PA Cyber
Student sits in a study cube and looks at a laptop

5 Steps to Developing a Study Schedule for Cyber School

Jennie Harris

No matter your child’s grade level, creating a study routine is essential for a successful year in cyber school. A study schedule will provide them with structure, improve their time management, and reduce stress. This process will foster a sense of ownership and independence within them. Online students in elementary school, middle school, and high school can all benefit from establishing a weekly schedule. Encourage your child to take this simple and important step toward accomplishing their academic goals.

Before you begin, print this worksheet and have a pencil ready. You can get creative by using colored pencils and pens.

Follow these steps toward a more organized school year:

  1. First, identify each live class’s information: subject, days of the week it meets, and start/end times. Add these to the worksheet. Even if your child takes asynchronous classes, they may still have live sessions to attend. For example, PA Cyber’s blended classroom option has optional live class sessions each week, whereas the virtual classroom requires live class attendance every school day.
  2. Identify each teacher’s office hours, including subject, days of the week, and start and end times. Add them to the worksheet.
  3. Establish your study hours. Identify one hour each day for each subject to complete lessons and assignments for both synchronous and asynchronous classes. Match your study hours for each subject with your teacher’s tutoring hour(s) in case you need extra support. Think of this as a Study Hall for homework. Be sure not to schedule your study time during a live class.
  4. Be sure to block time off each week for physical education and any extracurricular activities.
  5. When your schedule is complete, make a copy for your workstation and share it with your parents and teachers. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, ask for help.

Click here to see a sample schedule for a sixth grader.

You don’t have to get it right the first time! Erase and move study time around to where it works best. You will want to update the schedule as the school year goes on, such as when a new semester begins, to keep this important reference up to date.

Parents and guardians know their child best and can adjust the amount of study time needed to fit the student’s needs. If you see your child sticking to the schedule, let them know they’re doing a good job and showing independence. PA Cyber’s supportive online teachers can help you determine how much study time is appropriate for each class.

Every year, PA Cyber students receive a new student planner in the mail, which will help them plan for the whole school year. Here, they can add school field trips, online clubs, and school counseling appointments, to name a few.

Learn More about Flexible Online Schools in PA

If you’re looking to try a flexible K-12 school for your child, consider enrolling at PA Cyber. We offer learning options that meet your child where they are academically. As a public online school, PA Cyber is open for enrollment to any school-age child residing in Pennsylvania.

Join an information session to learn more or begin the enrollment process today.