Summer of Success Part #8: Sarah Thomas

Last week we introduced Sandeep Thomas, a sophomore at the University of Washington who wouldn’t be where he is today had it not been for online learning. Today, we’re pleased to introduce Sandeep’s youngest sibling, seven-year-old Sarah. Sarah’s passion for learning and her passion for helping...

Summer of Success Part #7: True Stories of Lives Changed by Digital Learning

This week we once again give the floor to an online student with an extraordinary story to tell. One morning in the spring of 2011 I opened my email inbox and found the letter below. At the time, Sandeep Thomas was a senior at Insight School of Washington. This spring he finished a successful freshman year...

Summer of Success Part #6: True Stories of Lives Changed by Digital Learning

For this week’s “Summer of Success” article, I’d like to revisit the inspiring story of Ace Jarasitis. I had the privilege of interviewing Ace over a year ago, but his success should be shared again and again. Please share Ace’s story in honor of the many students who need the...

Summer of Success Part #5: True Stories of Lives Changed by Digital Learning

Can online learning help special needs students succeed? For this week’s “Summer of Success” story, we give the floor to Ryan Fox, a bright, talented autistic student from Sultan, WA. Ryan first shared his story with us in the summer of 2010. He has now completed a very successful freshman year at...

Summer of Success Part #4: True Stories of Lives Changed by Digital Learning

Online learning isn’t just for the advanced student. Read below how it changed the life of a little girl who struggled with PTSD, ADHD, and learning delays. Watch and read below, and spread the word about Destiny’s story so more students can find hope and success in an excellent online education...

Summer of Success Part #3: True Stories of Lives Changed by Digital Learning

How does online learning meet the needs of academically advanced students? This week we’d like to introduce you to Riya, a bright, motivated student who wasn’t getting the challenge she needed traditional public school. Watch and read what a difference online learning has made. (And share the...

Summer of Success: True Stories of Lives Changed by Digital Learning

Digital learning is changing students’ lives by providing academic excellence and flexibility–customized to meet each unique student’s needs. Today we look at Jaden Shirley, a vivacious little girl whose health battles would prevent her from getting a good education–if it...

“Online Learning Keeps Sisters Together”

“Online Learning Keeps Sisters Together” by Rose Fernandez was originally posted by GettingSmart.com on June 23.  Two sisters from Nevada, Kaleigh and Danielle Fair, graduated from high school together the other day. As this touching video shows, the odds against these young women were...

Summer of Success: True Stories of Lives Changed by Digital Learning

Digital learning isn’t just a gimmick or a fad. It’s changing lives and making possible hopeful, promising futures for thousands of students. In this summer series, we’re going to look at examples of real lives changed by digital learning. Today, we’d like to introduce the inspiring...

Mackenzie Platt: Downtown’s Favorite Online Student

In the midst of the hectic world around them, the Platt family starts each day by sitting down to a hot breakfast and the newspaper, and the kids are no exception. That’s how Mackenzie Platt first heard about online public school. A fourth-grader brimming with potential, Mackenzie was bored in school. She...

Sandeep Thomas: A Broken Past, A Bright Future

I recently opened my email inbox and found an extraordinary story. Sandeep Thomas is a senior at Insight School of Washington. In the fall, he will begin his freshman year at the University of Washington. Having started his journey in a poor family in Bangalore, India, Sandeep’s life has been full of...

“Why Online Learning Matters” according to Ryan

With the budget crisis before us, it’s important to articulate why online learning matters. We agree that legislators need to make cuts to the budget–big cuts. But they need to be the right cuts. So why do we recommend they reconsider cutting 20 percent of funding to online learning and examine...