LEON'S ONLINE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

When homeschool student Leon transferred to a traditional public school, his rigid class schedule began to interfere with his musical studies. Connections Academy was the key to unlocking this student’s promising musical future.

Connections Academy student Leon with his violin.

Creating Opportunity

DAY IN THE LIFE OF LEON

Balancing Learning with a Passion for Music

As a high school senior at Connections Academy, Leon is using his more flexible schedule to pursue his passion for music while receiving the support he needs to transition from homeschool into online public school.

Type of Learner

HOMESCHOOL TRANSITION

FLEXIBILITY NEEDS

PURSUING PASSIONS

Learning Coach

Mother

School Schedule

7:00 a.m. — Wake up and drop off siblings at gymnastics and school
8:00 a.m. — Start the day’s courses
9:00 a.m. — Take violin lesson
10:00 a.m. — Complete additional coursework
11:00 a.m. — Eat lunch
12:00 p.m. — Wrap up lessons
2:00 p.m. — Take second violin lesson
4:00 p.m. — Work on assignments
5:00 p.m. — Teach violin lesson
7:30 p.m. — Have dinner

LEON'S STORY

Making the Transition from Homeschool to Virtual School

For many students, transferring from homeschool to a traditional brick-and-mortar school comes with challenges. Meeting new friends, adjusting to strict scheduling, and having teachers who aren’t your parents can be difficult. But for Leon, it was much simpler: as a serious music student, traditional high school meant rearranging his entire schedule. That’s when he and his parents began looking at virtual schooling options.

Image of Leon during his normal day at Connections Academy

Finding Balance Through Online Schooling

Attending an online school proved to be exactly what this busy high school student needed. Connections Academy’s flexible scheduling has allowed Leon to attend classes while pursuing his violin studies. He also has time to tend to his chores and extracurricular activities.

Unlike with homeschooling, having supportive teachers who specialize in their subject; a highly engaging curriculum; and a variety of resources, such as tutoring, message boards, and LiveLesson® sessions has helped Leon excel academically. He also has more opportunities to connect with old schoolmates and meet new, like-minded students, allowing him to gain the social and emotional skills he’ll need in the real world.

“I get to shift my work around a lot throughout the week, so I don’t have to do every subject every day. If I have Youth Symphony one night and I want to do less work and prepare more for what we’re going to do in rehearsal, I’m able to do that.”

— Leon

Leon is now in college pursuing a double major in biology and violin performance. Attending Connections Academy provided this talented, outgoing student with the ideal transition from homeschool to high school.