K12: An Online Public School Choice Option in Colorado

I am a mom of five kids, aged 8-14. And I feel fortunate to live in a school choice state, where we can decide what is best for each child. Three of my children attend the nearby elementary school. I homeschool the other two.

This is our first year exploring homeschooling. It has been a great way for us to tailor the curriculum to our children’s learning styles. Our struggling learners have begun to shine and have built up their confidence tremendously.

As the school year has progressed, one of my children, who has been attending our district’s elementary school, has been asking to enroll in online school next year. He is an advanced student looking for a bit more challenge. But he has been dealing with a bit of bullying this year, which has begun to hinder his academic performance.

While my family’s scenario may not look exactly like yours, there is one huge commonality: We all have the ability to choose the best schooling option for our individual kids. No two kids are alike, so their schooling shouldn’t have to be, either.

The Beauty of School Choice

As Colorado residents, we have the advantage of living in a “school choice” state, which means that we can opt into a school that we love. Whether it is a traditional public school in the district of your choice, private school, homeschool or online school, there is a perfect fit for your child.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to examine all of your options and one such option that I have recently begun to explore is K12.

What is K12?

K12 is a tuition-free, public online school for students in pre-k through 12th grade, available in 33 states. Students participating in the K12 program receive a high-quality, personalized education experience online. Depending on her grade, your student will take core subjects, electives, world languages and have the option of AP^®, honors, STEM, and dual credit offerings.

This school provides your student with a learning plan tailored to his needs and strengths. K12 offers a well-rounded experience, including virtual classroom sessions, interactive activities, independent work with textbooks and materials and planned student activities. In addition, K12 offers extracurricular activities, field trips, student competitions and online clubs. 

A Typical K12 Day

Are you curious what a typical K12 day is like? This video provides a glimpse into a day in the life of several K12 students.

Interested in learning more? You can visit A Day in the Life to follow a full K12 day for each of these students.  You can also check out sample lessons here. 

K12 Programs in Colorado

In Colorado, K12 has several tuition-free, public online schools to choose from:

• For your student at or above their current grade level, Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA) provides individualized learning from K-12, with opportunities for concurrent college enrollment. This mastery-based program includes Language Arts/English, Math, Science, History, Art, Music and World Language (beginning in 3rd Grade). 
• Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA) is the state’s first full-time, online career technical education program. At Destinations, your high-school student will receive a head start on her college and career goals in six career areas: Agriculture; Business & Marketing; Education & Teacher Training; Health Science; Information Technology (IT); and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 
• Pikes Peak Online School (PPOS) supports struggling high school students. The school offers individualized academic, social and emotional support to help students catch up and excel. Credit recovery and their GED Prep Program will assist those students that may be credit deficient or unable to graduate by the time they turn 21.

What I Love Most About K12

I have five very different kids; therefore, they each learn in different ways. I have children who perform at grade level, as well as children who are advanced and children who have been struggling academically for several years.

And I love that K12 can meet each of my students where they are and make school fun and exciting. While offering additional assistance for the struggling student, this program can continue to challenge the high-achieving student with individual course advancement and topic enrichment.  

Find out More

So, take advantage of our “school choice” state and educate yourself about the options available for your child. You can learn more during K12’s free online information sessions, two of which are happening in March. Click the below links to find out more and register:

K12 in Colorado Online Info Session – March 6th from 6-7 pm

What is school choice? – Online Info Session – March 20th from 6-7 pm

Science Extravaganza

Finally, join K12 on March 10th for Science Extravaganza. 

Bring the whole family for a FREE day at Expanding Minds Unlimited, a Natural History and Children’s Museum. Come enjoy live animals, hands-on science projects, multicultural displays and much more! Then, grab a slice of pizza, meet the teachers and staff and learn all that K12 in Colorado has to offer. Register today to attend at http://bit.ly/ScienceExtra.