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

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

By: Delilah P., 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 Delilah had to say.

My K12 Why

What do you like about online learning at Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA)?

I like the flexibility and ability to work at my own pace. It’s a lot less stressful. I also like how I can spend more time with my guinea pigs, we have a handful. One of my guinea pig’s name is Miver (My-ver) and I’ve had him since he was born. He’s four now. He sleeps on me while I work but he doesn’t like it if I move too much.

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

I previously attended traditional in-person school but switched because we moved. At first, I went to a school that I really didn’t like so I wanted to get out of there and ARVA provided an online option.

How was the transition?

It was actually really good. I learned the ARVA online system very quickly, and there were a lot of teachers to help me catch up. I am very thankful for them. I was sad to move away from my home state school but very glad to be part of ARVA.

Now, I can go at a slower pace as I work through assignments. I can build my own schedule with more breaks, and some days I’ll have less work. Usually, I do less work on Fridays—basically, I try to keep Friday as a fun day. It makes school a lot less stressful.

Did anything surprise you about online school?

I was surprised how much the teachers can actually help. For example, when I first started, I kind of avoided math because I couldn’t figure it out (don’t do that, it doesn’t work!). But once I reached out to my teachers, we had a private video session and they really helped me. I almost got an A in that class by the end of the year—I was 1% away. I’ve never been more proud.

My Online School Day

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

I have different workload days. I try to split the week into a heavier workload Tuesday through Thursday and keep a lighter workload on Monday and Friday. This setup helps me work around my brothers’ brick-and-mortar school schedule and gives me more space to focus. On Fridays, I just like to have a little less to do—and ARVA allows me to do that.

Turning in a big assignment is my favorite part of a school day. It feels good knowing I have that off my work plate.

What classes are you taking right now?

I’m taking AP® literature and composition, computer science, geometry, tech math, financial literacy, and civics.

What do you like to do on your breaks?

I like to watch Gilmore Girls, go outside, crochet (mainly stuffed animals), and just relax. I also enjoy writing and reading. To Kill a Mockingbird is still the best book, in my opinion. I have a lot more time to write with K12, too.

My Teachers & Classmates

Can you tell us more about your teachers?

I feel like my teachers really care, and they help me work through my problems.

My math teacher from last year, Mrs. Walker. Not only did she help me almost get an A in math, she was also interested in my hobbies and other classes. I was writing a story and a couple poems for my writing class and she read them and loved them. She gave me the best compliments I’ve ever received and encouraged me to keep pursuing my dream of becoming an author.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

I love being in my own little decorated zone. I usually work at home, but I’ll read at a lake sometimes.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school? Do you feel that ARVA is helping you prepare for the future?

I want to be a writer. I know I’ll need to work to pay the bills too, but I want to spend my time writing and doing what I love. I feel like online school is helping me prepare for that future by teaching me how to manage my time.

Thank you, Delilah! 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 Arkansas. 

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

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