Sora Schools Accredited Online Learning for Globally Mobile Families

For families who move frequently across countries, finding a school that can travel with them is a major challenge. Sora Schools offers an accredited online programme for grades 6–12 that blends project-based learning, academic excellence, and flexibility. Students join a vibrant global community while staying on track academically—making Sora an ideal choice for expat families and globally mobile students seeking continuity, personal growth, and meaningful connections.

Far from being a digital replica of traditional schooling, Sora reimagines what education can look like in the 21st century. With students from over 47 U.S. states and 17 countries, Sora has created a truly global school that feels personal, connected, and adaptable to each family’s lifestyle.

We spoke with Senior Admissions Counsellor Skye Telka, who shares how Sora supports expat families, what sets its academic model apart, and how it prepares students not just for graduation, but for a lifetime of curiosity, adaptability, and success.

What sets Sora apart from traditional schools and other online learning platforms, especially for internationally mobile families?

Sora is not just an online version of a traditional school, nor is it the virtual school experience students had during the pandemic. It’s an accredited, project-based, mastery-driven programme that gives students real agency in their learning. For expat families, this means continuity and flexibility: students can stay on track academically no matter where in the world they move, while still being part of a vibrant community. Unlike many online programmes that are isolating, Sora emphasises relationship building through daily House meetings, dynamic clubs and student life offerings, as well as live classes where students form deep connections.

Can you share the school’s founding story? What was the vision behind reimagining education for today’s learners?

Sora Schools was founded in 2019 with the goal of reimagining traditional education. The founders believed the Industrial Revolution-era model of rigid classes, standardised tests, and rote memorisation was no longer preparing students for the modern world. They wanted to build a school where students could explore their passions, engage deeply in interdisciplinary projects, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that would serve them well in college, careers, and beyond.

Could you tell us a little about your own journey and what drew you to Sora Schools’ mission?

I have been in education for almost twenty years now: first as an educator working in Montessori classrooms and teaching environmental education, and then as a college admissions professional working with both domestic and international students. When I found Sora, I was immediately drawn in: it was what I had always hoped our education system would be. I am now in my third year at Sora schools, and am regularly impressed with the agency students are able to exercise in their own education, as well as the depth with which they can pursue their interests. I always like to joke that Sora is the Montessori Method for the 21st Century. 

Can you walk us through Sora’s academic approach? What curriculum does the school teach and how is student progress assessed?

Sora blends U.S. academic standards with interdisciplinary, project-based learning. Students take  what we call “Learning Expeditions” in STEM, humanities, and maths that explore big questions—like “How do revolutions shape culture?”—through Socratic discussion and hands-on projects. Progress is assessed using a mastery-based approach, where students demonstrate competencies at their own pace and can always revise and resubmit work. This allows us to level-set to each student’s own strengths and growth opportunities, and ensures real understanding rather than one-time performance on exams.

For many families living abroad, flexibility is key. How does Sora’s online model adapt to students in different time zones, with varying schedules and circumstances

Sora offers multiple daily time blocks, so students across continents can choose schedules that fit their lives. While all classes at Sora are live lessons taught by our faculty and attended by fellow students, the work is project-based and asynchronous, so students have the freedom to balance their academics with travel, athletics, or other commitments. Our advisors help students and families craft schedules that work across time zones.

Sora places a strong emphasis on both flexibility and academic excellence. How do you strike that balance? What does academic rigour look like in an online homeschool environment?

Flexibility comes from personalised schedules, choice in projects, and the ability to work from anywhere. Academic rigour comes from deep, hands-on inquiry and mastery-based approach. We level-set based on each student’s strength and growth opportunities, fostering a growth mindset that always encourages students to take their learning a step further. Students aren’t memorising content; they’re creating original work, engaging in Socratic discussions, conducting research, and presenting projects. Sora graduates meet all U.S. high school diploma requirements and are accepted into highly selective universities worldwide.

How do you support students with specific learning goals, whether that’s more advanced coursework, creative pursuits, or unique personal interests?

To start: Sora’s curriculum is interest driven, focusing on student passions and connecting them to daily learning goals. Through project-based learning, students form interdisciplinary connections and deep-dive into the things they are passionate about. For example, a middle school student created a mosaic of a coral reef while learning about Euclidian geometry – blending his passions for maths, art, and marine biology. Students can further tailor their journey through independent study projects, dual enrolment in university courses, and mentorships.

A high school student recently shared her project on how American Sign Language can support people with autism. This project combined work from her mentorship in psychology with  her dual enrolment classes in ASL, as well as her continued leadership of Sora’s ASL club.  To avoid students being overwhelmed by choice, each student is paired with an academic advisor – who they meet with weekly –  to ensure each student’s plan matches their goals.

Can you tell us more about Sora After School? Who are those classes for, and what kinds of opportunities do they offer students?

Sora After School and summer programmes are live, online courses for 5th–12th graders who may not be enrolled full-time. These classes let students explore passions like coding, creative writing, or debate in a flexible format. They’re a great way for families to try Sora’s style of teaching and community before committing to the full programme. They are also a great way for current Sora students to pursue extracurriculars outside of their daily school schedule.

What kinds of families tend to thrive at Sora? Could you share an example of a student or family whose unique lifestyle you have been able to support seamlessly through online homeschooling?

Part of what makes Sora so unique is its diverse community, with families coming from a variety of locations and backgrounds. Sora students tend to want more out of their education – not the cookie cutter experience found in most traditional classrooms – and the ability to be seen for their unique interests and insights. Families with globally mobile lifestyles – expats, foreign service employees, digital nomads, and those on military deployment – often thrive at Sora. For example, one student living between Atlanta and India explained that she can “take Sora with me on my travels,” staying connected to her classes and peers while pursuing her passions abroad. Our model supports athletes with intense training schedules, artists with unconventional hours, and expat families relocating across continents.

A big concern for families moving abroad is helping their children maintain a sense of community. How does Sora cultivate a sense of belonging and connection across borders?

Every student belongs to a House—a small, tight-knit community that meets daily. These Houses provide a home base for friendships, inter-house competitions, and mentorship. Students foster connection through interest-driven classes, where they share their insights through projects and Socratic discussion. Through the Heartbeat platform, they can chat with friends, faculty, join interest groups, and hop onto a zoom-based study hall to work collectively with friends. Beyond that, students can join clubs, participate in extracurriculars, and engage in events like Sora’s Got Talent and Spirit Week. Sora even organises in-person regional meet-ups and a “Sora Tour” helping families connect face-to-face.

Can you tell us more about your student-led clubs, extra-curricular activities and events?

Sora clubs are student-founded and student-led and range from anime to chess, creative writing to Dungeons and Dragons. Students can also engage in extracurriculars such as drama, debate. Student leadership opportunities abound, organising special events like homecoming and prom, giving them opportunities to collaborate, lead, and explore interests outside academics. We also work to foster place-based connections through student meet-ups, parents events, and the Sora Tour. 

For families in the midst of an international move, continuity in schooling can make all the difference. What support systems does Sora offer during the academic and emotional transition for both students and parents?

The best part about online school is that it goes where you go! When facing a big transition, it can often mean leaving behind friends, favourite teachers, and entering a complete unknown. This can bring a lot of anxiety, especially when paired with the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Even joining a new school can have pinch-points in regard to level setting and curriculum tracking, let alone the added language barriers. With Sora, we act as a point of continuity not just for your student’s education, but also for their social and emotional wellbeing. Their connections with friends remain constant, the teachers a continuing support. With a global school community, you remain connected no matter where you go, and with a school that fosters a growth mindset, we encourage your students to lean into new opportunities.

How does Sora prepare students for life after graduation? What kind of resources do you offer to help students plan their next steps?

Sora’s Life After Sora programme includes college counselling, career mentorship, and guidance on alternative paths like entrepreneurship or gap years. Students in 11th grade complete a mentorship programme in a chosen career field, and seniors finish a Capstone project showcasing their passions and skills. Graduates have gone on to universities such as Harvard, Tufts, the Rhode Island School of Design, and even Franklin University in Switzerland.

Finally, what advice would you give to families who are new to Sora or considering a transition to fully online learning?

Embrace the flexibility, but also commit to engaging with the community. The families who thrive at Sora are the ones who see it not just as a school, but as a global network of peers, advisers, and opportunities. At Sora, students have agency for the first time in their education, so it is up to them to fully engage with all the amazing opportunities available to them.

Find out more about Sora Schools and how their innovative online programme supports globally mobile families.

FAQ – Sora Schools

What grades does Sora Schools serve?

Sora Schools offers a fully accredited online programme for grades 6–12. The school provides middle and high school students with a flexible, project-based education that meets U.S. academic standards while preparing them for university, creative careers, and life beyond graduation.

How does Sora support globally mobile families?

Sora is designed for globally mobile families, including expats, digital nomads, and families relocating internationally. Because the school is entirely online, students can continue their education seamlessly from anywhere in the world. Flexible scheduling across time zones, consistent teacher and peer relationships, and a strong virtual community ensure that learning, and friendships, can travel with the family.

What is Sora’s academic approach?

Sora blends U.S. academic standards with interdisciplinary, project-based learning. Students participate in “Learning Expeditions” that explore big questions across STEM, humanities, and the arts, through hands-on projects and discussion. Progress is measured through a mastery-based assessment model, allowing each student to advance at their own pace, demonstrate understanding deeply, and revise work until they achieve mastery.

Can students participate in extracurriculars online?

Yes. Sora offers a vibrant online student life programme, including student-led clubs, events, and extracurricular activities. Students can join clubs in areas such as creative writing, chess, anime, and debate, or participate in schoolwide initiatives like homecoming, Spirit Week, and “Sora’s Got Talent.” Sora also runs after school and summer programmes open to 5th–12th graders, offering enrichment classes in coding, writing, and more. In addition, regional in-person meetups help students and families connect face-to-face.

Looking for further insights into education and expat life? Explore more articles on the MumAbroad blog for expert advice, school guides, and family resources across Europe.