But don’t just take our word for it! Hear what these Learning Coaches have to say about their participation in national and local Learning Coach Communities.

What is the Learning Coach Community?

The Learning Coach Community is a secure online network exclusively available to adults supporting students enrolled in K12-powered schools. It serves as a place where Learning Coaches can connect, ask questions, receive personalized support, and find friends. All eligible Learning Coaches can access K12’s national community, and many schools also have their own local communities. Through these communities, families can access exclusive resources and events, both online and in person.

Why join the Learning Coach Community?

There are so many reasons to engage with your Learning Coach Community! Here are just a few, as told by active members:

Who can join the Learning Coach Community and how?

The Learning Coach Community is a secure network exclusively available to families with students actively enrolled in K12-powered schools. If you’re the Learning Coach of an approved student in any K12-powered school, you’re automatically a member of the Learning Coach Community. All you have to do is log in and start enjoying the resources and connections available to you! Go straight to community.k12.com/login, or when logged in to your enrollment portal, click the “Community” button in the left side menu.

Ready to get started?

Already enrolled?

Be an advocate for your student!
Log in today and start connecting with families in your school and across the nation.

Connect With Your Community

Not enrolled yet?

Join a supportive network of online learners by exploring K12-powered schools available to your family.

Find a school

Engage With Us

Follow K12 on our social media channels!

*Elsy is the parent of a 2024 student at a K12-powered school in WA, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school.
**Julia is the parent of a 2024 student at a K12-powered school in PA, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school.
***Amanda is the parent of a 2024 student at a K12-powered school in NC, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school.
^†Imaoni is the parent of a 2024 student at a K12-powered school in LA, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school.
^††Sheena is the parent of a 2024 student at a K12-powered school in AL, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school.
^†††Christal is the parent of a 2024 student at a K12-powered school in AR, and their statement reflects their experience at their child’s school.

Did you know that one of the first recorded cook-offs took place more than 1,000 years ago in Medieval Baghdad? Food historian Nawal Nasrallah tells the story of a culinary showdown between two brothers, Caliph al-Maʾmūn and al-Muʿtaṣim, as they competed to see who could whip up the best dish. This tale, found in her traditional cookbook, Annals of the Caliphs’ Kitchen, is just the start of competitive cooking’s long and flavorful history!

Over the centuries, cooking competitions have only grown more popular, becoming national and even international events. You might recognize a few famous ones, like the Pillsbury Bake-Off, which started in 1949, or the beloved National Pie Championships, held every year since 1995, celebrating all things sweet and flaky. There’s also the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, where top chefs from 24 countries battle it out in the finale in Lyon, France.

If you’ve ever tuned into MasterChef, Top Chef, or  The Great British Bake Off, you know the thrill of watching talented chefs work under pressure. These shows have brought competitive cooking into our homes and hearts, with contestants racing against the clock to present beautifully plated, skillfully executed, and, of course, delicious dishes.

Every cooking contest has its own rules, but most follow a familiar pattern: multiple rounds, intense challenges, and judging based on creativity, taste, skill, and presentation. And watching it all unfold is just as exciting—there’s something captivating about watching chefs pour their hearts into each dish, determined to come out on top!

Today, cooking competitions bring together home cooks, students, and professionals alike, all eager to show off their skills, creativity, and passion for food.

Why competitive cooking?

Ever wonder why competitive cooking is so popular? A big reason is that there’s something for everyone—competitions welcome all skill levels, from amateur cooks to culinary pros. All you need are a few solid cooking skills and a dash of creativity to join in!

Competitive cooking isn’t just about winning; it’s also a fantastic way to grow. Chefs get to flex their culinary muscles, work under pressure, and test their creativity, all while following strict rules. Competing side-by-side with other chefs can be a great way to see where they shine and where they might want to improve.

It’s also a chance to gain recognition and make connections. At the 2024 K12 Cook-Off, for example, student chefs were featured on WUSA9 Great Day Washington, a popular D.C.-area news show. They were able to showcase their talents, get media exposure, and even network with professional chefs. Opportunities like these can open doors and build confidence for chefs of all ages.

Bringing the Heat

Of course, competitive cooking is simply fun to watch! With the high-stakes environment, it often feels like a thrilling sporting event. There’s an excitement in seeing chefs give it everything they’ve got. Plus, viewers often walk away with new tips, techniques, or even ingredients to try in their own kitchens!

If you’re a fan of cooking shows, you know the thrill of those final seconds—“Chefs, you have 30 seconds!”—when every moment counts. Cooking competitions capture that excitement, with contestants plating their dishes under the wire for the chance to impress the judges. The K12 Cook-Off brings the same energy and offers student chefs a stage to shine. From plating to flavor, every detail matters!

A World of Flavors in Cooking Competitions

Cooking competitions come in all shapes and sizes, from friendly local cook-offs to high-stakes international events. With so many options, there’s always an exciting challenge waiting for you!

Virtual Competitions: Perfect for those who like to cook from the comfort of home! Participants submit photos or videos of their creations, often judged based on criteria like creativity, technique, or presentation. Prizes are usually small but still bring that sense of accomplishment.

Local Cook-Offs: These community-centered events often focus on one beloved dish, like BBQ, chili, or a dessert, and call on competitors to make their best version. Whether at a block party or a county fair, these are fun, welcoming ways to show off your skills and connect with neighbors.

National Competitions: Here, the stakes are higher, attracting skilled home cooks and pros alike. Top chefs from all over the country gather to compete for big prizes and national recognition, often creating dishes that wow and inspire.

International Competitions: Events like the Bocuse d’Or, the IKA Culinary Olympics, and the Pastry World Cup are where elite chefs go to test their talents on a global stage.

The Thrill of Mystery Baskets

Cooking and baking competitions come with their own rules, deadlines, and judging criteria, but nothing quite spices things up like a mystery basket challenge! You may have seen it on shows like Chopped or even in the K12 Cook-Off. These challenges push chefs to their creative limits, giving them just a few mystery ingredients—often a protein, a starch, and some unique vegetables—to transform into a delicious dish.

With the clock ticking (usually just 30 minutes to an hour), chefs must think fast to plan, cook, and plate a dish that wows the judges. It’s all about creativity, adaptability, and a dash of daring. High pressure? Absolutely—but for chefs, it’s also high reward!

Is your young chef ready?

If your student is eager to take on the challenge, check out a cooking competition near you or learn more about this year’s K12 Cook-Off that’s open to K12-powered students in grades 6–12.

Competitive cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about passion, creativity, and the joy of sharing something you’ve made. Join the excitement and see what your student can cook up!

Learning Coaches, sometimes called LCs for short, help motivate and guide students while monitoring their learning progress. They help students log in for classes, or remind older students to do so, and track lesson and assignment completion. Learning Coaches also act as a liaison between the student and teacher or school, helping facilitate strong communication.

Though there may be some overlap between online teaching and Learning Coach duties, particularly in the early elementary grades, the main distinction between online teachers versus Learning Coaches is that online teachers are responsible for delivering content and direct instruction. In contrast, Learning Coaches support the learning process by helping their students with organization and administrative tasks associated with online school. They also serve as the responsible adult who can ensure that their student has no barriers to learning and stays on task.

What is the Learning Coach Community?

Because Learning Coaches are closely involved with their students’ education, it’s important for them to feel supported in their role. That’s why K12 fosters community, networking, and information exchange through the Learning Coach Community.

The Learning Coach Community is a secure online network exclusively available to adults supporting students enrolled in K12-powered schools. It serves as a place where Learning Coaches can connect, ask questions, receive personalized support, and find friends. All eligible Learning Coaches can access K12’s national community. Additionally, many schools have their own local communities for more specialized support and local connections. Through these communities, families have access to exclusive resources and events, both online and in person.

Why join the Learning Coach Community?

There are so many reasons to engage with your Learning Coach Community! Just as online teachers collaborate and connect with their peers, Learning Coaches find many of the same benefits in community with others who perform the same supporting role for their students. Top benefits include:

• Shortening the learning curve for first-time online families
• Accessing resources, events, and opportunities for family and student connections
• Finding school information and resources compiled in one place
• Learning tips and tools for online school success from people experienced in supporting their own students
• Receiving support and advice in addressing individual student needs

Who can join the Learning Coach Community and how?

The Learning Coach Community is a secure network exclusively available to families with students actively enrolled in K12-powered schools. If you’re the Learning Coach of an approved student in any K12-powered school, you’re automatically a member of the Learning Coach Community. All you have to do is log in and start enjoying the resources and connections available to you! Go straight to community.k12.com/login, or when logged in to your enrollment portal, click the “Community” button in the left side menu.

Ready to get started?

Already enrolled?

Be an advocate for your student!
Log in today and start connecting with families in your school and across the nation.

Connect With Your Community

Not enrolled yet?

Join a supportive network of online learners by exploring K12-powered schools available to your family.

Find a school

Engage With Us

Follow K12 on our social media channels!

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 K12 Photography Competition! This year’s event drew an incredible response, with more than 12,000 entries submitted by talented students from across the nation. The competition celebrates the creativity and artistic expression of students in kindergarten through 12th grade, giving them a platform to showcase their unique perspectives through the lens of a camera.

We couldn’t be prouder of every student who participated in this year’s competition. Now in its ninth year, this event has blossomed into a cherished tradition, offering students a platform to showcase their talents and a meaningful opportunity to build their photography portfolios and grow as artists.

This year, we awarded a total of $20,000 in cash prizes! In each grade level, the 1st place winner received $1,000, the 2nd place winner received $500, and the People’s Choice winner—determined by public voting—received $100.

Without further ado, let’s meet the winners of the K12 Photography Competition:

Kindergarten

1st Place: Serenity, Arkansas Virtual Academy

2nd Place: Serenity, Arkansas Virtual Academy

People’s Choice: Zuri, California Virtual Academy at San Joaquin

1st Grade

1st Place: Brenleigh, Indiana Digital Learning School

2nd Place: Farzan, North Carolina Virtual Academy

People’s Choice: River, Washington Virtual Academy

2nd Grade

1st Place: Emmalyn, Digital Academy of Florida

2nd Place: August, Cloverport Independent School

People’s Choice: Leilani, Arizona Virtual Academy

3rd Grade

1st Place: Kathy, Lone Star Online Academy

2nd Place: Zophina, Minnesota Virtual Academy

People’s Choice: Derek, Insight Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School

4th Grade

1st Place: Lincoln, Insight Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School

2nd Place: Brooklyn, Arizona Virtual Academy

People’s Choice: Azriel, Volunteer State Virtual Academy

5th Grade

1st Place: Milan, California Virtual Academy

2nd Place: Neo, Washington Virtual Academy

People’s Choice: Abigail, Lone Star Online Academy

6th Grade

1st Place: Hunter, Lone Star Online Academy

2nd Place: Willow, Utah Virtual Academy

People’s Choice: Abigail, Lone Star Online Academy

7th Grade

1st Place: Kylie, California Virtual Academy at San Joaquin

2nd Place: Willow, Utah Virtual Academy

People’s Choice: Maclayne, California Virtual Academy at Sutter

8th Grade

1st Place: Sophia, Alabama Destination Career Academy

2nd Place: Josselyn, Insight School of Washington

People’s Choice: Edward, Virginia Virtual Academy

9th Grade

1st Place: Kaydence, Indiana Digital Gateway Academy

2nd Place: Rileigh, The Keystone School

People’s Choice: Preston, Virginia Virtual Academy

10th Grade

1st Place: Layla, Hoosier College and Career Academy

2nd Place: Cora, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy

People’s Choice:  Presley, Indiana Digital Learning School

11th Grade

1st Place: Wyatt, Texas Online Preparatory School

2nd Place: Alexia, Alabama Virtual Academy

People’s Choice:  Ilknur, California Virtual Academy at San Mateo

12th Grade

1st Place: Aimee, George Washington University Online High School

2nd Place: Lily, Texas Online Preparatory School

People’s Choice: Dekensley, Alabama Virtual Academy

We are incredibly proud of all the participants and their outstanding work. Each photograph tells a unique story and reflects the students’ diverse talents. The judges had a difficult task selecting the winners due to the high quality of the submissions.

A huge congratulations to all this year’s winners! Your creativity and dedication truly stood out. We encourage everyone to continue exploring their artistic passions and keep capturing the world through your unique lenses.

For more information on our other student competitions and engagement opportunities, please visit enrichment.k12.com.

But here’s the important part: To develop strong study skills, students (and parents) must understand their benefits and know which strategies work best.

We’ve created a complete guide to study skills for high schoolers so you can support your child in developing a sense of discipline and learning to focus deeply. You can even share this article with your teen to get them thinking about how they can study more effectively and work toward their educational goals!

The Importance of Developing Strong Study Skills in High School

Teaching teens how to study in high school has lasting benefits—that’s not just a belief; it’s a fact. Many studies show that, with practice and support, teens can boost their study skills and apply them to other areas of their lives.

Proven benefits include:

1. Improved Self-Confidence
   Did you know high school students with low self-esteem are 75% more likely to drop out? This shows a direct correlation between confidence and academic performance. Fortunately, building strong high school study skills can significantly improve a teen’s belief in themselves. Positive habits like goal setting, group studying, and active recall make students feel prepared for tests and other assignments—reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of competence.
2. Postsecondary Preparedness
   Roughly 49% of students reported feeling unprepared for the academic pressure they encountered after transitioning to college or university. This is one of the key reasons why 23% of undergraduate students abandon their studies each year. Setting a solid learning foundation in high school prevents overwhelm during this transitional period, allowing students to revisit their positive study habits and apply familiar strategies to enhance their performance significantly.
3. Increased Knowledge Retention
   Study skills like repetition and spaced practice have been shown to increase knowledge retention by as much as 80%—an increase that can significantly impact grades, not only in high school but in college as well. And it doesn’t stop there! Knowledge retention benefits nearly every professional setting. Memorizing, understanding, and applying new information is always valuable.

5 Core Study Habits for High School Success

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of good study habits for high school students, let’s explore the most effective methods of studying.

Here are 5 powerful techniques to boost your learning:

1. Set a Study Schedule: Time management is essential for balancing multiple subjects. Students can start by creating a daily schedule that breaks down tasks into manageable chunks, then prioritizing assignments and setting specific goals for each study session. Using a timer is also a great idea for better focus, with short, regular breaks in between.
2. Practice Active Learning: Students retain information more easily when actively engaging in the learning process. For example, instead of simply reading or highlighting notes, they can rewrite information in their own words, discuss key concepts with a friend, or create flashcards for quick reviews.
3. Use the Chunking Method: The chunking method helps students study more effectively by breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, manageable parts. Your teen can begin by identifying key concepts or themes in the material. Then, they can group related information—like dates, terms, or ideas—and focus on mastering each chunk one at a time.
4. Remember to Recharge: Physiological factors like stress, diet, and sleep play an important role in how well we remember things. “Powering through” when the body needs a break will only hinder comprehension. Students should prioritize periods of rest and relaxation, so their minds are sharp when they return to their books.
5. Incorporate Visual Aids: Diagrams, charts, and flashcards can significantly enhance understanding of key concepts. They make it easier to grasp complex concepts and bring new information to life in a more engaging way.

Study Tips for Better Retention and Focus

We’ve shared a few general learning techniques. Now, let’s focus on study strategies for high school students that significantly improve information retention.

• Use Spaced Repetition: The spaced repetition method greatly improves memorization. Students cover a new topic return to it the next day or a few days later, and continue the reviews over time. This reinforces what they’ve learned and reduces the need for last-minute cramming.
• Minimize Distractions: Learning when you’re constantly being disrupted is nearly impossible. High school students, in particular, can be easily distracted by their devices. Turning off phone notifications and using apps that block social media can help maintain focus while studying. It’s also important for teens to have a study area free from interruptions, like family chatter or TV noise.
• Use a Variety of Study Methods: Everyone learns differently. Mixing visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (movement) learning techniques to engage different parts of the brain can help new information stick. Students can bounce between auditory practices like reading notes aloud or listening to recorded lectures, kinetic exercises like walking while reviewing notes, and visual aids like mind maps.

Overcoming Procrastination and Staying Motivated

It’s one thing to have a list of study skills for high school students, and it’s another thing to implement those skills on a regular basis while dealing with the challenges of everyday life. Extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and conflicts with friends or family are just a few situations that can make maintaining a consistent study schedule difficult.

Here are a few helpful study tips for high school students who may be struggling with feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or fatigue:

• Break Tasks Into Smaller Goals: Large assignments can be overwhelming. Focusing on smaller tasks makes the process feel more achievable. Students feel a sense of accomplishment as they complete each portion, which boosts their morale and enthusiasm.
• Use a Reward System: High school students aren’t robots or machines. They’re human beings who thrive when they can enjoy what they’re doing. Allowing your teen to go to the movies with friends if they study for an afternoon, for example, is a great way to ensure they’re balancing their academics and personal enjoyment in a healthy way.
• Find Study Buddies: Group studying encourages collaboration and deeper understanding. Plus, it provides access to different perspectives and can help clarify difficult topics.

Creating the Right Study Environment

It would be a missed opportunity to focus on building good study habits for high school students without acknowledging the importance of their learning environment. Where they study is just as important as how they study.

Keep these study tips for high school in mind when determining where homework will be completed:

• Choose a Quiet Place: Look for a spot with minimal distractions when possible, away from loud noises like TVs or conversations. A well-lit area, like a desk or cozy corner, works best.
• Keep Supplies Handy: Items like highlighters, pencils, sticky notes, and flashcards are handy during study sessions. Choose a location where they can be easily accessed.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Clutter can distract the mind and make it harder to focus. Try maintaining order using folders or bins to separate notes, books, and supplies. Also, remember to straighten up after each study session.

Using Technology to Enhance Study Skills

Many lists of study tips for high schoolers promote a tech-free approach to learning, but we don’t totally agree. Technology can benefit the learning process when used strategically and in moderation.

Take a look at these examples of how to make technology work for your teen’s studies:

1. Use Study Apps: Apps like Quizlet allow students to create flashcards for important terms and concepts, making it easier to memorize information. They also have interactive features like games and quizzes that can enhance comprehension.
2. Set Timers: Timer apps like Pomodoro make it easier for students to manage their time by setting specific study periods, like 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break. This can prevent burnout and lead to better learning outcomes.
3. Take Advantage of Online Resources: Platforms like YouTube can be excellent resources for high schoolers who need more context about a particular subject. They better understand course materials by watching videos and exploring topics more in-depth.

Building Lasting Study Skills

A bright future begins with a solid foundation, and we’re here to support students in getting the most out of their learning journey. If you’re a high school student looking to increase the likelihood of college acceptance, we offer the courses and opportunities you need. For parents seeking guidance for their child, we provide a personalized online learning experience.

Don’t hesitate to reach out today! We’ll help you explore all the educational possibilities available to you and create a plan that aligns with your high schooler’s goals.

Mothers of a bygone age may have quipped that if you can’t say anything nice about someone, you shouldn’t say anything at all. At K12, we’d like to challenge that old adage! We encourage everyone—this month and always—to use their voices to actively spread kindness, recognizing that we all have the power to make our world a kinder place.

Why Kindness Matters

When caregivers were asked by PARENTS Magazine to select the three most important qualities they hope to instill in their children, kindness came out on top. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed listed the trait as a priority—over both intelligence and individuality.

Still, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one out of every five students report being bullied. Among those are students who also bully others. Those students face greater risk for mental health and behavior problems (Centers for Disease Control, 2019).

So, how do we break the bullying cycle? Another adage usually rings true: What goes around comes around. The more kindness we model, the more positive behavior will become the norm.

Introducing Strider’s Kindness Quest

Throughout October, Strider is encouraging everyone to join them in taking the K12 Kindness Pledge and setting out on a journey to spread kindness. All students, families, and community members are invited to join K12 Days of Kindness!

How You Can Help

Make kindness a lifestyle! Start by taking the K12 Kindness Pledge and passing it along to others!

Then, start your journey with Strider toward new daily kindness encounters, completing suggested activities at each of the twelve Smile Markers along the trail. As you complete small tasks such as thanking a teacher, practicing forgiveness, and being kind to yourself, you might just start a chain reaction of kindness in your community.

Throughout your journey, notice how your shared kindness makes you feel and look for ways in which kindness comes back to you! This is also a great reminder that kindness is often its own reward.

Continue Your Kindness Journey

K12 Days of Kindness is just the beginning! Encourage your friends and family to set your own kindness goals. You can also explore K12’s bullying prevention resources and read inspiring stories from real students at K12-powered schools.

Coding is a significant part of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, and it teaches more than just technical skills. It sparks creativity, hones problem-solving skills, and nurtures logical thinking. With technology permeating every industry, learning to code now can set your child on a path to future success, filled with excitement and fun.

Why Coding Matters for Your Child

Coding is giving a computer a set of instructions to make cool things happen—whether that’s designing a website, creating a fun game, or even programming a robot. When your child learns to code, they gain a deeper understanding of how the tech world works and how they can shape it.

And here’s the exciting part: coding skills are in high demand! The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for data scientists (who rely heavily on coding) is expected to grow by 35% over the next decade. Learning to code opens many possibilities, from tech to healthcare, finance, and much more!

How Coding Can Benefit Your Child

1. Better Problem-Solving Skills
   Coding teaches kids to break big problems into smaller, manageable pieces. This logical way of thinking not only helps with coding but also makes your child a better problem-solver in life.
2. Boosting Creativity
   Coding is as much about creativity as it is about logic. Your child can build their own projects, like designing a game or making a website, and bring their ideas to life through code. It encourages innovation, an essential skill in today’s world.
3. Preparing for Future Careers
   By learning to code now, your child will be ready for jobs in software development, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more. Coding is a foundation for many careers that will continue to grow in the future.
4. Learning to Collaborate
   Many coding projects are a team effort. Your child will learn to work with others, share ideas, and solve problems together. This mirrors real-world STEM careers, where collaboration is not just a bonus, but a necessity. By encouraging your child to code, you’re not just preparing them for a tech-driven future, but also fostering their social skills and ability to work in a team.

How Robotics and Coding Work Together

Coding becomes even more exciting when your child sees it in action through robotics. When they program a robot to move, follow instructions, or interact with its environment, they see their code come to life. Robotics brings coding to the real world, letting your child create systems that perform tasks and solve problems.

Working with robotics ties together multiple STEM skills like engineering and mechanics, making learning more hands-on and engaging. It’s an interactive way for your child to deepen their understanding of coding and build a strong foundation for future tech-related careers. By introducing your child to robotics, you’re giving them a hands-on, practical learning experience that will shape their future.

Getting Started with Coding and Robotics

Getting your child started with coding and robotics is easier than you think. Here are a few ways to dive in:

1. Try Online Coding Classes
   Websites like Free Code Camp and Udemy offer beginner-friendly coding lessons in Python and Java. Your child can start at their own pace, making it a low-pressure way to explore coding.
2. Join a Hackathon
   Hackathons are coding events where students work in teams to build something new. They’re a fun, collaborative way to test coding skills and solve real-world problems.
3. Introduce Coding Early
   Platforms like Scratch and Tynker make learning to code fun and accessible for younger kids, using games and stories to teach basic coding principles. Introducing your child to coding at a young age is a proactive step towards their future.

Why Coding and Robotics Matter for the Future

Coding and robotics are not just theoretical concepts, they are the building blocks of the future. From medical robots to self-driving cars, these are the skills that will shape tomorrow’s world. By encouraging your child to explore coding and robotics now, you’re helping them build a bright future full of exciting possibilities.

Join the K12 Robotics Competition!

Ready to put those coding and robotics skills to the test? If your child is eager to explore STEM in a fun, hands-on way, the K12 Robotics Competition is the perfect opportunity! Open to K12-powered students in grades 4 through 12, this competition invites students to team up, design, and build robots and see how their coding can drive real-world results.

The K12 Robotics Competition is an excellent chance for students at any level—whether beginners or experienced coders—to dive deeper into the exciting world of robotics. It’s all about learning and growing while having a blast with peers who share the same passion for innovation. Learn more and get involved in this exciting STEM challenge.

Encourage your child to dive into the world of coding and robotics today—it’s a fun and exciting journey that sparks creativity, builds problem-solving skills, and paves the way for future success!

The stage was set for an epic showdown in June 2024, as eleven teams gathered at Stride, Inc. headquarters for the K12 Robotics League in-person finals. These talented students, from grades 4–12, went head-to-head in a fierce competition to prove their programming skills and secure the championship title. Among them was Team Hello Kitty, a group of standout students who have now earned a place on Team USA for the World Robot Olympiad Open Championship for the Americas, set to take place in Puerto Rico in October 2024.

What is the World Robot Olympiad?

The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is an international competition that brings together young innovators from over 95 countries to tackle real-world challenges using robotics. With more than 60,000 participants, WRO is a global celebration of creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. It’s a chance for students to showcase their talents in science, technology, engineering, and math while building essential problem-solving and collaboration skills for the future.

Meet Team Hello Kitty

Team Hello Kitty consists of three ambitious 10th grade students: Chloe from Iowa Virtual Academy, Krista from Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, and Olivia from Virginia Virtual Academy. Guiding their journey is Coach Phil Przybylo, a gifted and talented resource coordinator at Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy. The team credits Coach Phil, affectionately known as “Mr. Prizz,” for being the glue that keeps them focused and driven.

Despite coming from different schools and backgrounds, these students have shown that distance is no obstacle to success. They communicate, share ideas, and collaborate seamlessly using platforms like Discord and email. Coach Phil proudly shares, “They had to learn how to let the best ideas rise to the top and become effective collaborators. They did just that.”

Team Hello Kitty prepares for the final round at the 2024 K12 Robotics competition.

A Journey for All Skill Levels

Team Hello Kitty’s journey isn’t a story of seasoned programmers. Krista, for example, had never programmed before joining the K12 Robotics League. She had always loved puzzles and problem-solving, and this competition gave her the perfect opportunity to try coding for the first time. “The K12 Robotics League gave me a great opportunity to try my hand at coding while having fun,” Krista shares. Similarly, Olivia’s passion for building and deconstructing things led her to join the league, where she says she’s been able to pursue her growing interest in STEM.

From the K12 Robotics League to the World Stage

The team’s journey to the World Robot Olympiad began in the fall of 2023 with the K12 Robotics League. They competed in two virtual challenges and one in-person final round. After securing third place in the First-Round Qualifier and second in the Second-Round Qualifier, Team Hello Kitty clinched second place in the finals in June 2024.

Their hard work paid off again in July at the WRO U.S. Open in Aurora, Illinois. They finished third and earned a coveted spot on Team USA for the WRO Open Championship in Puerto Rico.

Dedication Beyond Competition

While most kids were enjoying summer vacation, Team Hello Kitty was hard at work programming, strategizing, and perfecting their robot’s performance. Their dedication shows just how deeply robotics has sparked their passion for learning. As Coach Phil says, “While the rest of the country was soaking up their summer break, these young engineers were raising the bar and their own personal expectations each day.”

Team Hello Kitty competing in the final round at the 2024 K12 Robotics competition.

What Team Hello Kitty Gained Through Robotics

Participation in the K12 Robotics League has been more than just a competition for Chloe, Krista, and Olivia—it’s been a journey of personal growth. Olivia notes that her teamwork and communication skills have improved, and Krista recalls how building her first robot felt like unlocking a “secret knowledge.” “It was a really cool and memorable experience,” she says.

Beyond technical skills, the competition has helped the team build life skills like collaboration, openness to new ideas, and creative problem-solving. Coach Phil explains, “Most of them were trying out coding and robotics for the first time this past year, and now they’re taking on the best in the world.”

The Journey Continues on the World Stage

Team Hello Kitty is gearing up to represent the USA at the 2024 WRO Open Championship, which will take place from October 1–3, 2024, in Puerto Rico. Their journey from virtual challenges to the world stage is an inspiring reminder of the power of teamwork, dedication, and a passion for robotics.

The team is excited to showcase their creativity and skills on an international platform. Krista is eager to see how they stack up against the brightest minds in robotics, while Olivia is thrilled to meet other young innovators from around the world and embrace the cultural exchange. “I’m also excited because this will be my first time [traveling to a U.S. territory],” she adds.

The team’s enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s clear that this experience has already been a life-changing opportunity for them. Krista says, “Our coach, Mr. Prizz, has been the glue that holds the team together. He inspires us with his enthusiasm and generosity, and it drives us to give our very best because we want him to be as proud of us as we are of our achievements.”

Team Hello Kitty placed second in the 9–12th grade division at the 2024 K12 Robotics competition.

Ready to join the next robotics competition?

The 2025 K12 Robotics Competition is right around the corner! Open to K12-powered students in grades 4–12, this competition offers an affordable way to dive into robotics, with a $50 software license fee per participant. Whether your child is an experienced coder or just starting out, the K12 Robotics Competition is the perfect place to learn, collaborate, and grow.

Registration is open from October 1 through December 16, 2024. Visit the K12 Robotics Competition website to learn more, or contact competitions@stridelearning.com.