Picture this: your kiddo turns to you, beaming, and asks, “Can I show you what I built in science class today?” But instead of rushing through the front door after school, they’ve just logged off a live online class.
For many families, the idea of an online school still brings up images of kids watching pre-recorded videos alone in their rooms. But today, live online private schools offer something entirely different: real-time, engaging lessons that have the structure of a traditional classroom but also the flexibility your family needs.
This guide will walk you through the benefits of synchronous learning and introduce you to eight of the best online private schools that offer live classes.
Online learning comes in many forms but can generally be grouped into two main types: live (synchronous) and asynchronous programs.
While both can be effective, they offer very different experiences when it comes to structure, social interaction, and daily routine.
The experience of attending a live online school is a lot like attending school in person. Except, instead of sitting in a physical classroom each day, your kiddo participates in a virtual one.
They still get the full experience of being in class and interacting with teachers and classmates in real-time. There’s structure, a consistent daily routine, and plenty of chances to connect through group projects, class discussions, and teacher feedback. Students are actively involved and engaged while learning.
This model can be especially helpful for families who want more freedom than a traditional school offers without giving up structure. And for many kids, it gives them a sense of belonging, knowing they’re part of a class, even from home.
Asynchronous schools take a more flexible approach. Instead of joining live lessons, students typically watch pre-recorded videos, read materials, and complete assignments on their own time but within a set deadline.
Kids can pause, rewatch, or move at a pace that works for them. It’s a good fit for families with unpredictable schedules or students who enjoy learning independently.
But interaction is often more limited, since students don’t regularly meet with teachers or classmates in real time. The level of support provided also varies. Some programs offer regular check-ins or email feedback, while others rely more on self-guided learning and online discussion boards.
Live online private schools combine the best parts of traditional learning with the freedom of home-based education.
Kids do best when they know what to expect — routines are powerful. Research has found that structure and routines improve a child’s academic success, emotional health, physical health, and ability to self-regulate.
Live online schools provide that daily routine to help children feel safe, focused, and ready to learn. A consistent schedule with familiar faces gives kids a sense of stability that fosters confidence and independence.
At the same time, families don’t have to give up flexibility. Whether you're on the move, juggling extracurriculars, or working around a unique family schedule, your kiddo can receive a quality education no matter where life takes you.
In live classes, learning happens in the moment. Kids can ask questions, join discussions, and get immediate answers. Real-time interaction helps students stay engaged, focused, and connected.
Online discussions and positive interaction between teachers and students help improve engagement and performance. When kids feel heard and supported, they’re more open to learning.
Live teaching also means kids don’t need to wait for help. Teachers can provide immediate feedback whenever they need it. Timely support keeps learning on track and helps prevent frustration. It also gives teachers a chance to adapt lessons as they go.
One of the biggest concerns about online school is socialization, but in a live online setting, social opportunities are built in.
Through group projects, discussions, and shared activities, your kiddo learns how to collaborate, communicate, and form real friendships. Many online schools also offer virtual clubs, events, and meetups for more ways to connect.
If your kiddo enrolls in an international online school, they’ll also get the chance to connect with classmates from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. It’s a unique opportunity to build global awareness that traditional classrooms don’t always offer.
Everyone talks about building a community for kids, but parents need one too! With live online learning, you don’t have to navigate school alone.
Unlike homeschooling, where parents often carry the full weight of planning and teaching, live online schools come with a built-in support system. Teachers, learning specialists, and IT staff work to support both your child and you.
You’ll have open lines of communication with teachers who really know your child and access to tools that keep you informed on their progress. Whether it’s feedback, reports, or check-ins, you’ll feel like a true partner in your child’s learning journey.
Finding the right school for your kiddo takes time and effort. These live online private schools are a great place to start.
bina is reimagining what school can look like: a globally connected, child-centered experience that fits into your family.
With live, online classes every day and no asynchronous lessons, we’re able to create a fully interactive learning environment that feels both structured and personal using precision education.
Each classroom has one teacher and one co-teacher working with up to eight students. Small class sizes allow us to build strong relationships with our students and adapt online courses in real-time to meet their learning needs.
As an internationally accredited elementary school, bina blends the best educational frameworks, drawing inspiration from UK standards, US Common Core, IB principles, and the Australian curriculum.
Project-based learning is deeply woven into our curriculum. Our kiddos explore big ideas through thematic biomes and work on hands-on projects connected to real-world topics like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is also a core focus at bina. Through daily check-ins, reflections, and SEL activities, students learn how to manage big emotions, build empathy, navigate conflicts, and make thoughtful decisions.
And our devoted Learning Success Team partners closely with families to provide guidance and ongoing support. We’re here for your kiddo, and you, every step of the way.
Grade level: Pre-K and K-6 (ages four to 12 years old)
Format: Full live classes, with five hours of daily online live lessons Monday through Friday
Class size: Six to eight students per class
Accreditation: Cognia
Sora Schools is an innovative online program for middle and high school students, centered around project-based learning and student-led exploration.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education by connecting academic subjects to real-world issues, current events, and pop culture.
For bina graduates, Sora is a natural progression that builds on curiosity, independence, and the love of hands-on learning.
What’s unique about it?
Sora operates on a unique six-week cycle system, where students take three to four interdisciplinary classes at a time.
Instead of traditional tests, they learn through projects that connect across subjects. Teachers also hold daily office hours to offer support and guidance for students.
Grade level: Middle school and high school
Format: A blend of live classes and asynchronous project work
Class size: Eight to nine students per class
Accreditation: WASC and Cognia
Forest Trail Academy is an accredited K–12 online school that blends flexibility with support. Students follow a self-paced learning model with optional live engagement opportunities, including live elementary classes and one-on-one teacher support.
Kids have the freedom to learn on a schedule that works for them, while still having access to guidance when they need it.
What's unique about it?
It’s very flexible and customizable. Students can move through courses at their own pace, taking extra time on complicated subjects or moving quickly through familiar ones.
Grade level: K-12
Format: Primarily self-paced and asynchronous, it offers live classes for elementary students and one-to-one support with teachers.
Class size: 25 students per class
Accreditation: Cognia, MSA CESS, AI, and more
Ideal School provides a holistic and individualized learning experience. Their K–12 online program is built around each child’s needs, offering personalized attention and flexibility.
The school’s mission is to nurture intellectually curious, emotionally grounded, and well-rounded learners.
What's unique about it?
No two students follow the same path. Ideal School focuses on understanding how each student learns best and then tailors the experience to match. Their high school program is also student-driven, with two teachers supporting each class.
Grade level: K-12
Format: Live, interactive classes are a core part of the student's weekly learning experience.
Class size: 15-18 students per class
Accreditation: Absolute Charter from New York State and NYSAIS
If your child is a student athlete, performer, or young entrepreneur, On Track School offers the flexibility and support they need to thrive in both school and life.
Their highly customizable online program helps students excel academically while making space for their passions.
What's unique about it?
On Track School offers direct teacher support and mentorship, which can be very helpful for students who need to manage more demanding schedules.
Grade level: K-12
Format: Blend of self-paced learning with daily live instruction and mentorship from learning coaches
Class size: Generally 20 or fewer students per class, with one-on-one individualized support
Accreditation: Cognia and NCAA approved
Well-known and highly regarded, Laurel Springs School is a K-12 online program designed to fit around demanding schedules.
They offer a flexible, self-paced curriculum with a wide range of courses that allow students to explore different subjects and interests.
What's unique about it?
For sixth to 12th graders, The Academy at Laurel Springs offers more live interaction and collaboration opportunities. Students can also access college advising and college prep courses.
Grade level: K-12
Format: Primarily self-paced but offers optional live workshops, bootcamps, and specialized "Academy" programs with more live interaction.
Class size: 17-20 students per class
Accreditation: WASC and Cognia
Personalized learning is a foundation at Fusion Academy. Their curriculum is highly customizable, and every class is a one-on-one session with a dedicated teacher.
They also offer clubs, collaborative projects, optional field trips, in-person meetups, and even prom to help students stay connected.
What's unique about it?
Even with one-on-one classes, students don’t miss out on community. Their Global Homework Café is open 14 hours daily for students to study together, finish homework, and hang out.
Grade level: Six to 12
Format: 100% live, one-to-one (synchronous) instruction for all academic courses
Class size: One student per class
Accreditation: Cognia
At Brilliant Microschools, kids learn in close-knit online groups. Because of the small class size, each student can receive individualized attention and a tailored learning plan.
It’s a good option for students with learning differences or special needs because teachers have the space to slow down and adjust lessons.
What's unique about it?
Their mastery-based approach helps students build a solid foundation before advancing. It gives kids the time to fully understand a subject at their own pace.
Grade level: K-12
Format: Blend of live interactive group lessons, online modules, and independent study time
Class size: Six to 10 students per class
Accreditation: WASC
Choosing the right start makes all the difference. bina is thoughtfully designed for younger learners, with live lessons, small class sizes, and a curriculum that values holistic development.
And as your kiddo grows, our international accreditation ensures a smoother transition into other online or traditional schools. It’s a strong start that keeps your options open.
Start at bina and grow anywhere.
Many online schools intentionally build in time for social connection. Kids can connect through interactive class time, group projects, and school-wide events.
Some schools even offer virtual clubs and in-person meetups. You can also explore local programs or extracurricular activities to create more opportunities for socialization outside school.
One of the best ways to support your kiddo is by creating a consistent routine and dedicated learning space. It signals that it’s time to focus and helps them shift into learning mode.
It’s also helpful to check in regularly, celebrate their progress, and have honest conversations about how they’re feeling. Also, keep in touch with their teachers so you can work as a team.
Think about your child’s learning style, your family’s lifestyle, and long-term goals. If your family is juggling travel, shifting schedules, or a kiddo with unique learning needs, an online private school might be just the right fit.
Many schools offer free trials or sample lessons, so you can test the waters before making that big decision.
