Zoe R.
Middle School Student
Zoe was homeschooled during the pandemic and is in eighth grade at Great Lakes Learning Academy. She enjoys caring for rescue animals, plays goalie on an all-boys soccer team, and loves traveling with her family. Zoe says, “I’m very active in a lot of different things; that's why this school really works for me.”
Enjoying Freedom and Not Feeling Rushed
When asked what she likes most about Great Lakes Learning Academy, Zoe said, “The freedom! I can do school around my soccer practices. … I try to do my work first. I get at least two or three things done, then I play soccer and then come home and do another [assignment]. I usually get my schoolwork done throughout the day. It gives me options and I don’t feel rushed.
“I try to be done before everyone gets out of school so I can see my friends. At first my friends were shocked. All of them wish they could go to school like me. They tell me how bad bullying is at [their] traditional school. I’m the only virtual school person on my soccer team.”
Zoe says her relationships with her teachers are “pretty good. I email them and they all respond. They are helpful. They leave feedback on my work. They help me if I need things corrected. They have fun on-camera LiveLesson® sessions. I was nervous attending at first, but everyone was there and made it comfortable.”
Surprise, Surprise
What surprised Zoe about our online school is “how easy it was to set up. It’s easy to submit things and do the work and go on to the next page. The classes, the LiveLesson sessions … it’s all easy and fun. You’re not freaking out about finding the submit button. It’s all right there. … I like that I can see my grades all the time and improve them. It really motivates me.”
Zoe’s favorite subjects are language arts and social studies. Her favorite place to travel is Chicago. What are Zoe’s plans for the future? “I think I want to be a marine biologist. … When I’m in high school, I really want to be a camp counselor. … They get to swim, do archery, fish, and a bunch of stuff I would really like.”
“I like how everyone here is very nice. It makes it more comfortable. They don’t seem stressed out like other teachers. They are good and seem to really like their jobs.”
— Zoe