Your New School Year Starts Here: Everything You Need to Navigate Your School Day

From the new K12 Launch Pad to a faster, more intuitive online learning experience — here’s what your family can look forward to this year.

A new school year is here, and we’re excited to welcome both new and returning families!

Whether you’re logging in for the very first time or starting another successful year with us, having the tools you need at your fingertips can make all the difference. This guide will help you get familiar with the resources you’ll use throughout the school day, so you can start the year feeling confident, organized, and ready to learn.

From helpful planning tools to a refreshed learning experience, there are plenty of features designed to support students and Learning Coaches every step of the way.

Welcome Site: Your Starting Point

Before the first day of school, every family should visit the Welcome Site.

The Welcome Site is your go-to destination for getting ready for the school year. New families will find step-by-step guidance for setting up accounts, preparing for classes, and understanding what to expect during their first weeks. Returning families can use it as a refresher and a convenient place to find updated information, school-specific details, and helpful resources.

Whether you’re new to online learning or a seasoned pro, the Welcome Site is the best place to begin your back-to-school journey. We encourage Learning Coaches and students to explore it together, especially during the first few weeks of school. And whenever you need answers, guidance, or support throughout the year, you can easily return to the Welcome Site through the K12 Launch Pad, where it’s always just a click away.

K12 Launch Pad: Your Student’s Home Base

When students log in each day, the K12 Launch Pad serves as their personalized dashboard and central hub for learning.

Designed to simplify the school day, the K12 Launch Pad helps students stay organized and quickly access everything they need in one convenient location.

From keeping track of assignments and live classes to customizing their dashboard and accessing important tools, the K12 Launch Pad puts key information front and center. Here are some of the features students can look forward to using throughout the school year:

Today’s Focus View

Students can see their classes, assignments, and live online classes all in one place. With a clear picture of what’s happening each day, it’s easier to stay on track and prioritize tasks.

Easy Access to Live Online Classes and Recorded Lessons

Important learning tools are always within easy reach, including direct access to K12 School (OLS), live Class Connect sessions, and class recordings. Students can quickly join live classes — and revisit past lessons whenever they need to review a concept, catch up on something they missed, or reinforce their learning. 

Assignment Tracking

The K12 Launch Pad highlights assignments, work due today, and upcoming tasks, helping students manage their responsibilities and avoid last-minute surprises.

Dark Mode

For students who prefer a different viewing experience, Dark Mode offers a comfortable alternative that can help reduce eye strain during longer study sessions.

K5 Dashboard Widget

Elementary students will enjoy a colorful, student-friendly homepage featuring Strider the Fox. Simplified navigation and easy-to-find links help younger learners quickly access their lessons and coursework with confidence.

Personalized K12 Launch Pad Widgets

Students can customize their K12 Launch Pad by adding, moving, and organizing widgets to create a learning space that works best for them.

K12 Learning Coach Launch Pad: Your Dashboard

Learning Coaches have a new dedicated space designed specifically to help manage the school day.

The K12 Learning Coach Launch Pad brings key information together in one simple, organized view. From checking schedules and monitoring grades to managing multiple students, everything you need is in one place.

Whether you’re helping one student or several, the K12 Learning Coach Launch Pad provides a simpler way to stay informed and organized throughout the year.

New Course Design: A Fresher Way to Learn

Students will experience courses designed to support a more seamless learning experience. With intuitive navigation that makes it easy to move between lessons, unit progress menus, and helpful in-lesson tools, students can stay organized, monitor their progress, and move through coursework with confidence.

Whether they’re new to online learning or returning for another year, these thoughtful design features help make each school day more efficient and engaging.

Ready to explore?

Everything your family needs for a successful start is waiting for you.

Log in to your K12 School (OLS) account to explore these tools, visit the Welcome Site for additional resources and troubleshooting support, and take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the new features before classes begin.

If you have questions, we’re here to help. We can’t wait to partner with your family for another great school year!

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