School on Her Terms: How K12PA Helped One Student Find Confidence, Creativity, and Career Direction 

When one high school student made the switch to K12 Private Academy, she wasn’t just looking for a new way to learn – she was looking for a school that truly wanted her to thrive. Now as a rising senior she discovered confidence, clarity, and a community that saw her potential and supported her every step of the way. 

“I definitely like online school because it provides a more flexible way to do schoolwork,” she explained, “When I did in-person school, there were times when I really struggled with retaining information and paying attention. There would be too much going on and it’s not like the teacher would go back and redo the entire lecture for one person.” 

At K12PA, she gained the freedom to revisit material and truly absorb what she was learning. 

“With online school, I’ve been able to take things at my own pace,” she said, “If I’m having a hard time, I can always come back, reread, restudy, and I found that it really helped me.” 

Mentors and Motivation 

She stays motivated in the virtual classroom by diving into courses she’s passionate about – and that passion shows. She’s currently enrolled in dual-enrollment courses to finish her elective credits early, including subjects that align with her creative strengths. 

“This semester, I took Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Animator, and also 3D modeling courses. So that’s helping to develop towards a sort of more creative career.” 

Her teacher took notice of her talent in 3D modeling and editing software like Blender and reached out with an opportunity to support other students. 

“I was asked to act as all-hours peer support,” she said. “Basically, I would write emails or make short videos overviewing assignments to help students who were struggling.” 

That experience of mentoring wasn’t just helpful for others – it boosted her confidence as well. 

“I feel really good helping other people learn. I struggled a lot when I first wanted to pick up Blender as a hobby,” she said, “But after taking this class, I feel like being able to teach other people what I’ve learned in a way that’s hopefully very easy to understand has helped me feel better about my own skill and just better in general.” 

Honored for Excellence 

Her academic achievements and leadership haven’t gone unnoticed. She’s a proud member of both the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. 

“National Technical Honor Society is more career-focused and helps develop the path I’ve chosen,” she explained. 

When asked to name a proud moment from her high school journey, she didn’t hesitate: 

“Definitely joining Honor Society but also being reached out to for tutoring. That made me really happy.” 

She is also an active member of Business Professionals of America (BPA), a national career and technical student organization that prepares students for careers in business, information technology, finance, marketing, and related fields. Through BPA, she’s developing real-world skills and building her leadership potential. 

“With BPA, I participated in the annual pin contest that they hold each year,” she shared. “I’ve also attended several of their meetings. While I didn’t win the contest, I definitely had a lot of fun making a pin design in the first place!” 

What she enjoys most are the opportunities to grow through every meeting. 

“My favorite part about being a BPA member is definitely the meetings that are held, as they are very engaging and help me learn a lot every time I attend,” she said. 

Advice for Future Online Students

She encourages other students considering online school to embrace the flexibility and make it their own: 

“Definitely keep an open mind. Take things at your own pace,” she said, “You have all the ability to be flexible – definitely use it.” 

Looking Ahead

Her goals are clear. She plans to start her college journey at a community college, then transfer to William & Mary to study marine biology. 

“I’m thinking about becoming a biologist – specifically a marine biologist.” 

Whether she’s exploring 3D modeling, preparing for a future in science, mentoring her peers, or taking on leadership roles through BPA, this student is a shining example of what’s possible when the learning environment fits the learner. 

To learn more about K12 Private Academy’s flexible and empowering online education, visit www.k12privateacademy.com.