, as each state has their own requirements for what material should be covered in public schools. At Connections Academy, the curriculum has been designed by experts in online education to inspire students’ curiosity and build their resilience – in other words, to prepare them to succeed in a rapidly and continuously changing world.

Each student learns in their own way. The curriculum at Connection Academy is designed to be flexible, to challenge each student based on their specific academic strengths, while providing all the support they need every step of the way.

What do Online Schools Expect from Parents?

At Connections Academy, every student is required to have a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult serve as their Learning Coach. This person is asked to be by their student’s side, especially in younger grades, to partner with teachers and staff to help each student where they need support, such as helping younger elementary students login to the Pearson Online Classroom or older students stay on top of their assignments.

Unlike homeschooling, Learning Coaches are not their child’s teacher. Instead, they are there to structure their student’s school day, monitor attendance, stay in touch with teachers by phone or email, and provide one-on-one support for learning activities.

What do Online School Schedules Look Like?

Like students at traditional schools, most online students start their school day shortly after breakfast and end their day in the mid-afternoon. Schedules include virtual classes and independent work across a range of academic subjects, and periods for electives and virtual clubs. At Connections Academy schools, many days include one-on-one sessions between teacher and student. Lunch, breaks, and flex time are part of every day.

Because Connections Academy offers a flexible approach to learning, students can structure their individual schedules in a way that best suits their personal needs or circumstances.

Why Families Are Seeking Learning Alternatives

Families seek out alternative school options for many reasons. Often, it is the need for flexible scheduling to accommodate frequent family travel or a student’s extracurricular commitment. Sometimes online school is a more convenient and effective way to learn for students who require more individualized attention or who are unable to learn effectively in a traditional classroom setting.Many families find that it is the right choice for their student.

Learn More about Enrolling in Online School

The benefits of online school are vast at every grade level. If you feel that online learning may be a good fit for your family, check out our eGuide for useful resources, inspirational stories, and sample schedules.