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

By: Sierra M., 11th 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 Sierra had to say. 

What do you like about online learning at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA)? 

Online learning at INDGA works for me because of the opportunities, flexibility, and ability to ask questions in class through chat, and not on the microphone, if I am feeling anxious. 

Why did you switch to INGDA? 

I switched because I needed more flexibility in my schedule that allowed me to do what I wanted with my education. It allowed me to fly to international Kung Fu competitions without falling behind in school. My brick-and-mortar school didn’t give me that flexibility, nor would they give me the opportunity to graduate early.  

Can you describe a typical day and week for your virtual school experience? What classes are you taking? 

My typical day has one to two online classes. It seems like I have it really easy, that I am practically not in school, but the reason I have so few classes is because online school has given me the opportunity to take in-person college classes at my local community college. I am also taking online college classes through my school’s dual enrollment program. 

This semester, I took Spanish II, three dual credit classes (World Literature, Rhetoric and Argument, and Calculus), and a biology class in person at the local community college. I also took my Capstone class to complete my associate’s degree from the community college!

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

As an INGDA student, I have been able to excel further in school than I even thought possible. I work at my own pace, which resulted in early graduation as a junior. Not only that, but I have also been able to take multiple dual credit classes, both in-house and external, through the high school. I will have accumulated more than 60 credits by graduation, which means I am graduating with an associate’s degree and a high school diploma this year! 

How do your teachers support you at INGDA? 

Being an INGDA student has let me be more open in classes. I can answer more questions and develop a relationship with my teachers. My teachers have helped me thrive in class and give all my questions thorough answers without making me feel like it was a stupid question.  

What kind of activities do you enjoy? What do you like to do on your breaks from school? 

I love to read, especially fantasy and action books. I started to read fantasy books after cursing them for so long. I read one book, and—bang! Now I can’t get enough of it. Writing new books based on random dreams and funny experiences is a small hobby of mine. I could have a nightmare or a ridiculous dream, and it could become a short story the next day. 

Thank you, Sierra! 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 Indiana. 

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

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