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

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

By: Faith B., 12th 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 Faith had to say.

What do you like about online learning at Michigan Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA)?

The main thing I enjoy about online school is the flexibility. Rather than going from class to class in a rushed, almost repetitive, daily schedule, I can incorporate extracurriculars and more individualized studies in between my classes. It’s the perfect balance of flexibility and class instruction. I’m still an engaged student with structure throughout the week, but at the same time, I can complete the curriculum and assignments on my own time. 

Did you previously go to a brick-and-mortar school?

Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I transferred to my brick-and-mortar school’s online program. I then aged out of the program and decided to go to a K12-powered school. 

I switched to online school because I was searching for a structured class schedule with synchronous classes, meaning live classes with teachers. Previously, I was working through an asynchronous curriculum, which was more like going through prerecorded sessions on my own. I immediately understood that it was the wrong option for me. I wanted a balance between a teacher-led live class setup and the ability to do my work more on my own time. 

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

A typical day for me includes about 3–4 live classes, 2–3 assignments due by the end of the day, and 1–2 emails sent out. For the rest of my week, I have the flexibility to add two college courses into my schedule each year, plus a variety of outdoor activities during the day. 

My favorite part of the day is probably the time between my afternoon classes. I love to walk around the neighborhood and break away from the computer screen! In the evenings, when I can learn the best, I can work on assignments, which I might not have had the flexibility to do while attending a brick-and-mortar school. 

What kind of classes are you taking right now?

I’m taking 12th grade English (British and world literature), Calculus 1, Cybersecurity, Computer Science 2, Yearbook Club, and Lifespan Developmental Psychology (my college-level dual enrollment course. 

Computer science and calculus are my favorites.

I’m currently taking a creative writing course and love writing based on prompts and story introductions. I also love writing with different mediums: playwriting, poetry, short stories, etc. More abstract topics are my strengths. 

Can you talk about your dual enrollment experience with your college classes?

I’ve been able to take college classes for the past two years, since I was a sophomore. I take courses through my local community college and focus on classes listed on MTA agreements (a special program in my state that helps transfer courses as general education credits at four–year Michigan universities). It’s one of my favorite things about being in online school.  

What do you like to do on your breaks?

Lately, I’ve been taking a lot of college tours since I’m graduating in less than a month. I also work on assignments for my college course, spend time with friends and family, connect with nature, and take a breath of fresh air away from classes. 

Who is your favorite teacher?

Mr. Tyler Rock, my computer science teacher, is my favorite. My favorite teachers mainly have one thing in common—they break away from the curriculum. Rather than reading from a slideshow for each class, they incorporate discussion, questions, and engaging material to make the subject more enjoyable for my fellow students and me. The best words to describe my teachers are “understanding,” “flexible,” and “hard-working.” 

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

My favorite hobbies include hiking, running, poetry, video games, going to art museums and the movies, hanging out at my local arcade, and building and upgrading PCs. I absolutely love to read!  I love to read romance novels, specifically. I read physical and Kindle books. My favorite authors are likely Suzanne Collins, Colleen Hoover, and Tahereh Mafi. 

Can you tell us about your workspace?

My workspace includes a lot of sentimental art pieces, family memorabilia, and photos all along the walls. It’s special to me because it’s thoroughly unique. I have more time to make sure I’m in a comfortable environment for studying and having fun. 

What do you want to do after high school?

I plan to attend the University of Michigan College of Engineering and earn a Bachelor of Computer Science. I hope this degree will help me achieve my goal of becoming a software engineer.

Do you feel that MVCA is helping you prepare for the future?

When it comes to preparing for college, the biggest help is my own individual studying. Since I have time between my classes, I can use that flexibility to add my own career enhancement: studying computer science, learning programming languages, game design, etc. 

Thank you, Faith! 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 Michigan. 

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

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