Being an online student comes with a lot more freedom and flexibility compared to studying in a traditional school. In particular, online students have much greater flexibility when it comes to their schedule. Whereas traditional schools have set start, break, and finish times, online students can generally choose when to start studying, when to take a break, and when to finish up for the day.
But with that kind of flexibility, it can be hard to stay on track without a little careful planning. Making and maintaining a consistent school schedule tackles that problem. It makes it easy for students to know what to do when, and allows them to plan around their other commitments.
In this guide, we’ll get into the importance of having an online school schedule, share an example of what a school schedule looks like, and give you some tips to build an online school schedule that works for you.
Why is it important to have a consistent school schedule?
Think about how tough it can be to get back into a school routine after summer break. Without a regular structure for weeks, or even months, it’s hard to find your rhythm again. That’s because our brains thrive on routine.
When students follow a consistent schedule, it becomes easier to shift into “study mode.” Routines send a clear signal to the brain: it’s time to focus. Over time, these habits train the brain to treat learning as a priority, making it easier to concentrate and absorb information.
Schedules also help reduce decision fatigue. When students don’t have to spend mental energy deciding what to do next, they can use that focus on their learning, which is what really matters.
For online students especially, a strong schedule offers even more benefits:
- Boosts focus and motivation;
- Builds strong study habits;
- Helps balance school, family, and free time;
- Reduces stress around deadlines.
Structure supports success. And with online learning, it’s up to students (and their support network) to create that structure for themselves.
What Does a School Schedule Look Like?
First, it’s important to note that online school schedules will look different for everyone. Every online student is different, and their schedule should reflect their learning style, responsibilities, and unique life.
Having said that, most successful schedules have a few things in common:
- A consistent start and end time;
- Dedicated time for studying, breaks, and free time;
- Flexibility for things like work, family, hobbies, and extracurricular activities.
Here’s an example of what an online school schedule might look like for a student attending an online high school with a flexible schedule, while balancing a part-time job and playing competitive hockey at a high level:
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 7:00 – 7:30 AM | Wake up & breakfast | Wake up & breakfast | Wake up & breakfast | Wake up & breakfast | Wake up & breakfast |
| 7:30 – 8:30 AM | English Language Arts | Math (Algebra II) | English Language Arts | Math (Algebra II) | Science (Biology) |
| 8:30 – 9:30 AM | Science (Biology) | Social Studies | Science (Biology) | Social Studies | English Language Arts |
| 9:30 – 10:00 AM | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Spanish II | Health & PE | Homeroom | Health & PE | Digital Art (Elective) |
| 11:00 – 1:45 AM | Digital Art | Science (Biology) | Math (Algebra II) | Social Studies | Spanish II |
| 10:45 – 11:30 AM | Social Studies | English Language Arts | Digital Art | English Language Arts | Math (Algebra II) |
| 11:30 – 12:30 PM | Lunch + light activity | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Study block / catch up | Study block / live sessions | Study block / homework | Study block / tutoring | Study block / project work |
| 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Study block / tutoring | Study block / catch up | Study block / review | Study block / tutoring | Study block / catch up |
| 2:30 – 3:30 PM | Free time / homework | Snack + rest | Free time / homework | Snack + rest | Free time / homework |
| 4:00 – 7:00 PM | Hockey Practice | Part-time job | Hockey Practice | Part-time job | Hockey Practice |
| 7:00 – 10:00 PM | Dinner + relax | Dinner + relax | Dinner + relax | Dinner + relax | Dinner + relax |
Remember, this is just an example. Your online school schedule needs to be customized based on your own life!
Live vs. Asynchronous Classes: What to Consider
Before you start planning your schedule, it’s helpful to understand what kind of classes you’ll be taking. Online schools often offer two types of instruction: live (synchronous) and asynchronous.
- Live (synchronous) classes meet at set times, so you’ll need to plan your day around them.
- Asynchronous classes give you more flexibility. You can complete work on your own schedule, as long as you meet your deadlines.
When you’re building your school schedule, be sure to factor in which type of class you’re taking so you can plan your time effectively.
6 Tips to Make a School Schedule for Online Students
Now that you understand the importance of a consistent routine, let’s get into how you can build a school schedule that makes sense.
- List Commitments First
An effective school schedule needs to take into account more than just classes and schoolwork. So, before you ask yourself how to make a daily schedule, start by writing down everything that’s already part of your life. That might include:
- Class sessions (live sessions need to be attended at designated times, while asynchronous classes allow for more flexibility)
- Homework deadlines
- Sports of extracurricular activities
- Part-time work
- Family responsibilities and chores
- Meals and transportation
When you have all your commitments in front of you, it’s easier to see where schoolwork will fit in, and where you might need to make adjustments.
- Build a Schedule That Fits Your Life
One of the biggest advantages of online schools with flexible schedules is that you can work learning around your life, and not the other way around.
In addition to your commitments, think about things like when you’re most focused and when’s best to rest and/or eat. You may also want to consider what kinds of study sessions work best. Do you need longer blocks of time or shorter, more focused sessions?
For example, some people need a little extra time to feel fully awake in the morning and may find it best to schedule easier subjects in that time. On the other hand, if you feel alert and creative in the morning, you can schedule your most challenging classes early in the day. If you get tired in the afternoon, you can plan a walk or a screen-free break during that time.
It’s all about finding what works for you and your needs.
- Set Specific Study Hours
Try to treat online school like a job: have “clock in” and “clock out” times. You don’t need to study from 8 to 3 every day, but you do want to create a consistent rhythm. That way, your brain gets used to when it’s time to learn and when it’s time to relax.
Make sure to share your schedule with your learning coach and teachers so they can help support your routine.
- Schedule Focus Blocks, Breaks, and Free Time
No one can stay focused for hours without a break.
Short breaks help your brain process what you’ve learned and avoid burnout. A great method to use is time blocking, which involves scheduling specific chunks of time for different types of tasks.
You may also want to try implementing the Pomodoro technique, which is a very effective time management technique. It involves scheduling focused study sessions followed by a short break.
You can schedule longer breaks throughout your day as necessary, and don’t forget to schedule in free time! Having free time is part of a healthy learning schedule and can be useful for when unexpected work or demands arise.
- Prioritize a Consistent Sleep Routine
Good, consistent sleep is the foundation of physical and mental health. It helps with memory consolidation and focus, which means it’s also an important part of learning. Children and teens need between 8-12 hours of sleep to function their best, so don’t overlook it!
Make it a goal to:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day;
- Power down screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime;
- Avoid all-nighters, your brain learns better when it’s rested!
- Test and Adjust School Schedule
Remember, your school schedule is never set in stone. Think of it as a draft or a work in progress. As you learn more about your energy levels, school workload, or new responsibilities, make adjustments. Keep what’s working and swap out what’s not.
And don’t be afraid to ask your learning coach or teacher for support. At Summit Learning Charter, you’ll also be able to count on a dedicated advisor, who can also help you build a schedule that helps you thrive.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
A well-planned school schedule is a key ingredient to doing well in online schools with flexible schedules. By building a routine that fits your learning style, daily demands, and personal goals, you’re setting yourself up for long-term academic success. It helps keep you on track and is a powerful ally to support your brain in learning.
If you’d like more advice on staying productive and tips for online students, make sure to check out our guide on how to create a good study environment for online students.
