K12 (now Stride, Inc.) is a for-profit education company offering tuition-free virtual public schools, private online academies, and homeschool curriculum materials for students in grades K-12 across all 50 states.
What is K12 (Stride)?
K12 is one of the largest online education providers in the United States, serving over 200,000 students annually since its founding in 2000. The company rebranded to Stride, Inc., though K12 remains the primary brand for educational offerings. K12 provides three distinct pathways: tuition-free virtual public schools through participating districts, tuition-based private academies, and curriculum materials that independent homeschool families can purchase separately. Students receive both digital instruction and physical materials including textbooks, science kits, and art supplies shipped directly to their homes.
Key Takeaways
- Offers tuition-free virtual public school in most states through local school districts
- Private academy options range from $3,995/year (PreK) to $6,995/year (high school)
- Curriculum-only purchases available starting at $12/month for independent homeschoolers
- State-certified teachers provide instruction through video lessons and live virtual sessions
- Physical learning materials including books, lab kits, and supplies shipped to students
Understanding Your Options
K12 operates quite differently depending on which pathway you choose. The virtual public school option is genuinely free and functions as a public school with state-certified teachers, standardized testing requirements, and set academic calendars. The private academy offers more flexibility with year-round enrollment and self-paced learning for families willing to pay tuition. The homeschool curriculum option gives parents complete control—you purchase materials and teach your children yourself, using K12's well-developed content as your guide.
Key Differences from Traditional Homeschooling
Most states legally distinguish between K12's virtual public school and homeschooling. Virtual public school students are enrolled in an accredited institution and must follow state standards and testing requirements. Families using K12 curriculum for independent homeschooling remain parent-taught and must comply with their state's homeschool laws separately. This distinction matters for accountability, reporting requirements, and how your child's education is classified legally. If maintaining homeschool status is important to your family, the curriculum-only option preserves that flexibility.
What Parents Should Know
Reviews of K12 vary dramatically—78% recommend it on social media, while academic performance data shows mixed results compared to brick-and-mortar schools. Much depends on your specific K12-powered school, assigned teachers, and how well self-paced online learning suits your child. The virtual public school option works best for self-motivated students who thrive with independence, while the curriculum materials appeal to homeschool parents wanting high-quality content without designing their own scope and sequence.
The Bottom Line
K12 by Stride offers legitimate options for families seeking alternatives to traditional schooling, from completely free virtual public school to flexible private academies and standalone curriculum. The tuition-free public school option is particularly attractive for budget-conscious families, though it comes with standard public school requirements. For homeschoolers wanting quality curriculum without the structure of enrollment, K12's materials provide a solid foundation you can adapt to your family's needs.
