Helping High Schoolers Thrive in Online Education: A Guide for Learning Coaches 

Online education provides a flexible and effective alternative to traditional schooling, especially for high school students. At Pikes Peak Online School, a tuition-free, online public K12-powered school in Colorado serving 9-12 graders, parents and guardians play a vital role in their teen’s educational journey. While high school students are more independent learners, their success still depends on the support and guidance of engaged guardians. 

The Role of a Learning Coach for High Schoolers 

In a virtual school like Pikes Peak Online School, parents or guardians act as Learning Coaches (sometimes referred to as LCs), serving as essential partners to the state-certified teachers who lead live virtual classes and manage academic content. Unlike homeschooling, where parents create and deliver curriculum, Learning Coaches at Pikes Peak Online School focus on providing oversight, encouragement, and structure to help coach and guide their high schoolers along the way. 

For high school students, the role of a Learning Coach involves: 

• Oversight: Monitoring attendance, assignment completion, and academic progress. 
• Support: Encouraging self-discipline, time management, and goal-setting. 
• Facilitation: Helping students communicate effectively with their teachers and access additional resources when needed. 

High school students are expected to take on greater responsibility for their education, but the involvement of a Learning Coach ensures they stay on track and have a strong support system. 

Partnering with State-Certified Teachers 

Pikes Peak Online School teachers are responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive curriculum, leading live virtual classes, and assessing student progress.  

Learning Coaches work alongside these educators to create a collaborative environment that supports student success. Teachers provide insights on assignments, offer feedback, and address individual needs while maintaining regular communication with Learning Coaches. 

This partnership ensures: 

• Clear Goals: Teachers and Learning Coaches align their efforts to help students meet academic objectives. 
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Challenges with coursework or engagement are addressed quickly and effectively. 
• Celebration of Success: Milestones and achievements are recognized to keep students motivated. 

Tools and Resources for High School Success 

Pikes Peak Online School provides resources to support both students and Learning Coaches, making the online education experience rich and effective. 

• Materials and Technology: Access to digital tools, textbooks, and other learning resources. 
• Tutoring and Academic Support: Additional help for challenging subjects. 
• College and Career Readiness: Guidance to prepare students for life after graduation, including virtual workshops and planning tools. 
• Social Opportunities: Online clubs, virtual communities, and occasional in-person events to foster peer connections. 

Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment 

Collaboration between Learning Coaches, students, and teachers is fundamental for high school success. As students gain independence, Learning Coaches shift from direct oversight to a more supportive role, focusing on encouraging accountability to help teens stay organized and meet deadlines. Learning coaches facilitate communication to ensure students reach out to teachers for clarification or assistance and promote self-discipline, guiding students to develop time management and goal-setting skills. By fostering these habits, parents help their teens build a foundation for lifelong success. 

Why Choose Pikes Peak Online School? 

At Pikes Peak Online School, families benefit from: 

• Flexible Online Learning: Schedules tailored to individual needs and family routines. 
• Expert Instruction: State-certified teachers dedicated to helping students succeed. 
• Comprehensive Support: Resources and programs designed to meet the unique needs of high school learners. 

The role of a Learning Coach at Pikes Peak Online School is essential in supporting your student’s academic growth and confidence. By partnering with dedicated educators and leveraging robust resources, families can ensure their teens excel in an innovative and dynamic online learning environment. Learn more about enrollment here. 

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