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

By: Sophia H., 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 Sophia had to say.

What do you like about online learning at Missouri Virtual Academy (MOVA)?

Online learning at MOVA works extremely well for my schedule. I have to be in different cities half the week, so it made it hard to be enrolled in one city’s district when I couldn’t be there all the time. MOVA also gives me much more flexibility to support my hobbies and allows for job opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to access as a brick-and-mortar student.

What has your experience been at MOVA compared to your previous school?

At my previous online school (not affiliated with K12), I really struggled. There was little support from teachers, I felt like I was hardly ever given instructions, and we didn’t have live classes. When I enrolled at MOVA, though, I really started to flourish. I was supported, and the school provided virtual learning specifically. It was an extremely helpful change to my mental health and academic well-being.

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

Each day of the week is a little different. I’m usually finished with assignments by 3 PM, and then the rest of the day is for my extracurriculars, job, or hobbies.

What kind of classes are you taking right now?

I am taking a few honors and Advanced Placement® classes and my usual career prep classes in the education and training pathway. Being in a pathway at school helps me prepare for college and a career in the field I’m interested in.

What do you like to do on your breaks?

I like to take breaks to exercise. I go for walks outside or have a personal dance party inside. Sometimes, on my longer brain breaks, I want to work on one of the instruments I play or take time to catch up with friends.

What activities or hobbies do you like to do in your free time? Does the flexibility of online school help you fit those into your week?

I have many hobbies outside of school (some may say too many). First and foremost, I am a writer, specifically a poet, and I moderate a website for young writers. I participate in music, sing in a worship band, and have been in musicals and plays. I do art, photography, make and sell jewelry, read, help lead and support groups, and much more. The flexibility of MOVA helps a lot to provide time for my hobbies and passions.

Who is your favorite teacher?

A teacher I had in 9th grade English is one of my favorite teachers of all time! I’ve had her as my education and training teacher every semester since then. She is incredibly supportive and has helped me achieve and work toward several career dreams and supported my aspirations. I even got to meet her in real life at one of my school’s in-person outings.

The teachers at MOVA are very supportive in giving feedback and instruction. I have had many wonderful teachers who I have really formed a connection with.

How do you stay connected with friends? Have you met friends through online school?

I have made many friends through classes, clubs, FCCLA, student council, and my school’s outing days. We stay connected, hang out, study together, and talk often.

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

I think MOVA is wonderful for preparing students for college. It teaches you how to self-regulate, build your own schedule, and prioritize your tasks. Online school teaches you how to become more independent while still having plenty of guidance and instruction.

What do you want to do after high school?

My current dream is to go into elementary education. Currently, I plan to attend a two-year community college, as I am working toward a scholarship that will fully cover my tuition. Then I’d finish my bachelor’s at a university and go into working in elementary education.

Thank you, Sophia! 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 Missouri.

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

Back to Blog