From Virtual Classrooms to the Film Industry: How a K12 Private Academy Alumna is Pursuing Her Passion 

Storytelling has always been a part of Zelda’s life.  

Growing up in a family of filmmakers, Zelda spent years acting in and helping create independent films before eventually deciding she wanted to step into a leading role herself. Today, the K12 Private Academy (K12PA) alumna is continuing to build a name for herself in the world of filmmaking, acting, modeling, and photography, all while pursuing her education at Columbia University. 

Zelda says the flexibility and support she found at K12 Private Academy played a major role in helping her balance academics with her creative ambitions. 

“I wanted honors coursework for college applications, but I also needed a school that would accommodate my schedule and goals,” Zelda shared. 

After attending a different online school, Zelda transferred to K12PA during her senior year to take advantage of the school’s advanced coursework opportunities. 

“I loved the classes they offered,” she said, noting courses like AP Art History, AP French, and AP Calculus as stand-out experiences. 

Her love of learning ultimately followed her into college, where she is now studying art history at Columbia University while continuing to pursue creative projects outside the classroom. 

But for Zelda, K12PA offered much more than academics.  

“It’s all about the connections,” she explained while reflecting on her experience with online learning. 

One of the things she appreciated most about K12PA was the ability to build meaningful relationships with teachers while also maintaining the flexibility to pursue filmmaking opportunities. 

“K12PA allowed me to continue filmmaking while still focusing on school,” she said. 

That balance became especially important as Zelda continued working in independent horror filmmaking, a genre she says offers a unique sense of creativity and collaboration. 

“Horror is great if you’re an independent filmmaker,” Zelda shared. “It’s not about the stars, it’s about the community.” 

Most recently, Zelda starred in “Mother of Flies”, a film that has already received positive attention from audiences. In addition to acting, she continues to work on photography, modeling, and film editing projects. 

Even as her career continues to grow, Zelda credits her educational experiences with helping shape her perspective and creative work. She shared that her studies in art history have become a valuable part of her filmmaking journey. 

“I use art history to supplement filmmaking,” she explained. 

Looking back, Zelda encourages students considering online education to find a program that supports both their academic goals and personal passions. 

“If you’re considering online school, find a program that will accommodate your needs and connect with your values,” she advised. 

She also encourages students to take advantage of opportunities to build a community in a virtual environment. 

“Take the opportunity to meet more students through things like discussion sessions,” Zelda said. 

For Zelda, success has come from embracing both creativity and connection: something she believes K12PA helped foster during an important chapter of her life. 

As she continues pursuing her future in film and the arts, her story serves as an inspiring example of how students can follow their passions while building a strong academic foundation along the way.