A Day in the Life of a Full-Time Online Student at VTVLC
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What does a school day look like when your schedule is built around your life?
At the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (VTVLC), full-time online students experience school differently—but that doesn’t mean compromising on structure, support, or community. Whether you’re considering online learning or are simply curious about how it all works, here’s a look at what a typical day might look like for a VTVLC student.
- A Flexible Morning Routine
There’s no morning commute in an online classroom—just a short walk to your workspace. Most students begin their day by logging into Genius, our student information system, and accessing Canvas, the platform where assignments, announcements, and due dates are posted. Students check messages from their teachers, review the day’s tasks, and make a game plan.
Many students find success by establishing a morning routine that aligns with a traditional school day, typically starting around 8:30-9:00 AM. Others may adjust their schedules to accommodate jobs, sports, or family commitments. That’s the beauty of flexible, asynchronous learning.
- Independent Coursework with Built-In Support
Throughout the day, students work on assignments independently. That might include:
- Reading assigned materials
- Watching short instructional videos
- Completing online assessments
- Writing essays or discussion posts
- Creating projects or presentations
But “independent” doesn’t mean “alone.” VTVLC teachers are accessible by email and during scheduled office hours. Teachers provide personalized feedback to help students grow and stay on track. Plus, full-time VTVLC students have access to our dedicated Student Academic Services team, which can provide tailored one-on-one support when needed.
- Time Management Is Key
On average, full-time students take five classes per semester and spend about 4 to 6 hours per day on coursework. Most students build a weekly schedule to pace themselves and avoid falling behind.
Time management tools like planners, checklists, or Pomodoro timers help students structure their work time effectively. (Pomodoro timers break work into short sprints with rest breaks—perfect for focus and avoiding burnout.)
VTVLC students learn early on how to break down big assignments into daily goals and how to balance school with life—valuable skills that benefit them far beyond high school.
- Breaks That Fit Real Life
In a traditional school setting, bells tell you when to move. At VTVLC, students create their own flow. Some students work for an hour, then take a 10-minute walk. Others block out time midday for lunch, sports, appointments, or even a part-time job.
This flexibility allows students to foreground their mental health, spend time outdoors, or pursue passions that would be impossible with a rigid schedule.
- Community and Connection
Even though students are working online, they’re part of a vibrant learning community. VTVLC hosts:
- Virtual student events
- Online homerooms and morning meetings
- Clubs and extracurriculars
- Check-ins with Student Academic Services staff
Students build real relationships with teachers and peers. Many say they feel more connected in a small, discussion-based Zoom meeting than they did in a crowded classroom. Additionally, VTVLC provides students with the opportunity to connect with peers from throughout the state and even beyond Vermont.
- Learning Life Skills
Perhaps the most important part of a VTVLC day? The life skills being built along the way:
- Self-motivation
- Digital citizenship
- Written communication
- Organization and independence
These skills prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Our students graduate with confidence in managing their time, self-advocacy, and navigating the digital world with clarity and care.
Ready to Learn Your Way?
VTVLC offers full-time online programs for grades K-12, with flexible options to meet the needs of each learner. Whether you thrive in a structured routine or need a schedule that works around a busy life, VTVLC is here to help you succeed.
Visit vtvlc.org/programs to learn more or reach out to our team with questions.