Connections Academy vs K12: Which Online Public School Is Better?
Updated · By Edulist · 9 sources
Connections Academy vs K12: side by side
| Connections Academy | K12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Pearson (Connections Education) | Stride, Inc. |
| Grades | K–12 (varies by school) | PreK–12 (varies by school) |
| Public school availability | About 30 states | Most states (select states and regions) |
| Public school cost | Tuition-free; books and materials provided | Tuition-free; families cover supplies |
| Private option | Pearson Online Academy: $5,450 (K–5) to $8,250 (9–12) a year | K12 Private Academy: $4,495 (PreK) to $7,995 (high school) for 2026–27 |
| Teachers | Certified teachers; LiveLesson sessions through the week | State-certified teachers; live classes |
| Student hours | Full school day on the school's calendar | About 5–6 hours a day |
| Learning Coach time | Highest in early grades, tapers with age | 4–6 hours a day in K–5; 1–3 hours in middle and high school |
| State testing | Required for public school students | Required for public school students |
| High school extras | Electives; accredited public diploma | Career and College Prep, certifications, dual enrollment |
| Accreditation | Accredited | Accredited |
| Computer | Provided in some states | Varies by school |
| Scholarship/ESA fit | Public is free; private tuition may qualify in some ESAs | Public is free; Private Academy reports ESA use in several states |
| Type | School | School, Curriculum, Course |
| Scholarship programs on Edulist | None yet | None yet |
Who should choose which
Choose Connections Academy if…
Connections Academy fits families in its roughly 30 states who want frequent live teacher sessions and public school structure, or Pearson Online Academy as a private option anywhere.
Choose K12 if…
K12 fits families who want the widest public-school footprint, PreK, career-focused high school courses and dual enrollment, or K12 Private Academy at slightly lower private tuition.
Not sure yet? Save both and decide later. Your wishlist shows which scholarships can pay for each.
Connections Academy vs K12: the short answer
Connections Academy and K12 are the two biggest names in online public school, and they work almost the same way. Both partner with states or districts to run tuition-free virtual schools. Both use state-certified teachers, live online classes, a parent Learning Coach and state testing. Both are accredited.
So the honest answer is: the brand matters less than the school in your state. Use each company's school finder, see which one serves your address, and if both do, compare the two schools directly.
Teaching approach
Both follow a school calendar and a set course sequence. Teachers lead live sessions, grade work and make academic decisions. Students work through online lessons between classes, with offline activities in the younger grades.
Connections Academy emphasizes its LiveLesson sessions, held throughout the week with whiteboards, polls, discussions and breakout rooms. Its learning platform is open 24/7 for lessons between sessions.
K12 expects about five to six hours a day of lessons, live classes and independent work. In many schools it adds PreK, and for older students its Career and College Prep program offers career clubs, industry certifications and dual enrollment.
What a school day looks like
Elementary: your second grader logs in at 8:30, joins a live reading group, then works through a math lesson and an offline science activity while you check work and keep them on track. K12 says elementary coaches spend 4–6 hours a day. Connections Academy describes the same heavy coach role in early grades.
High school: your teen attends scheduled live classes, completes assignments with deadlines and messages teachers directly. Parent oversight drops to roughly 1–3 hours a day by K12's estimate.
Either way, public school students take their state's standardized tests at in-state testing sites.
Price and value
The public schools are free. Connections Academy provides required books and materials, and in some states a computer and internet subsidy. K12 schools also charge no tuition; families pay for supplies like printer ink and paper.
If no public option serves your state, both sell a private version that enrolls anywhere. As of October 2026:
| Grade band | Pearson Online Academy | K12 Private Academy (2026–27) |
|---|---|---|
| PreK | Not listed | $4,495 |
| Elementary | $5,450 (K–5) | $5,995 |
| Middle | $7,050 (6–8) | $6,995 |
| High school | $8,250 (9–12) | $7,995 |
| Part-time | Varies | $1,150–$1,350 per course |
Pearson takes about 5% off for paying in full; K12 offers a 10% sibling discount.
Who should choose Connections Academy
- Families in one of its roughly 30 states who want frequent live instruction
- Students who need set class times to stay on track
- Families who'd like a school-provided computer (in some states)
- Elementary families comparing private tuition, where Pearson is a bit cheaper for K–5
Who should choose K12
- Families in states where only a K12-powered school operates
- Parents who want an online PreK option
- High schoolers interested in career pathways, certifications or dual enrollment
- Middle and high school families comparing private tuition, where K12 is a bit cheaper
Alternatives to both
- Florida Virtual School: free for Florida students, with flexible pacing.
- Acellus: a lower-cost, self-paced accredited private school.
- Liberty University Online Academy: Christian and accredited.
- Laurel Springs: a private online school with more flexibility.
- If you want homeschool flexibility instead of school at home: Time4Learning or Miacademy.
See all online schools, accredited homeschool programs and the best online homeschool programs.
Can you use a scholarship for either?
You don't need one for the public schools, which are free. For the private versions, K12 Private Academy says families have used programs such as Arizona's ESA, Arkansas's EFA, Alabama's CHOOSE Act and West Virginia's Hope Scholarship toward tuition. Pearson Online Academy tuition may also be an allowable expense in some programs. Each program decides what it covers and how much. Learn how education savings accounts work, then check scholarships for your state and apply once through Edulist.
Alternatives to Connections Academy and K12
Neither one feels right? These cover similar ground.
Sources
Questions
Is Connections Academy or K12 homeschooling?
No. Their tuition-free schools are public schools taught at home, so your child is a public school student with state tests, attendance rules and school calendars. Homeschooling usually means the parent chooses curriculum and files under the state homeschool law. The private versions sit between the two.
Do I need to buy a computer?
It depends on the school. Connections Academy says some of its state schools provide a computer and an internet subsidy, and K12 schools vary too. Ask the specific school during enrollment.
Can my child switch between Connections Academy and K12?
Usually yes, since both are public schools that accept transfers during enrollment windows. Credits generally move because both are accredited, but check each school's deadlines and how it handles mid-year transfers.
Which is better for high school?
Both award accredited diplomas. K12 promotes career clubs, industry certifications and dual enrollment through Career and College Prep, while Connections Academy offers core and elective courses toward a public diploma. Compare course catalogs at your two local schools.
How much parent time does elementary take?
A lot. K12 says elementary Learning Coaches typically spend 4 to 6 hours a day, and Connections Academy describes the coach role as most intensive in early grades. Plan for a parent at home during the school day.
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