Build a routine that works.
Routine makes a big difference in online school. Without a bell schedule or a bus to catch, school time can drift — that's common, especially at the beginning. The good news: your routine doesn't need to look like a traditional school day. It just needs to be consistent.
Students usually do better when they have a regular school schedule, a dedicated place to work, and daily check-ins with their Learning Coach. This page helps you build a school day that works for your family. It doesn't have to be perfect.
Break up your day into manageable chunks. Check Canvas, work on one class at a time, and ask for help if you get stuck. You don't need to figure out the whole year in one week.
Building a school day schedule
Here's a starting framework. Adjust it to fit your family's life — but try to keep the core elements consistent from day to day.
- Log in to Canvas and check the day's live sessions, lessons, assignments, and announcements
- Check the Canvas Inbox for messages from teachers
- Review any live sessions scheduled for the day
- Work through coursework in Canvas — aim to complete at least one assignment in each active course per day
- Attend any scheduled live sessions
- Take short breaks every 45–60 minutes
- Log attendance hours before closing out for the day
- Note any incomplete assignments and plan when to finish them
- Check Canvas one more time for new messages or announcements
Tips for Learning Coaches
Your role doesn't necessarily mean sitting next to your student all day — each student needs a different level of support. It means being present, checking in, and creating the conditions for learning. In practice:
- Create a school space. Designate a spot that's just for school — ideally quiet, with minimal distractions, and consistently used. It doesn't have to be a separate room.
- Check in at the start of the day. A 5-minute morning check-in ("What's on your schedule today?") sets the tone and helps you catch problems early.
- Stay connected, not hovering. Look at Canvas once a day to see what's submitted and what's due. You don't need to supervise every assignment — just stay aware.
- Communicate with the school. If something's off — your student is struggling, sick, or going through something hard — let your Success Coach know. They can only help if they know.
- Take care of yourself too. Supporting a student at home takes real time and energy. It's okay to find it hard. Connect with your school's support resources if you need them.
How much support does a Learning Coach provide?
Every student is different, but most families find that support needs change as students grow more independent.
Usually needs the most hands-on support. Learning Coaches are often nearby throughout the day to help students stay focused and complete tasks.
Typically needs moderate support. Coaches help build a daily plan, monitor progress, and make sure assignments get completed.
Usually more independent. Coaches focus on monitoring progress, encouraging accountability, and staying connected with staff.
Important note: Daily time commitments vary based on each student's individual needs, learning style, and level of independence.
When the routine breaks down
Some weeks are harder than others. When your student's routine falls apart, here's how to get back on track:
- Talk to your student. Ask what's getting in the way. Sometimes the answer is simpler than you think.
- Don't wait it out. Reach out to your Success Coach as soon as you notice a pattern of slipping.
- Reset, don't restart. You don't need to go back to day one. Small resets help your family get back into a rhythm more quickly.
Many students need time to manage their schedules, remember to check messages, get used to learning from home, and build a steady routine. That doesn't mean online school is failing — it means your family is learning a new routine.
- Waiting too long to ask for help
- Assuming attendance logs automatically
- Trying to complete everything perfectly on day one
Most families need support at some point while adjusting to online school. That's what the team is there for — your Success Coach can help your family make a plan that works.