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Linae Larson

Linae is an eight-year-old second grader at MTS Minnesota Connections Academy (MTSMCA). She lives in Richfield, Minnesota. When she grows up she wants to “make My Little Ponies and write books with my own illustrations, too. Or maybe I'll be a explorer of ALL butterflies!” Her mother tells her story below.

“Linae started Kindergarten at the local brick-and-mortar school and within two weeks we enrolled her in MTSMCA. As a result of a revision to her brick-and-mortar school’s health policy, influenced by H1N1, Linae would have missed as much school as she attended. Connections Academy allows Linae to achieve her potential without choosing education or health.

Linae is different than other first graders; she has some medical challenges-- delays in infant milestones led to dozens of medical appointments in three different states. She uses a pushchair to conserve energy before she gets too tired. She needs to avoid dairy, peanuts and glutinous foods. Linae's receptive skills are varied. Some days she will add great detail to stories, color all of the worksheet and even forget to eat a snack she's so focused! Other days she'll take a three-to-four hour nap after field trip or playgroup activity. Still other days she closely follows her brother's third grade curriculum! MTSMCA adapts to all of those days!

Linae loves science. Investigating the outdoors—animals, some insects and plants that attract butterflies are her usual pursuits. She combines her scientific accuracy and artistic talent to spin whimsical tales within a mere moment’s notice, if inclined. The variety of the curriculum has engaged Linae's imagination and curiosity, while challenging her thinking.

Linae also attends Svenska Skolan! She has embraced her Swedish heritage - folk dancing before she was five years old and now culture and language studies. She has a generous spirit—thinking of others before herself. Linae asked her friends to donate a stuffed animal in honor of her birthday. We sent 17 animals to an Arizona Children's Hospital for Operation Noah!