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

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

By: Morgan S., 9th 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 Morgan had to say.

My K12 Why

What do you like about Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville (TVAH)? Why does online learning work for you?

My experience has been good compared to my previous school. I feel like it’s easier for me to understand course work now, which was one of my struggles in brick-and-mortar.

Why did you switch to online school at TVAH?

I switched to online school because of some family health things going on. We were in brick-and-mortar school before. The transition was hard at first, because I was younger. I worried I wouldn’t be able to make friends but literally in one of the first weeks my school had an in-person meet-up and my teachers made it easy for me and my sister to adapt to online learning.

Did anything surprise you about TVAH?

I was surprised by how much stuff there is to do extracurricular-wise. There’s a big variety of experiences, both virtual and in-person, with all of the clubs and competitions.

My Online School Day

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

I would say the start of my day is very typical. After my alarm goes off, I’ll listen to music and tidy up my room. Since I’m in the flex program, sometimes my first class isn’t until the afternoon so before then I have a lot of time to complete the asynchronous assignments and read the lessons.

I also volunteer with two organizations, an anti-bullying organization and group that helps foster kids, both aging out and ones who are still in the system. During my breaks I’ll work on tasks for them. One thing that’s certain in my daily routine is leaving the house (usually to go shopping) and I always make sure I get my schoolwork done early so I can spend the rest of the day not thinking about it.

My favorite part of the day is either after classes when I can work on my lessons on my own or digital media class. This year, digital media is my favorite subject.

What classes are you taking right now?

I’m currently in the graphic design pathway in Career and College Prep, and this year I’m doing digital media as my class for that. I’m also taking geography, honors English, honors biology, geometry, lifetime fitness and wellness, and a dual credit music appreciation class.

This is my first year doing dual enrollment and it’s enjoyable—you do have to get used to using a new website, but besides that it’s tame!

What do you like to do on your breaks?

I’m doing FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) this year, so recently I’ve been doing fashion design during my breaks. Normally I would watch TV, clean a little bit, or do my volunteer work.

My Teachers & Classmates

Who’s your favorite teacher?

All of them are equally my favorite, but Ms. Nel and Ms. Aiken are super awesome! My teachers are so kind. They encourage participation and you can really tell they love to teach. They support me through open office hours and we review the lesson content a ton during class.

Are you in any school clubs?

I’m currently a cabinet member in the NCTSO (National Career and Technical Organization) and I’m in two other CTSOs (DECA & FCCLA). I love being a part of these clubs! They give me opportunities to compete with and against other students as well as win scholarships. It’s also something that furthers my future because I can add my participation to college resumes and applications. I’m in a leadership academy my school offers too.

What are your hobbies?

Some of my favorite activities are volunteering and learning the electric guitar. I like to read and write too. When it comes to nonfiction, I tend to read anything I can find in the library. For fiction, on the other hand, I really enjoy the ‘Emily the Strange’ comics.

Can you tell us about your workspace?

Whenever I’m doing schoolwork, it’ll be outside or in the living room. I especially like doing work on the couch because I can easily catch up on my favorite shows during class breaks and it’s a lot comfier than a desk.

The most interesting place I’ve probably done schoolwork is either while fishing or on a road trip. I love that I can take my classes on the road. It’s also convenient that I can watch classes back if I missed anything.

My Future

What do you want to do after high school?

I plan on getting a post-secondary education. I’m interested in both creative and marketing fields, as well as law.

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

A thousand percent, yes! K12 (the company that powers TVAH) has really evolved, even from four years ago when I started. We have Tallo (which is like a networking website and you can also find scholarships on there). K12 offers its own internships (like the SAC cohort I’m a part of and contributing to this blog) My favorite thing is the competitions where students can win money and prizes for their passions and talents. My sister and I have done the baking challenge and we’re looking forward to the Writing Competition. Like other schools, TVAH also offers dual enrollment where you can earn college credit and high school credit for the same course.

What advice do you have for other students and families considering the switch to a K12-powered online school like TVAH?

Stay on top of all of your work. It’s easier to take 30 minutes to plan your week on a Sunday than to try and catch up with a week’s worth of work that could’ve been split. Also, don’t be scared to ask your teacher or counselor for help, that’s what they’re there for, and they’re willing to help you!

Thank you, Morgan! 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 Texas.

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