What to Expect When Enrolling Midyear—FAQs
Deciding to change schools is a big step, especially in the middle of the academic year. We want to help you feel confident and excited about your choice. Here you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what to expect throughout the enrollment process.
Is it too late to enroll now?
Probably not! You'll want to check with your preferred school by checking the school website or calling them directly. Some schools may close enrollment due to capacity limits, or they may have specific midyear start dates. Find out which schools are available in your area by using our school finder.
How much time should we expect to spend on schoolwork during the day?
Students can work through material more at their own pace, so the amount of time required to get through each day's lessons can vary. In the elementary grades, students spend 4 to 7 hours a day on school five days per week. In middle school, students are expected to spend 5 to 7 hours on schoolwork each day, and high school students average 6 to 7 hours a day. Students who transfer to a K12-powered school midsemester may need to spend some additional time at first to catch up on material they may not yet have covered. Watch to learn more details about the time commitment of online schooling.
How do I start the enrollment process?
In most cases, you can complete enrollment in a few simple steps. However, the process may vary by state, so it's a good idea to check with the school you're interested in for any additional steps and important dates. To get started, download the K12 app or visit our How to Enroll page.
Will my student's current credits and classes transfer?
Your school counselor will work with you and your teachers to assess your student's current progress, determine which credits can be accepted, and where your student may need extra support or credit recovery. For specific concerns, contact your school.
Are there ways to connect with other families?
Yes! We encourage you to draw support from our community. To start, visit our Day in the Life hub, where you can read stories from real students and families about how a K12-powered education has made a difference in their lives. We also recommend the Behind the Scenes Facebook group. Some schools have a Learning Coach community built right in the K12 app—check to see if your school is one of them! Also, many K12-powered schools have Facebook pages to connect with local families. In addition, you can attend one of the many events and activities where you can meet other families and teachers. See our events calendar to find out what's coming up near you.
When should I disenroll my student from their current school?
Most state laws have clear policies about education obligations and ensuring children actively receive instruction. To avoid issues, keep your child enrolled and active in their current school or registered as homeschooled until they've completed their first day with their K12-powered school. If you have specific questions about your state, you can chat with an enrollment consultant.
How can I find out which school options are available in my state?
Check for schools near you with our school finder. This will show public and private school options.
Why should I choose a K12-powered school?
K12 has been a leader in online learning for more than 20 years. Our curriculum was designed to be online and is taught by teachers trained in virtual instruction. Learn more about why families chose K12.
When will our materials arrive, and can my student start without them?
K12 provides materials that students need to complete their courses. You'll be notified when materials ship through your K12 app or in your parent account. For more on how to track your shipping status, visit our customer support page. If we experience delays due to events outside our control, the teachers and school will work with you to determine what your student can work on or adjust the timing if necessary. The Online School (OLS) can be accessed through any computer, so if the shipping of a school-owned computer is delayed, please arrange for temporary computer access, if possible.
Can we attend an orientation session?
Most schools offer online orientations for new students, which you should attend on or before your first day. Also, your student will need to complete the Welcome to Online Learning introduction course in the Online School (OLS) to unlock their curriculum. Students should plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes working through the course topics within their first week of school to receive full credit.
How often will my child have required synchronous online classes?
The frequency of classes and whether attendance is required in real-time will depend on your school's policies, course requirements, and the needs of your student. Check with your school for specifics.
Can I really do this while working full-time?
Adding the role of Learning Coach to your day as a working parent can be challenging—but it can be done. Plus, you have support to help you succeed. From lesson guides to encouragement from other Learning Coaches, you'll have lots of help along the way. Take a look at our community of support.
Who should I contact when I have questions or need support?
If you have questions about getting started, don't hesitate to call our enrollment consultants at 866.968.7512.
Will my student be behind by switching schools midyear?
While there's usually some overlap or gaps in the topics a student has covered when transferring midsemester, they can still catch up. Your school and teachers will determine the best course of action for aligning your student academically. Plan some extra learning-curve or makeup-work time, knowing that the teachers try to keep any extra work manageable.
When will I hear from my student's teacher?
You can expect to begin working with your teacher(s) on your student's first day of school. Course placements and teacher assignments are often in flux right up to the start date, so don't be concerned if you don't hear from a teacher before then. Watch your email and check your spam to make sure you don't miss any initial communication. On the first day of school, log in to see any emails and announcements.
How much time should I expect to spend supporting my student?
As a parent, you (or another responsible adult) serve as your child's Learning Coach. You'll work with your child's teacher to help record student attendance, monitor mastery of lessons and assessments, and in some grades, review student work. You can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours a day assisting your elementary student and 1 to 3 hours overseeing your middle and high school student each day.
What's the difference between tuition-free public school, private school, and homeschool curriculum?
K12 supplies curriculum for several types of learning models. Tuition-free public schools, available in most states, operate like other public schools, and students must meet state requirements for attendance, eligibility, and testing. K12-powered private schools are available to students from all over the country and beyond. These tuition-based schools offer additional flexibility and different levels of support. K12 is also a leading homeschool curriculum provider for families who want to supplement their child's education with additional courses.
When will my student have access to classes?
Courses should appear in your student's account on their first day of school unless you've heard otherwise. Sometimes a counselor must review your student's transcript to help determine course placement for your student, so contact your school directly with any questions.
How do I set up our accounts?
Once your student is approved, you'll receive instructions on setting up a Learning Coach account in the "OLS" or Online School and then creating a separate, linked account for your student. You can also watch this quick tutorial to see how it's done.
