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A CLASSROOM OF ONE.
It’s your child’s life.
It’s your family’s choice.
It’s your chance to take an active role.
It’s online education, the K12 Way.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
K12–Powered Schools...................................6-7
Online Teachers......................................12-13
Social Connections.................................14-15
Grades K-8.............................................24-41
Hello,
My name is...
HANDS-ON MATERIALS TEACHERS ASSESSMENTS
A B C D E
THE K12 LEARNING EXPERIENCE
MYTH: Students who attend online schools lack socialization and social skills.
FACT: Students in K 12
online schools have the opportunity to participate in many academic and social outings and activities. These
may include trips to museums, skate parks, and zoos, as well as participation in offline and online clubs, student government, dances,
and much, much more. And since students in online schools have more flexible schedules, many find they actually have more time for
social and community activities than their peers in more traditional schooling environments. In fact, a recent study shows that full-
time online students are at least—if not more—socialized than students in a traditional setting. (See pages 14-15 to learn more.)
FACT: K 12
virtual academies are public schools that happen to operate
outside a traditional classroom. As public school students, your children
will be expected to spend a certain amount of time each day engaged in
schoolwork. They will also be required to take standardized tests mandated by
your state, just like students in more traditional schools, and test results and grades
will be recorded on transcripts. The K12 curriculum was developed by experts to meet
or exceed states’ academic standards.
K12 has a unique, flexible approach that There are more than 7,000 students, but no school building; however, that’s no
combines the comforts of home with the impediment to the quality of education children receive from the public, tuition-
structure of school…a dynamic, interactive free Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA).
online curriculum with traditional books
and materials…and a true learning Founded in 2002, OHVA ranked as the top-performing statewide e-school in
partnership between teachers, students, Ohio for five years in a row. In addition, OHVA was recently named the Parent’s
and parents. Everything is focused on Choice winner as best high school in Ohio (of any type!) by GreatSchools.net
your child’s individual learning and and Business Week magazine. Visit the GreatSchools.net website and you’ll see
success. such comments as: “I just cannot say enough about the staff or teachers.” “An
awesome experience…a spectacular curriculum.” “I went from being an F-student
Our major public school options are: to an A-student.”
• Public Virtual School: This is a How do OHVA and K12 do it? OHVA’s Principal Jeff Shaw says, simply, “We do
full-time, tuition-free school. These can whatever it takes to help a child succeed. If a child fails, we fail.” Jeff continues,
be charter schools or schools run by a “We hire teachers who put kids first. We provide the parent who has the motivation
state or district. The school day takes to educate his or her child at home with a great curriculum, developed by experts,
place primarily in the home. Unlike with best practices for online learning, licensed teacher support, plus exciting
homeschooling, there are certified extra-curricular programs.”
teachers to guide the learning, daily
lesson plans, and an entire support The OHVA program, powered by K12, says Jeff, is “rich and complete.”
system – including principals, guidance
counselors, an online attendance tool, • Licensed teachers work with parents and students using a blend of traditional
assessments, and a progress-tracking and technology-based teaching strategies and support.
system.
• Each month, outings to museums, science centers, and sometimes just roller-
• Public Blended School: These skating in the park are organized by OHVA to bring students and parents
full-time, tuition-free schools offer together. An online Family Directory provides a way for OHVA families to
what’s known as a hybrid or blended network with each other.
experience in which most schooling
takes place in the home, but some • Special web-based sessions are offered for students who need added
school time is spent face-to-face in a instruction in a particular subject or for Learning Coaches (in most cases,
brick-and-mortar setting. a parent) who need additional assistance in supporting their students.
K12 programs are currently used in In sum, the school’s program is challenging, engaging, and academically
outstanding public schools in 26 outstanding. Yet, there is another basic truth about online education that OHVA’s
states and the District of Columbia. Jeff Shaw says is crucial to each student’s success, and that is commitment—on the
The two schools profiled on these part of the parents and the school. “If you’re committed, we’re committed. And we
pages will give you further insight will help you succeed.”
into how our schools work.
page 6
Community Days,
Parent Co-ops,
A PORTRAIT OF THE CHICAGO VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL
ParaEducators
These are important, emerging With 550+ students concentrated in Chicago, the Chicago Virtual Charter School
opportunities in many K12 schools (CVCS) has been able to blend at-home schooling with a face-to-face, brick-and-
around the country, as we continually mortar component: one day a week for elementary students, two days a week for
strive to improve each child’s high schoolers. As CVCS Principal Dr. Bruce Law explains, “Students get to see their
education, enhance socialization, and instructors, plus staff and fellow students on a regular basis, which helps strengthen
relationships.”
provide support for parents/Learning
Coaches.
Clearly, the model is performing extremely well. In 2009, CVCS (which is 51% low-
income and 66% African-American) out-performed every other Chicago public school—
For instance, in California, eight with comparable school populations—in state achievement testing for Reading, Math,
sites are dotted throughout the and Science for grades 3-8, and has successfully met the Annual Yearly Progress goals
state where regular “Community of No Child Left Behind legislation every year since 2007. And CVCS just received an
Days” are held. Anywhere from 60 Illinois Honor Award for achieving significant gains in academic performance for 2009.
to 180 students attend, and during
the 3 1/2-hour sessions, Math and This blended school was founded in 2006, with strong support from the then-head
English/Language Arts classes are of Chicago Public Schools, Arne Duncan, who is now the U.S. Secretary of Education.
held. Then there’s time for various A recent review of Chicago’s varied public charter schools, conducted by Chicago
activities: from practicing a play to Magazine, called CVCS a “standout” for its strong programs and success. The article
a cooking class, arts and crafts, test quoted a mother of two kids in CVCS: “This is totally individualized instruction, going
at the child’s own pace. I know the traditional schools say they’re doing that, but they
prep, and so on. It’s also a place
can’t go this far.”
where parents can meet and share
advice with one another.
Going the distance for every child is what CVCS’s Bruce Law emphasizes, “The nature
of our program is that the teacher, the school, the parent—we all get our arms around
Another trend is Parent Co-ops, that child. And, when the motivation is there, I’ve seen amazing things happen. There
managed directly by the parent are kids who had little deficiencies that had become gaping wounds—and we’ve helped
community. In Co-ops, parents and them get back to grade level. We also excel in challenging gifted children and helping
their kids get together for part of an them accelerate.”
academic day, and Learning Coach
responsibilities are shared. In Chicago, and wherever K12 schools operate, the story remains the same: a total
commitment to each child’s success, through a high-caliber, individualized approach
Finally, in Pennsylvania, we’ve to education.
begun to work with ParaEducators.
ParaEducators are skilled facilitators
—often certified teachers—focused
on children who need extra attention
in order to be more fully engaged in
their studies. As one K12 ParaEducator
said, “I have parents who thank me
every day” for helping to keep their
children on track in their studies.
xPotential \ek-spe-’ten(t)-she-l\ n (2010) 1: the innate “possibility factor” unique to every child < hard work and the
right education can unlock and completely develop a child’s ~ > 2: LIFE PROMISE; LIFE POSSIBILITY 3: the personal, visceral
and intellectual zenith that a child can reach by immersing herself in the passionate combination of cognitive science,
individualized learning approaches, and rich engaging content found in the K12 curriculum.
page 8
“All kids have strengths and weaknesses. We build on the
strengths and address the weaknesses, one child at a time.”
Jennifer Sims, Senior Director of Academic Services
page 9
K12’s CURRICULUM DEVELOPERS
Dr. Dan Franck
Senior Science
Content Specialist
- BA in History and Political Science, - BA, Johns Hopkins University; MA - Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Delaware State University in English and American Literature, from MIT
- 20 years of experience teaching University of Virginia - BS in Mathematics and MS in
middle and high school history - Literature and writing teacher at the Operations Research, George Mason
University of Virginia and Harvard University
Amelia is responsible for designing K12’s University - Previously taught Math at the
History lessons and making sure that - Former Vice President and Director prestigious Thomas Jefferson High
the content is educationally sound and of Research and Publications at Core School for Science and Technology
grade-appropriate. Her specialty is to Knowledge
take content that may seem “boring” to As the content specialist behind K12’s
kids and make it exciting—to bring out Since the very earliest days of K , John
12
middle and high school Math programs,
the story in history. has been instrumental in using the latest Paul’s philosophy is to work with a
educational research and cognitive student for as long as it takes for a
“What I try to do is to make history science to create engaging, effective concept to take hold. When it comes
come alive. It’s so rewarding to hear curricula that emphasize hard work— to designing a strong Math program,
a child say ‘Cool!’ or ‘Awesome!’ and the rewards of that work. Paul is determined to give teachers and
while doing a history lesson that I’ve students a variety of the best tools to
worked on.” “We owe it to our students to do just that—to focus on what makes
acknowledge the importance of hard the “light bulbs” turn on.
work, to set explicit expectations
that they will do it, and to support, “I am someone who doesn’t believe
encourage, and (as needed) prod in silver bullets when it comes to
Beth Zemble them in their efforts.” teaching; it’s whatever works best for
Director of a particular student.”
Alternative Learning
Strategies
“Books to me are like silent friends. “I make it my personal goal to create
At K12, we try to make reading come memorable learning experiences for
alive for our students.” our students.”
page 11
ONLINE TEACHERS
“virtual.” K12 teachers are certified, highly qualified, and widely experienced.
subject areas, coupled with many years of classroom experience. But the one
In grades K-8, teachers are in frequent contact with their students and
questions and make suggestions, check and grade work, and monitor
attendance. They just do most of this remotely, rather than in the classroom.
to students’ personal questions, and post information and advice for all
page 12
How Teachers Change Lives
Teri Cady of the Colorado Virtual Academy Jena Kugel has been teaching for 11
(COVA) taught for two years in another years, seven of which have been with
virtual school, prior to joining COVA, an the Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA).
experience that she says was nowhere near She specializes in writing, but AZVA has
as “organized as K12.” Today, she teaches high encouraged her to branch out as a teacher
school Science and serves as Department Chair. into the areas of math and history as well, for
grades K-8. She inspires great loyalty among her students—
“K12 offers so many exciting and new ways to connect with my so much so that 25 of them transferred from their brick-
students. Once a week, I hold live online sessions; I even host and-mortar school to AZVA just to keep her as their teacher,
science demonstrations using a video camera. All this keeps because they and their parents were so pleased with her
my students engaged and eager to learn more.” She also loves methods. Jena was the recipient of the National Coalition for
school outings. “When you think of online learning, you think Public School Options American Pioneer of Teaching Award for
that the kids might miss opportunities to develop socially, but the state of Arizona, which just serves to emphasize her vision
we take field trips, visit museums and science centers—even to “be on the cutting edge of where education is going.”
get together for ‘spaghetti’ dinners.”
page 13
SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
With a child in an online school, you may wonder how he or she will make friends and
develop socially while studying at home.
The truth is, K12 schooling offers many ways for you and your child to connect with
others and have fun—online and offline. In fact, a recent independent study of full-time
K12 programs found that online students’ social skills were at least on par with—or
actually higher than— those of students in traditional schools.*
Some of the options we offer include local sports, clubs, music, and hobbies, local
school events, online K12 clubs and activities, thebigthinK12 (our own social network),
the K12 Booster Program, K12 charitable efforts, and much more.
While many clubs are school-initiated, others are started by energetic students eager to
share their interests with other like-minded learners. There are clubs for Chess, Books,
Photography, Speech and Debate, Inventors, Art, and much more. Students can connect
in person or through a secure web-based meeting tool. The creation of new clubs is
always encouraged.
A sampling from around the country of popular events K12 families love
Many events cost nothing to attend and include free admission to local theme parks,
museums, and other local attractions. Types of events include:
page 14
K12 BOOSTER PROGRAM get involved in student government or Armed with pencils, chisels, oils,
AND FAMILY DIRECTORY the school paper, talk about national pixels, or whatever media they choose,
or international affairs (or a favorite students channel their inner artist and
New parents are given the opportunity band), and get into political action or submit the final creation to K12. K12
to join the K12 Booster Club Program, service leadership—just to name a few judges choose the finalists’ works,
which is a great source of support for opportunities. which are displayed on K12.com.
families.
K12’s web community lets students
Soon after a family enrolls in a K12 “chat” with a friend on the way to class,
school, they’re generally contacted by join an online group discussion in the
a Booster leader, who keeps them in the “hallway,” stop by the virtual “office”
loop through regular e-mail updates. to talk to their school counselor, listen
Parents meet face-to-face with other to daily announcements over the
parents, and there are also plenty of “loudspeaker,” join an after-school
family activities and events to attend. club, or just hang out and simply be
themselves.
K12 supports the Booster Club with ideas
on how to make the program work best Please note: in addition to parents
for their school. Parents receive posters and teachers, both thebigthinK12 and We constantly look for ways to
and other supplies, as well as public- theteenthinK12 are only available to K12 keep our students, their families,
speaking tips and community service students over the age of 13 who have a and teachers connected so they
ideas. parent’s permission and agree to meet a can build lasting friendships and
clearly defined code of conduct. lean on each other for support.
Every parent can access an online Family Please check out K12.com for
Directory that connects parents with K12 PROMOTES GOOD further details.
other nearby parents who have kids the CITIZENS, NOT JUST GOOD
same age. STUDENTS *Interactive Education Systems Design
(IESD), Inc., in collaboration with The
STATE-OF-THE-ART At K12, we believe in changing the world, Center for Research in Educational
SOCIAL NETWORKING one child at a time, and that even the Policy (CREP), August 2008.
smallest ripple can make a big wave in
thebigthinK12 is a social networking the world.
community where students, parents,
and teachers gather and share
information, and interact with local
One way we do this is through K12
Operation Lemonade. One weekend
Find K12 on
peers in school-specific sections of a year, thousands of K12 students,
the site. Parents use this K12 feature employees, and families set up local Facebook®, and
to connect and build relationships lemonade stands to raise money for
with other parents, and interact with
their children’s teachers. In addition,
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
The foundation, which raises money for see what other
thebigthinK12 offers message boards, pediatric cancer, was founded by a young
news feeds, blogs, games, and national
art, math, and writing competitions.
girl named Alex Scott who lost her battle
against the disease in 2004. In the first
parents think
Only members of the K12 community two years, K12 students raised more than
can access thebigthinK12 . $70,000 towards finding a cure. about us!
theteenthinK12: HELPING STUDENTS LEAVE
K12 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ THEIR MARK ON THE WORLD
ONE-OF-A-KIND COMMUNITY
All great artists need inspiration to leave
This is our virtual town hall, where high their mark on the world. Each year, the Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
school students can connect through K12 Art Competition challenges students
discussions, polls, news feeds, blogs, to do just that—draw from the things in
and more. These students can also life that inspire them most.
page 15
TWO K12 FAMILIES The Longer Families
Stay with K12,
the Better They Do
The Lovelady Family: There are more than 70,000 K12 students
Nearly a Decade with K12…and Counting in the U.S. and around the world. That’s
a lot of families! And many of them have
Several years ago, when her son and The Lovelady family is now into been with us for nearly a decade (like the
daughter were little, Lori Lovelady their eighth year with K12. “Kady, my
two families profiled here).
researched online schooling and oldest, is in high school and really
discovered K 12, which powers the enjoys it. She loves the structure and
tuition-free Wisconsin Virtual Academy. independence the program offers,” says There are good reasons to stick with
Even then, K12 stood out among the Lori. “And both Kady and Luke love the
a K12 online education. Not only does
competition. Lori explains: “The K12 opportunities they get to catch up with
curriculum was rich, engaging, and friends! Family events include snow- this kind of schooling promote greater
challenging—just what I wanted for tubing, cave-exploring, and hiking.” independence, more disciplined study
my kids.”
habits, and a more active role for parents
Throughout the years, the family has
Lori’s opinion is shared by her children. also been pleased with K12’s continual in a child’s education, but also the longer
“If my kids didn’t love K12,” says efforts to improve the learning a student stays with K12, the stronger he
Lori, “we wouldn’t keep them in the experience. Lori says, “There have been
or she usually performs.
program.” many improvements. Today, stories can
be read to our kids through audio—
“That first year, the whole family was a feature they love!” For example, a group of children who
excited,” says Lori. “It was exactly what studied in a K12 program from 2001 until
I envisioned. Attending school at home Would she recommend K12 to other
now are 97% proficient in reading.
for your children can seem daunting, but moms? “Of course,” Lori says. “I’m so
not with K12. You get excellent teacher satisfied: it’s the Cadillac of all curricula.
support, which is a lifesaver, and the They offer the best available today, The Lovelady and Miller families have
program is easy to use, especially for and that’s all a parent wants for her
seen their children grow academically
new parents who feel like they have children.”
to do everything. It actually takes the and personally, day by day, year by
burden off you, because everything is
so well thought through.”
“ It’s the Cadillac year. They’ve seen that when each child
is treated on an individual, one-to-one
And when the Lovelady family moved of all curricula.” basis—and when committed teachers
to California, their children didn’t miss and passionate parents are involved—
a beat. “The decision to transfer them
a K12 education can open the door to
from the Wisconsin to the California
Virtual Academies was easy—both nearly endless possibilities, including
schools use the same K12 program places like Princeton!
they’d known for years,” said Lori. It
also didn’t hurt that both programs—
as public virtual charter schools—
are tuition-free.
page 16
The Miller Family: From K12 to Princeton “. . .thanks to shared
Alison and Greg Miller, and their four Ensuring children have the right experiences, and the
children, have been with K12 for years. knowledge and tools they need to
Their oldest daughter stayed with the succeed in the future, whether that time we’re able to spend
program from seventh through tenth means academic pursuits or a career,
grade before being admitted to a is what a great education is all about. together as a family,
residential high school ballet program When Alison discovered K12’s excellent
at an elite school for the arts. curriculum and learning programs, she we’ve grown closer.
knew she was on to something big.
Today, she’s a freshman at Princeton And you can’t quite put
University. “Before my daughter was accepted
by Princeton, one of her high school a price on that.”
Their second-oldest was recently advisors said to me, ‘I don’t know how
accepted into the South Carolina your daughter knows all that she knows, In addition to the curriculum’s richness,
Governor’s School for the Arts and but I’ve been teaching for decades, and its flexibility helped her boys, who have
Humanities, where she studies drama she brings forth ideas that stop me in my learning disabilities (mild dyslexia and
and supplements her academic work tracks. I replied, ‘I know why: it’s K12!’” ADD) advance in their studies.
with K12’s foreign language program.
She also plans on taking K12 K12 gave Alison a way to offer her “My son with dyslexia can dig deeper
International Academy classes during children a great education that includes: into a lesson and take the time he needs
the summer of 2010. Their oldest son to focus,” she explains. “He continues to
is in eighth grade, but has accelerated • M astery-driven individualized advance in reading using K12’s phonics
into Honors Geometry, and also plays instruction program and has started to look forward
competitive tennis. “The flexibility • Rich content that included a to ‘reading time with Mommy.’”
of being able to take school with him chronological approach to history
enables him to travel to regional and • A variety of classical literature, Alison knows that families can face
national tennis tournaments, which he from Western civilization and other multiple challenges with online
could not participate in if he were in a cultures education from home. The Millers
traditional school setting,” says Alison. • Math that taught her children how faced those same challenges. “But
And their youngest—another son—is in to “think mathematically” rather K12 aligns with the hopes you have for
third grade. than just “do problems” your children—that they be adequately
• Intensive instruction in written prepared to do anything they want,
Life in the Miller home is good, but it expression without limitations,” explains Alison.
hasn’t always been easy. “We’ve had • Skill-building in written and oral “When you realize you’ve found an
our challenges, but throughout them, K12 communications education that makes this possible,
has always there to help us meet them. you feel like your kids can accomplish
It’s why we’ve stayed with the program anything.”
for so long—it works,” she says.
“Not only are our children experiencing
the true joy of learning with K12, but
thanks to shared experiences, and the
additional time we spend together as
a family, we’ve grown closer. And you
can’t quite put a price on that.”
Twelve-year-old Olivia, from Idaho, families understand whether a student Learning Circles have been on such
wants to be the first female President. should accelerate through a course, topics as Dinosaur Discoveries and
And she’s already confident about but also how to enrich their child’s daily Careers in Math.
the item she’d address first: illegal lessons.” Nancy, one of over 50 ALP
immigration. “I hear about what’s going specialists at K12, previously taught in
on in the world today, and I want to be a Gifted and Talented seventh grade Olivia, a student
there to change it,” she says. Spend a program in a brick-and-mortar school.
few minutes talking to this bright young
girl, and she’s likely to win your vote. in K12’s Advanced
FANTASTIC LEARNING
Olivia, who attends the Idaho Virtual OPPORTUNITIES
Academy (a K12 partner school), is K12’s Senior Manager for ALP, Dr. Gary Learner Program
a student in K12’s Advanced Learner Smith, was supervisor of Gifted and
Program (ALP), developed by K12 to Talented programs for the Little Rock,
give Advanced and Enrichable Learners Arkansas school district for nine years. wants to be the first
unprecedented support and exciting He loves to talk about ALP’s nationwide
learning opportunities. She’s currently enrichment opportunities, including
a sixth grader, though she also takes monthly National Learning Circles, a quiz female President.
seventh grade Language Arts. bowl called “Odyssey of the Mind,” and
a Speaker Series for ALP parents.
Where ALP really kicks in for Olivia is the
extra enrichment, such as clubs. Last “In National Learning Circles,” Gary
year, she led discussions in an online says, “we have an expert presenter,
Book Club, plus edited and designed a who kicks things off in an online
school newspaper; this year, she’s in the Elluminate® interactive session.
Technology Club, demonstrating cool Students are invited to create follow-up
tech tools to the group. In a recent Club presentations on a topic of interest to
session, Olivia gave her fellow students them and can present their work locally.
an overview of a fun, create-your-own Then, a small group is picked to present
cartoon website, ToonDoo.com. As to a follow-up national session. It’s a
her Mom, Trish, explains, “Olivia’s ALP fantastic learning opportunity!”
teacher has opened up her world, with
new avenues to express herself.” A recent National Learning Circle was
called “Extreme Astronomy” and led
Extra-curricular enrichment is only one by K12 educator Pat Keeney, who taught
piece of the ALP program. One of K12’s science in a brick-and-mortar school
ALP Coordinators, Nancy Kelly of the for 17 years and was an educational
Agora Virtual School in Pennsylvania, consultant to NASA for 10 years. More
explains: “ALP works with families to than 200 students from across the
ensure their gifted student is placed country participated in two age groups,
properly in the right course level—even one geared for grades 3-5; the other
down to the proper pacing. We help for grades 6-8. Other
page 18
A Program Built on
National Standards
The K12 Advanced Learner Program “The public school
(ALP) provides educational
advancement for your child across
a wide spectrum of curriculum couldn’t keep up
options, enrichment activities,
and progressive administrative
policies. ALP’s leaders and teachers
with him.”
do whatever it takes to optimize
your child’s learning experience.
Below is a list of some key program
components:
Tyler is 11 years old and in seventh grade at the Agora Virtual School, another
K12 partner. Having quickly completed the sixth grade curriculum, he was able
• Early entrance to school
to skip a grade. Tyler’s experience with K12 began in third grade because, as his
Grandmother Fonda (and Learning Coach) says, “The public school couldn’t keep
• Curriculum compacting (a way up with him. ALP is great…he absolutely loves it. He couldn’t do what he does in
to move more rapidly through a brick-and-mortar school.”
certain subject matter)
The seventh grade curriculum is truly giving Tyler a challenge, but he’s keeping
up with the advanced work and has high praise for his teachers, noting that his
• Subject acceleration
Math teacher is “one of the best I’ve ever had.” Tyler particularly loves K12 History,
“because of how many examples there are…it’s not just workbooks.” He cites K12’s
• Topic enrichment (a whole host award-winning text, The Human Odyssey, for the way it brings history alive.
of activities and assignments,
including the National Learning Some of the ALP enrichment opportunities Tyler likes the most are the Math
Circles described on this page) Olympiad and the Geography Club, as well as the global iEARN program, which
has let him connect with kids from Canada, Russia, Kenya, and Ukraine; currently
they’re creating a newspaper together.
• Individual subject advancement
ADVANCED AND “ENRICHABLE” STUDENTS
• Whole-grade advancement At K12, inclusiveness is important. We are less concerned with screening out
students from enrichment programs, but rather take special care to “screen in”
• Mentorship students with potential. This is why we talk about both advanced and “enrichable”
students, which we define this way:
page 19
FIND A SCHOOL AND ENROLL
quickly the steps outlined below are This step will create your own personal and secure online
completed. account that will help you keep track of your progress.
can find K12 school options in your state. After you complete the online application, print the
Click on your selected option to get the Enrollment Forms packet. Then gather and fax or mail any
appropriate school’s website, where additional required documentation with your Enrollment
you can begin enrolling! You may also Forms packet. Examples might be proof of residence and a
call us using the number on your local copy of your child’s up-to-date immunization records. Many
program’s website, or at 866.YOURK12 schools also request official school transcripts (grades 10-12)
(866.968.7512). or report card (K-9).
Remember: Many states have more Visit the website of the program you are enrolling in for a
than one option, so take your time to complete list of required documents.
research the one that’s best for your
family.
option, but the private K12 International Within 48 hours of completing your application, a Personal
Academy is available in all 50 states Admissions Liaison (PAL) will follow up with you to complete
and around the world, too. You can also your Admissions Conference and discuss next steps.
purchase individual courses directly
(please see the back cover of this
brochure for all contact options).
4 APPROVAL
page 20
You’ve enrolled. What happens next?
Here’s what you can expect during the days and weeks following your student’s
approval as you prepare for—and then begin—your journey with K12.
1) RECEIPT OF MATERIALS
Once your student’s enrollment is approved,
materials will be shipped to you. These include
everything you’ll need for the school year:
books, art supplies, lab equipment such as
microscopes, and more! Please keep in mind
that the earlier a student enrolls and receives
approval, the sooner he or she will receive
materials before the school start date.
2) INVITATIONS TO ORIENTATION
AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS The planning tools allow you to easily schedule or view
We strongly urge you to attend a school lessons online, log attendance, and even monitor your
orientation and other social events at the children’s progress to ensure they are moving at the right
beginning of the year. Parents and students pace. Lessons are mapped out from start to finish for the
who participate in orientations will feel more year, but can be modified to accommodate family vacations
comfortable and in control of their virtual school or holidays.
experience. Event types and listings are updated
regularly on each online school’s website,
as well as on the K12 International Academy’s
website.
3) TEACHER ASSIGNMENT
Your teacher will contact you prior to the first
day of school either via e-mail or phone. You
may also be invited to a new family event to
meet your teacher face-to-face.
*Steps vary by state and program. Some schools may require a placement test to help determine the appropriate level for your student. Please consult the local
program’s website, or call using the number on the site for more information. Individual courses can also be purchased through buy.K12.com in an easy-to-use
and convenient online store. In addition, some states do not yet have a public virtual school option, but the K12 International Academy is available in all 50 states
and around the world, too. Click on your selected option and you’ll go to the appropriate school’s website, where you can begin enrolling!
page 21
INTRODUCTION TO K-8 SCHOOLING
GRADES K-8:
Nurturing the Naturally Inquisitive Mind
All parents know how naturally inquisitive kids are. Children love to explore,
discover, and learn new things. For our K-8 curriculum, we tap into that
natural inquisitiveness with a simple yet powerful approach to learning:
big ideas + consecutive down payments + practice = subject mastery.
page 22
K-8 CURRICULUM: Your Child’s Love of Learning Starts Here
Learn more about our curriculum and how it helps get your kids into learning. Then, in
the following pages, you’ll find more detailed information about each of these curriculum
areas by grade.
MATH K12 Math balances mastery of fundamental skills with critical thinking and
problem-solving, emphasizing an active, multi-sensory approach to ensure that students
understand the concrete realities that underlie mathematical concepts. Regular practice
“Adaptive” learning is advanced and review ensure mastery of basic skills. Online games and animations motivate students
technology that individualizes learning. and help illustrate concepts, while challenge problems help develop critical thinking skills.
In an adaptive course, the system
intelligently “adapts” to the student’s skill SCIENCE K12 is unique in offering real science for young students, balancing hands-on
and knowledge level, providing help and experience with systematic study of scientific terms and concepts. Students perform many
practice in areas they are needed most. experiments to help them understand scientific principles, and receive guided instruction
K12 is proud to bring this state-of-the-art in important scientific concepts. K12 Science nurtures curiosity, analytical skills, and an
learning method to our students. appreciation of how the world is shaped by ongoing scientific and technological advances.
MARK12 Reading (Mastery. Acceleration. HISTORY K12 History opens young minds and imaginations to far-off lands, distant
Remediation. K12.) is designed for students times, and diverse cultures. The kindergarten History program takes students on a world
in grades 3-5 who are reading two or more tour of the seven continents, and provides an overview of American History through a
grades below grade level. The course gives series of biographies of famous Americans. The History program in grades 1–4 tells the
students the opportunity to master missed story of civilization from the Stone Age to the Space Age. Older students explore major
concepts in a way that accelerates them themes and topics in greater depth.
through the remediation process. The
engaging course features new graphics, WORLD LANGUAGES WITH powerspeaK12 K12’s World Language offering—
learning tools, and games; adaptive powerspeaK12—is designed specifically for kids. It is a fun and effective way for students
activities that help struggling students in grades 3-12 to read, write, speak, and listen in up to five languages—Spanish, French,
master concepts and skills before moving German, Latin, and Chinese. Combining a variety of games, simple narratives, and regular
on; and more support for Learning Coaches writing and speaking challenges, K12’s World Language program is language learning your
to guide their students to success and back child will actually enjoy.
to grade level.
ART Following the timelines in the History lessons, K12 Art lessons introduce students
Math for Grades K-5:
+
to great works of art from different cultures and eras, while engaging them in creative
These exciting, research-based courses activity—painting, drawing, molding with clay, etc. Students are introduced to the
focus on computational fluency, conceptual elements of art—line, shape, color—and identify different types of artwork as they learn
understanding, and problem-solving. The about important paintings, sculpture, and architecture.
engaging approach features new graphics
and animations, learning tools, and games; MUSIC K12 Music teaches basic music concepts at different, age-appropriate levels,
adaptive activities that help struggling so that all students have a consistent understanding of the essential concepts governing
students master concepts and skills before Western music. The curriculum builds quickly, in a structured, sensible way. The concepts
moving on; and more support for Learning in the lessons are critical to fostering music comprehension, which is taught in stages as
Coaches to guide their students to success. students move through their years in K12. Much more than simple music appreciation,
this is an approach that will help students train their own ears, voices, and bodies in the
fundamental building blocks of music.
page 23
KINDERGARTEN
page 24
SCIENCE ART
Kindergarten students begin to develop Students are introduced to the elements
observation skills as they learn about the of art—line, shape, color, and more. They
five senses, the earth’s composition, and learn about portraits and landscapes,
the basic needs of plants and animals. realistic and abstract art. Students
Students will also explore topics such will learn about important paintings,
as measurement (size, height, length, sculpture, and architecture; study the
weight, capacity, and temperature), works and lives of artists like Matisse,
matter (solid, liquid, and gas), the Miró, Rembrandt, Hiroshige, Cézanne,
seasonal cycle, our Earth (geography, Picasso, and Faith Ringgold; and
taking care of the Earth), motion (pushes create artworks similar to works they
and pulls; magnets), and astronomy (the learn about, using many materials and
Earth, Sun, Moon, and stars; exploring techniques. For example, students will
space; astronauts Neil Armstrong and create brightly colored paintings inspired
Sally Ride). by Matisse and make mobiles inspired by
Alexander Calder.
Course materials include:
• Plastic pipette Course materials include:
• Safety glasses • Come Look with Me: Enjoying Art
• Bar magnets with Children by Gladys S. Blizzard
• Magnifying glass • Come Look with Me: Animals in Art
• Mirror by Gladys S. Blizzard
• Inflatable globe • Art print kit
• Tempera paint set
HISTORY • Modeling clay
This beginning course teaches the • Oil pastels
basics of world geography through a
storybook tour of the seven continents, PREPARATORY MUSIC
and provides an introduction to American Kindergarteners learn about music
history and civics through a series of through lively activities, including
biographies of famous Americans. listening, singing, and moving. Through
Students will explore the Great Barrier games and folk songs from diverse
Reef in Australia, the frozen expanses of cultures, students learn musical concepts
Antarctica, the grasslands and rainforests such as high and low. Creative movement
of Africa, the Great Wall of China, and the activities help students enjoy the music
villages and cities of Europe. Students of composers such as Grieg and Haydn.
will learn about American history through Students will sing along with folk songs,
biographies of famous figures, from practice moving to music, and listen
Columbus to Abraham Lincoln to Martin actively to different kinds of music. They
Luther King, Jr. will also understand concepts such as
high and low, fast and slow, long and
Course materials include: short, loud and soft, as well as identify
• U.S./world map and contrast beat and rhythm.
• Inflatable globe
• Let’s Journey: Around the World (CD) Course materials include:
• Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain • Let’s Learn Music (DVD)
by Verna Aardema • Let’s Listen (CD)
• Possum Magic by Mem Fox • Let’s Sing (CD)
• The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry • Let’s Sing (songbook)
• Tambourine
• Slide whistle
page 25
GRADE 1
“Last year, my son was struggling with reading. With K12, he’s no
longer struggling. I’m really impressed with what a first-grader
can learn if it’s presented in the right way.”
Michelle, parent of a K12 first grade student
page 27
GRADE 2
page 28
HISTORY ART
Continuing a program that, spanning Following the timeline of K12 History,
the elementary grades, explores world second grade Art lessons include an
geography and history from the Stone introduction to the art and architecture
Age to the Space Age, this course of ancient Rome, medieval Europe,
focuses on the time from ancient Rome Islam, Mexico, Africa, China, and Japan.
to the later Middle Ages. Through lively Students will examine elements of
stories and activities, students will art and principles of design, such as
explore ancient Rome and meet Julius line, shape, pattern, and more; study
Caesar; learn about the beginnings of and create self-portraits, landscapes,
Christianity during the Roman Empire; sculptures, and more; and create
hear stories of the raiding and trading artworks similar to works they learn
Vikings; appreciate the achievements of about, using many materials and
early Islamic civilization; meet medieval techniques. For example, after studying
knights in armor, and hear stories of St. Winslow Homer’s Snap the Whip,
George, Robin Hood, and Joan of Arc; students paint their own narrative
and visit the medieval African kingdoms landscape, and design stained glass
of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. windows inspired by the Notre Dame
Cathedral in Paris.
Course materials include:
• Knights in Shining Armor Course materials include:
by Gail Gibbons • How Artists See Play
• Pompeii: Buried Alive by Colleen Carroll
by Edith Kunhardt • How Artists See Animals
• Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda by Colleen Carroll
• The Hundredth Name • Art print kit
by Shulamith Levey Oppenheim • Paintbrushes
• St. George and the Dragon • Modeling clay, assorted colors
by Margaret Hodges
• Sundiata: Lion King of Mali BEGINNING 2 MUSIC
by David Wisniewski Through traditional folk songs and
games, students learn to read more
complicated melodic patterns and
rhythms. As the students listen to works
by great composers, such as Vivaldi and
Saint-Saëns, they learn to recognize
these patterns in the music. Students will
sing along with folk songs; read and write
music; learn to recognize melody in three-
and four-note patterns; identify rhythms
in music using half notes; become familiar
with string and percussion instruments of
the orchestra; recognize duple and triple
meter; and begin to understand standard
musical notation.
page 29
GRADE 3
page 31
GRADE 4
page 32
HISTORY ART
Concluding their investigation into Following the timeline of K12 History,
history from the Stone Age to the Space fourth grade Art lessons include an
Age, fourth grade students turn to the introduction to the artists, cultures, and
study of the modern world. They learn great works of art and architecture from
about the Age of Enlightenment and the French and American Revolutions
the Scientific Revolution, and meet through modern times. Students will
Isaac Newton and Benjamin Franklin; study and create artworks in various
become familiar with James Madison and media, including portraits, quilts,
American constitutional government, as sculpture, collage, and more; investigate
well as Napoleon in France; learn about the art of the United States, Europe,
various revolutions in Latin America; Japan, Mexico, and Africa; learn about
see how great changes—nationalism, Impressionism, Cubism, Art Nouveau,
industrialism, and imperialism— and Regionalism; and create artworks
shaped, and sometimes shattered, the inspired by works they learn about, using
modern world, leading to two world many materials and techniques. For
wars; and study many inventors and example, after studying sculptures and
innovators who achieved great advances paintings of ballerinas by Edgar Degas,
in communication, transportation, students create their own clay sculptures
medicine, and government. of a figure in motion.
page 33
GRADE 5
page 35
GRADE 6
page 36
AMERICAN HISTORY INTERMEDIATE ART:
SINCE 1865 AMERICAN B
The second half of a detailed two-year Following the same historical timeline
survey of the history of the United as American History Since 1865, lessons
States, this course takes students from include an introduction to the artists,
the end of the Civil War to the dawn cultures, and great works of American
of the twenty-first century. Lessons art and architecture from the end of
integrate topics in geography, civics, the Civil War through modern times.
and economics. Students will assess the Students will investigate paintings done
success and failure of Reconstruction; in various styles, from Impressionistic to
examine the impact of the settlement Pop; learn about modern sculpture and
of the American West; investigate the folk art; discover how photographers
social, political, and economic changes and painters have inspired one
that resulted from industrialization; another; examine examples of modern
explore the changing role of the US in architecture, from skyscrapers to art
international affairs from the late 19th museums; and create artworks inspired
century through the end of the Cold War; by works they learn about.
and trace major trends in the United
States since 1945. Course materials include:
• Art print kit
Course materials include: • Pastalina clay (10 colors)
• Wall map set • Acrylic paint set
• A History of US: American History
Since 1865, Volumes 7-10 INTERMEDIATE 2 MUSIC
• Inflatable globe Intermediate 2 Music begins by
introducing notes that are lower or higher
WORLD LANGUAGES than the familiar lines and spaces of the
WITH powerspeaK12 staff. Students expand their knowledge
The online language-learning program of rhythm and learn about the Romantic
designed specifically for kids, K12’s World period in music. Students also study
Language offering—powerspeaK12— harmony and practice recognizing
helps students in grades 3-12 read, pentatonic patterns. Finally, they take a
write, speak, and listen in five languages. musical trip through Europe, Africa, the
K12’s World Language program is Middle East, the Caribbean, Japan, and
language learning your child will actually China.
enjoy. Middle school students have the
opportunity to take Spanish 1 and 2, Course materials include:
French 1 and 2, German 1 and 2, Latin 1 • Let’s Sing (CD, Volume 4)
and 2, and Chinese 1 and 2. • Let’s Listen (CD, Volume 4)
• Let’s Sing Songbook (Volume 4)
page 37
GRADE 7
page 38
INTERMEDIATE WORLD INTERMEDIATE ART: WORLD A
HISTORY A: FROM PREHISTORY Following the same historical timeline
THROUGH THE MIDDLE AGES as Intermediate World History, lessons
In this first part of a survey of World include an introduction to the artists,
History from prehistoric to modern times, cultures, and great works of world art
K12 online lessons and assessments and architecture from ancient through
complement The Human Odyssey, medieval times. Students will investigate
a textbook series developed and how artists from different civilizations
published by K12. This course focuses on used various techniques, from painting
the development of civilization across to mosaic; examine elements of design
a twelve-thousand-year span: from the and styles of decoration, from the spiral
Ice Age to the Middle Ages; from cave to the solar disk; and explore some of
paintings to stained glass windows; from the best-preserved works from ancient
crude huts to Gothic cathedrals. The tombs, including the treasures of Egypt’s
course introduces geography concepts King Tut.
and skills as they appear in the context of
the historical narrative. Course materials include:
• Art print kit
Course materials include: • White self-hardening clay
• The Human Odyssey, Volume 1: • Acrylic paint set
Prehistory Through the Middle Ages
INTERMEDIATE 3 MUSIC
WORLD LANGUAGES Intermediate 3 Music introduces
WITH powerspeaK12 students to all the notes of the major
The online language-learning program scale. Students also learn to recognize
designed specifically for kids, K12’s World and sing the natural minor scale. They
Language offering—powerspeaK12— expand their knowledge of rhythm
helps students in grades 3-12 read, with simple syncopated patterns. This
write, speak, and listen in five languages. semester introduces the Modern period
K12’s World Language program is in music, with listening activities to help
language learning your child will actually students recognize Modern music and
enjoy. Middle school students have the identify pieces by individual composers.
opportunity to take Spanish 1 and 2, Near the end of the year, students
French 1 and 2, German 1 and 2, Latin 1 explore American folk music as they
and 2, and Chinese 1 and 2. follow the expansion of the country
westward. Finally, they learn to recognize
the major forms of classical music: three-
part song form, theme and variations,
rondo, sonata allegro, and fugue.
page 39
GRADE 8
Your kids may not fit the mold and they’re not alone
Classes move too fast or too slow. Course offerings or levels are too limited. Scheduling
restricts their ability to pursue a sport or other intense passion. Social pressures are
distracting. Academic expectations are either too intense or ill-fitting. Whatever the
reason, a one-size-fits-all education doesn’t fit them.
Yes, we’ll push them. But we’ll be pushing them to maximize success on their specific
path, not ours. We won’t judge the path they choose, but we will expect hard work and
real effort.
page 42
We start with the best aspects of our K-8 program.
The K12912 high school curriculum is tailor-made for high school students,
because it’s highly individualized and flexible. At the same time, many of the
Core, Comprehensive, Honors, AP… characteristics that underpin our award-winning K-8 courses are built into our
high school courses.
What’s the Distinction?
• C ourses built on educational research to identify the “Big Ideas” of a subject
Core courses meet all academic requirements
area, as well as the concepts that are stumbling blocks for many students
for each course area. Rich, engaging content
• Clear layout of the objectives to be mastered in each lesson, unit, and
with interactive demonstrations and activities
semester, crafted from research and deep content expertise
helps students absorb and retain the information
• Engaging interactive content to illustrate and explain the toughest concepts
presented.
in ways no static page (print or Web) could ever match
• Beautifully printed materials matched with the online courses so that the
Students in our Comprehensive courses do
images, phrases, and organization of these references clearly reinforce the
more extensive writing and research projects,
course’s key concepts
and tackle problems that require more analytical,
• Terrific hands-on experiences with labs, books, and writing designed to give
independent thinking and self-discipline.
sufficient practice in key skills that students must master
• Clear assessment tools to measure mastery of lesson objectives, using both
Honors courses hold students to a still greater
online and offline tasks to carefully probe mastery
degree of accountability and demand even more
independence and self-discipline. Students read
texts typically assigned in college, and are also
Then, we add many unique factors.
assigned college-level research and writing.
Recognizing the intrinsic differences between high school courses and
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-
K-8 courses, K12 high school courses work differently than our K-8 courses.
level courses that follow curriculum specified by
the College Board. These courses are designed to
• S tudents are regularly involved on a course-by-course basis in threaded,
prepare students for success on AP exams,
teacher-monitored discussions with each other about key topics and ideas
in order to earn college credit.
being covered
• A certified high school teacher qualified to teach his or her subject area is
deeply engaged with the students’ work every week
• Parents are not expected to be engaged in the academic work directly—the
usual parental moral and practical support for high school kids is enough
On the following pages, you’ll find course descriptions for all of our high school
courses, broken out into our four primary disciplines. Following those, you’ll
find descriptions for our world language and elective courses, too.
page 43
HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH
K12 English fosters a love of language, K12 English Core courses and including poetry, short stories, novels,
literature, expression, and critical representative readings from each: drama, and nonfiction. The literary
thinking. We offer multiple levels of works provide opportunities for critical
courses—Core, Comprehensive, and ENG102: Literary Analysis and writing, creative projects, and online
Honors/AP—to meet the diverse needs Composition I discussions. In their senior year, students
of diverse learners. When you’re part of • The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton read and analyze works of British and
a K12 program, we will recommend the • The Fellowship of the Ring world literature that reflect the rich and
appropriate level of academic challenge by J.R.R. Tolkien diverse history of the Western world.
to help your student thrive in English. Students also develop vocabulary skills
ENG202: Literary Analysis and and refresh their knowledge of grammar,
CORE COURSES Composition II usage, and mechanics in preparation for
K12 Core English courses offer students • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury standardized tests.
a strong grounding in the fundamentals • The Pearl by John Steinbeck
of English. Over four years, students K12 English Comprehensive courses
will build their language skills while ENG302: American Literature and representative readings from each:
strengthening their ability to understand • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
and analyze works of literature, both • Our Town by Thornton Wilder ENG103: Literary Analysis and
classic and modern. They’ll read short Composition I
stories, poetry, drama, novels, essays, ENG402: British and World Literature • Animal Farm by George Orwell
and informative articles—continually • Romeo and Juliet • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
sharpening their reading comprehension by William Shakespeare
skills and analyzing important human • Lord of the Flies by William Golding ENG203: Literary Analysis and
issues. Composition II
• Sense and Sensibility
Students will refine their skills of COMPREHENSIVE COURSES by Jane Austen
written expression by writing memoirs, With K12 Comprehensive English • Macbeth by William Shakespeare
persuasive essays, research essays, and courses, students will improve their oral
more. In their third and fourth years, communication skills, build on existing ENG303: American Literature
students will specialize in American, literature and composition skills, and • The Great Gatsby
British, and world literature, analyzing move to higher levels of sophistication— by F. Scott Fitzgerald
important themes from a host of classic honing their skills in literary analysis by • The Glass Menagerie
works from these cultures. And across all reading short stories, poetry, drama, by Tennessee Williams
four years, but with increased intensity novels, and works of nonfiction, both
in their junior and senior years, students classic and modern. ENG403: British and World Literature
will develop vocabulary skills and • Hamlet by William Shakespeare
increase their knowledge of grammar, In their junior year, students will read • Hard Times by Charles Dickens
usage, and mechanics in preparation for and analyze works of American literature
important standardized tests. from colonial to contemporary times,
page 44
HONORS/AP COURSES ENG304: Honors American Literature
With K Honors/AP courses, students
12
• The Old Man and the Sea
hone their skills of literary analysis by by Ernest Hemingway
reading short stories, poetry, drama, • The Red Badge of Courage
novels, and works of nonfiction, both by Stephen Crane
classic and modern. Students become
more proficient writers and readers. ENG404: Honors British and World
The literary works they study provide Literature
opportunities for critical writing, creative • Nectar in a Sieve
projects, and online discussions. They by Kamala Markandaya
explore the richness of language, • Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
including syntax, imitation, word choice,
and tone. They also learn about their own ENG500: AP English Language and
composition style and process, starting Composition
with exploration, planning, and writing, • The Norton Reader: An Anthology
and continuing through editing, peer of Nonfiction, 11th ed.
review, rewriting, polishing, and applying • Writing: A College Handbook, 5th ed.
what they learn to academic, personal,
and professional contexts. ENG510: AP English Literature and
Composition
K12 English Honors/AP courses and • The Norton Anthology of Poetry,
representative readings from each: 5th ed.
• Twelfth Night
ENG104: Honors Literary Analysis and by William Shakespeare
American Literature: Composition I
Poetry of Walt Whitman • A Tale of Two Cities Looking for more
In this high school literature by Charles Dickens CREDIT RECOVERY
lesson, students learn about
complete details?
• The Yearling • Literary Analysis and Composition I
groundbreaking poet Walt by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Just go to K12.com/more.
• Literary Analysis and Composition II
Whitman’s personal life and • American Literature
read his famous work of ENG204: Honors Literary Analysis and • British and World Literature
poetry, Leaves of Grass. Composition II
• The Scarlet Pimpernel
by Baroness Orczy REMEDIATION
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley • English Foundations I
• English Foundations II
page 45
HIGH SCHOOL MATH
K12 Math fosters an appreciation of and skills relevant to everyday life, such as equations and perform manipulations
fluency in the universal language of balancing a checkbook, calculating net with numbers, variables, equations,
numbers. We offer multiple levels of pay, and budgeting expenses. Students and inequalities. They also learn
courses—Core, Comprehensive, and also explore business topics, including concepts central to the abstraction
Honors/AP—to meet the diverse needs borrowing money, investing, and and generalization that algebra makes
of diverse learners. When you’re part of calculating business profits and losses. possible. Students learn to recognize
a K12 program, we will recommend the and work with geometric concepts in
appropriate level of academic challenge K12 Core Math courses: various contexts and use visualizations,
to help your student thrive in math. spatial reasoning, and geometric
MTH112: Pre-Algebra modeling to solve problems. Pre-calculus
CORE COURSES weaves together previous study of
K12 Core Math courses offer students a MTH122: Algebra I algebra, geometry, and functions into
strong grounding in the fundamentals a preparatory course for calculus.
of math. Over four years, K12 teachers MTH202: Geometry The course focuses on the mastery of
closely assess a student’s level of critical skills and exposure to new skills
mastery and focus on skills that need MTH302: Algebra II necessary for success in subsequent
reinforcement. They practice skills of Math courses.
mathematical reading, writing, and MTH312: Business and Consumer Math
reasoning. They learn computational and K12 Comprehensive Math courses:
problem-solving skills and the language
of algebra. They explore the tools of COMPREHENSIVE COURSES MTH113: Pre-Algebra
algebra, apply the Pythagorean theorem, With K12 Comprehensive Math
and explain strategies for solving real- courses, students take a broader MTH123: Algebra I
world problems. look at computational and problem-
solving skills while learning the MTH203: Geometry
Students learn to recognize and work language of algebra. These courses
with geometric concepts in various have a more rigorous pace, as well as MTH303: Algebra II
contexts. They build on ideas of inductive more challenging assignments and
and deductive reasoning, logic, concepts, assessments—covering additional topics MTH403: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
and techniques of Euclidean plane and such as scientific notation, geometric
solid geometry. Students extend their congruence, systems of linear
knowledge and understanding by solving equations, and trigonometric ratios.
open-ended problems and thinking Students develop algebraic fluency
critically. Students learn mathematical by learning the skills needed to solve
page 46
HONORS/AP COURSES
K12 Honors/AP courses prepare students
for more advanced courses while they
develop algebraic fluency, learn the skills
needed to solve equations, and perform
manipulations with numbers, variables, How to Solve a System
equations, and inequalities. These of Equations
courses include all the topics covered This tutorial teaches students
at the Core and Comprehensive levels, how to solve linear equations
but have more challenging assignments using a calculator.
and include more optional challenge
activities. Each semester also includes
an independent honors project.
MTH500: AP Calculus AB
MTH510: AP Statistics
CREDIT RECOVERY
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra I
• Geometry
• Algebra II
REMEDIATION
• Math Foundations I
• Math Foundations II
page 47
HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE
K12 Science fosters a love of the and reactions, solutions, stoichiometry, Students study all key areas that are
hard sciences through outstanding thermochemistry, organic chemistry, commonly taught in high school physics
instruction, hands-on and virtual and nuclear chemistry. Students follow a courses, including physical systems,
labs, virtual collaboration, dynamic program of online study days alternating measurement, kinematics, dynamics,
interactive lessons, and superb printed with review-and-assessment days. momentum, energy, thermodynamics,
materials. We offer multiple levels of Lessons include extensive animations, waves, electricity and magnetism, and
courses—Core, Comprehensive, and hands-on laboratory activities, reference an introduction to modern physics topics
Honors/AP—to meet the diverse needs book study, and collaborative activities such as quantum theory and the atomic
of diverse learners. When you’re part of with virtual classmates. nucleus. All courses use a combination of
a K12 program, we will recommend the online instruction, hands-on laboratory
appropriate level of academic challenge K12 Core Science courses: activities, reference book study, and
to help your student thrive in science. collaborative activities with virtual
SCI102: Physical Science classmates. Instructions for hands-on
CORE COURSES labs are included, for which K12 provides
K12 Core Science courses offer students SCI112: Earth Science all lab materials that cannot easily be
a strong grounding in the fundamentals found in the home.
of science. Students explore the SCI202: Biology
relationship between matter and energy K12 Comprehensive Science courses:
by investigating force and motion, SCI302: Chemistry
the structure of atoms, the structure SCI113: Earth Science
and properties of matter, chemical
reactions, and the interactions of energy COMPREHENSIVE COURSES SCI203: Biology
and matter. Students develop skill in K12 Comprehensive Science courses
measuring, solving problems, using are for students who already have a SCI303: Chemistry
laboratory apparatuses, following strong grounding in the sciences from
safety procedures, and adhering middle school. Students focus on topics SCI403: Physics
to experimental procedures. They in geology, oceanography, astronomy,
learn about geology, oceanography, weather, and climate. They learn about
astronomy, weather, and climate. cell chemistry, biology, genetics, HONORS/AP COURSES
evolution, the biology of living things, K12 Honors/AP Science courses
Students focus on the chemistry of living and ecology. Courses survey key areas provide students with an honors-level,
things: the cell, genetics, evolution, the such as atomic structure, chemical college-prep curriculum and a solid basis
structure and function of living things, bonding and reactions, solutions, to move on to more advanced science
and ecology. Courses survey the areas of stoichiometry, thermochemistry, organic courses. Courses consist of standard
atomic structure, chemical bonding chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. direct lessons presented on-screen,
page 48
an associated reference book, hands-on
laboratories students can conduct at
home, and honors projects, including
independent research, extended and
virtual laboratories, and a teamed, online
debate of current science issues. Courses
provide students with a prerequisite
for college-level geology, meteorology,
oceanography, and astronomy courses,
and give them practical experience in
implementing scientific methods.
SCI500: AP Biology
SCI510: AP Chemistry
SCI520: AP Physics B
pH Indicator Testing
In Chemistry, students use the interactive
CREDIT RECOVERY lab to test the pH of a solution.
• Physical Science
• Earth Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
page 49
HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCES
K12 History and Social Science courses issues faced by producers, consumers, Students explore how human
inspire students to roam the country and investors, and taxpayers in the U.S. relationships, political and social
the world—exploring the history, culture, and around the world. structures, economics, science,
geography, politics, and economics of technology, and the arts have developed
nations near and far. We offer multiple K12 History and Social Science and influenced life in countries around
levels of courses—Core, Comprehensive, Core courses: the world. Examining the intersection
and Honors/AP—to meet the diverse of culture and geography, students
needs of diverse learners. When you’re HST102: World History discover how a mountain in the distance
part of a K12 program, we will recommend can inspire national policymakers,
the appropriate level of academic HST202: Modern World Studies civil engineers, or poets; how a river
challenge to help your student thrive in triggers the activity of bridge-builders,
history and the social sciences. HST212: Geography and World Cultures shipbuilders, and merchants alike; and
how the sound of a busy Cairo street can
CORE COURSES HST302: U.S. History inspire sociologists and musicians.
K12 Core History and Social Science
courses offer students wide exposure HST312: Modern U.S. History K12 Comprehensive History
and strong grounding in each discipline’s and Social Science courses:
fundamentals. Over four years, students HST402: U.S. Government and Politics
trace the development of civilizations HST103: World History
around the world from prehistory to the HST412: U.S. and Global Economics
present, with a special emphasis on key HST203: Modern World Studies
periods and primary sources. Online
lessons help students organize study, COMPREHENSIVE COURSES HST213: Geography and World Cultures
explore topics, review in preparation In K Comprehensive History and Social
12
for assessments, and practice skills of Science courses, students examine the HST303: U.S. History
historical thinking and analysis. development of civilizations around
the world from prehistory to the HST313: Modern U.S. History
Students learn the countless ways in present, analyzing human-geographic
which geography influences human relationships, political and social HST403: U.S. Government and Politics
relationships, politics, society, structures, economics, science and
economics, science, technology, technology, and the arts. Students HST413: U.S. and Global Economics
and the arts. Students encounter the investigate major religions and belief
political culture of our country from systems and explore trade and cultural
the Declaration of Independence to exchange in relation to the development HONORS/AP COURSES
the present day, gaining insight into of civilizations. Students examine both K12 History and Social Science courses
the challenges faced by presidents, the staggering problems and astounding offer high school students an honors-
members of Congress, and other accomplishments of the twentieth level, college-prep curriculum. In these
political participants. Students use century, with a focus on political and advanced courses, students explore
real-world simulations to learn the social history. advanced topics in physical and human
page 50
geography, and investigate issues of
concern in the contemporary world.
Students complete independent projects
each semester. Students are asked to
master not only the wide array of factual
information necessary to do well on the
AP Exam, but also to practice critical
analysis of historical information and
documents.
HST520: AP Macroeconomics
HST530: AP Microeconomics
HST540: AP Psychology
CREDIT RECOVERY
• Modern World Studies
• U.S. History
• Modern U.S. History page 51
HIGH SCHOOL WORLD LANGUAGES, ELECTIVES, AND
TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES
“This is not a ‘quick fix’ to learn a language. I’ve learned that the
best curricula are the ones that are enjoyed. That’s what I’ve
found with powerspeaK12.”
Mrs. Tammy Lentz, parent
page 52
WORLD LANGUAGES knowledge in a particular subject, K12 TECHNOLOGY AND
WITH powerspeaK12 offers 17 electives across a range of COMPUTER SCIENCE
The acclaimed online language-learning disciplines. From Fine Art to Personal ELECTIVES
program designed specifically for young Finance to Journalism to Environmental K12’s Technology and Computer Science
people, K12’s world language offering— Science, our high school elective courses electives are 21st-century courses for
powerspeaK12—helps high school span a wide variety of topics, and are 21st-century students. From Digital
students read, write, speak, and listen another way we can provide a high- Photography to C++ Programming to
in five languages—Spanish, French, quality, well-rounded, and personally Game Design and 3D Animation, these
German, Latin, and Chinese. Combining a tailored education to high school exciting courses engage high school
variety of games, simple narratives, and students like yours. students and prepare them in a relevant
writing and speaking challenges, K12’s and meaningful manner for the demands
program is language learning your high K12 Elective courses: (and careers) of the technology-savvy
school student will actually enjoy. We world we live in.
ART010: Fine Art
offer our world language courses at the
Comprehensive and Honors/AP levels. ART020: Music Appreciation K12 Technology and Computer Science
courses:
K12 Comprehensive BUS010: Business Communication
and Career Exploration TCH010: Computer Literacy I
Foreign Language courses:
BUS020: Business and Personal TCH020: Computer Literacy II
WLG100: Spanish I Relationships
TCH030: Digital Photography and
WLG200: Spanish II BUS030: Personal Finance Graphics
WLG300: Spanish III BUS040: Introduction to TCH040: Web Design
Entrepreneurship I
WLG110: French I TCH050: Digital Video Production
BUS050: Introduction to
WLG210: French II Entrepreneurship II TCH060: C++ Programming
WLG310: French III BUS060: Introduction to Marketing I TCH070: Game Design I
WLG120: German I BUS070: Introduction to Marketing II TCH080: Game Design II
WLG220: German II ENG010: Journalism TCH090: Online Game Design
WLG130: Latin I HST010: Anthropology TCH016: Flash Animation
WLG230: Latin II HST020: Psychology TCH017: 3D Art I - Modeling
WLG140: Chinese I HST030: Macroeconomics TCH018: 3D Art II - Animation
page 53
K12’s GRADUATES: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
From UC/Berkeley, the “I believe the curriculum provided by Denise G., Arizona, age 18
K12 helped prepare me for the rigors of Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) graduate
Naval Academy, and the Academy. Not only did it provide an
excellent education, but the courses As a full-time student at
Princeton, K12 alumni helped prepare me for the large amount Glendale Community
of work at the Academy. One major College, Denise is
live out their dreams benefit was the independence K12 busy with school—
instilled in me. That has helped me her major is Nursing—
At the end of each school year we succeed at the Air Force Academy.” and works part-time.
congratulate our K12 graduates as they
head on to higher learning and other Jonathon P., California, age 18 “At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to
life paths. In 2009, our graduates were California Virtual Academies (CAVA) graduate continue my education and follow my
accepted at over 150 post-secondary dream of becoming a nurse. But once I
schools—from Cornell to Middlebury to Jonathon, a K12 student was part of K12, I felt confident and sure
UC/Berkeley—while others set out to for six “wonderful” of continuing my education. I feel like K12
pursue different dreams. Here are a few years, now attends is more advanced than regular schools.
of their stories. UC/Berkeley and I’m doing really well in college right now
says he loves the and feel more prepared than ever.”
campus, the people,
Chelsea M., Meridian, Idaho, age 19 his classes, and professors.
Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) graduate PROVEN LONG-TERM RESULTS
“Without K12, and CAVA, I would not be
Chelsea is majoring at Berkeley today. A college like Berkeley On average, the longer students stay in
in psychology at only has so many openings; something a K12 program, the better they do. Just
Concordia University needs to make you stand out. Because two examples:
in Portland, Oregon, CAVA gave me a flexible schedule, I was
and also plays on the able to work ahead and take time off • Students in K12 programs from grades
women’s soccer team. to travel the world. I was able to have K through 4 scored 19.7% higher than
incredible experiences like building a state reading averages*
“K12 prepared me for the rigors of college school in rural Africa. K12 also prepared
academics. I learned great study habits. me extremely well for a rigorous and • In all K12 full-time programs tested,
I feel like I came to college a lot more competitive university.” struggling students exceeded one
prepared than my peers, and I didn’t year’s growth in one year’s time
have to deal with some of the stresses Christine D., Pennsylvania, age 18 in Math, compared to norm group
they dealt with—I already had it figured Agora Cyber Charter School, PA graduate averages**
out, thanks to IDVA!”
Christine attends This is our mission at K12: to help every
Jared R., Colorado, age 18 Lycoming College child succeed.
Colorado Virtual Academy (COVA) graduate where she’s studying
to be a teacher. *In four school systems where comparative data are
On June 25, 2009, available **Math Scantron scores, grades 3-10
Jared reported for “The K12 curriculum
duty at the Air Force helped prepare me for college because
Academy—a goal he’s the curriculum was rigorous. As a K12 Visit K12.com to see a complete list
had since sixth grade. student, I learned how to communicate of schools to which our graduates
He is currently on the with instructors, which has helped me were admitted. Also, on page 17,
Dean’s List. He believes that nothing is as a college student. Most importantly, you can read about the Miller family.
unachievable. K12’s curriculum gave me a very good Samantha, their oldest daughter and
foundation.” a former K12 student, is currently a
freshman at Princeton University.
page 54
The YES List: How to Select an Online School
This list should help if you are considering other online school options.
How many “Yes” answers do the other programs have?
CURRICULUM QUALITY
Award-winning curriculum created primarily by an in-house team of
specialists (not a hodge-podge of uncoordinated, 3rd-party sources)............YES r
Award-winning original texts as well as classic books, learning
materials, and manipulatives included .........................................................YES r
Over 120,000 interactive animations, games, audio files, and videos—
including many from Discovery Education.................................................... YES r
INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH
Scantron® assessments used to determine skills gaps, as well
as proper level/pace for each student, and to measure progress..................YES r
Individualized Learning Plan, customized for each student.............................YES r
Follow-ups and Plan adjustments throughout the school year........................YES r
COURSES
All subject areas covered for all grade levels with 210+ courses.....................YES r
Advanced Learning Program for grades K-8....................................................YES r
Foreign languages for grades 3-12 with powerspeaK12....................................YES r
Multiple levels of core subjects per grade in High School, including
Honors and AP...............................................................................................YES r
Reading remediation and adaptive math for elementary school......................YES r
A wide range of exciting electives from which to choose.................................YES r
To learn more, including information about the many states that have tuition-free,
public virtual academies, please visit us at K12.com.
Copyright © 2010 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. K12® is a registered trademark and the K12 logo, xPotential,
and Unleash the xPotential are trademarks of K12 Inc.