Learner Spotlights
High School Spotlight: Sophia Beetz
Hi! My name is Sophia Beetz, and I am currently a sophomore at iLEAD Exploration. I started with iLEAD in 7th grade and am so grateful for the opportunity to…
Learner Spotlight: Julia Soukaphayvong Kong
What languages do you speak? I speak Spanish and a little bit of Mandarin. What is a family tradition that you enjoy? On Christmas we eat caramelized almonds that my…
Presentation of Learning: Timeline of the Mongol Empire
Amazed at the “power of their might,” 4th-grade iLEAD Exploration learner Theodore Yong created an entire timeline of the Mongol Empire including the succession of khans, growth of the land,…
Presentation of Learning: Music Composers Throughout the Centuries
A supremely accomplished pianist, fifth-grade iLEAD Exploration Learner, Leonardo Dinner, wanted to learn about composers through history, especially those important to those who play the piano. He decided to study…
19-Year-Old Learner With Autism Launches Successful Career As Artist
One of the most important outcomes of education is yielding adults that are independent and able to thrive economically and socially. For learners with disabilities, this is often more difficult…
Presentation of Learning: The Schwab-Anderson Family
Curiosity At Its Best: Fostering a Love of Learning through Collaboration and Art Meet the Schwab-Anderson family of iLEAD Exploration learners. Ella, grade 5, Nolan, grade 3, and Kindergartener Emeline all…
Learner Spotlight: Sebastian Ramirez
Name: Sebastian Ramirez What languages do you speak?: I speak Spanish and English. What is your favorite saying in your native language?: “Quiero ir al parque.” (I want to go…
Presentation of Learning: Victor Shea
Exploring Animal Anatomy: Biological Dissections Fifth-grade iLEAD Exploration learner Victor Shea loves cells and biology and often looks through his microscope at pond water to discover the microscopic creatures inside….
Presentation of Learning: Exploring Story Writing
iLEAD learner Fiona has been learning at home from an early age. “Biba,” as she is often called, is bilingual and speaks English and Hungarian fluently. She is currently also…
5th Grade Quadruplets Embrace Learning, Exploration and Inquiry
independent study families – especially at iLEAD Exploration – have reputations for not only embracing the available personalization, but also maximizing extended learning adventures such as field studies, play-based learning…
High School Spotlight: October Bartlett
Howdy, my name is October Bartlett, Toby for short. independent studying has always been a huge part of my life. It’s opened up so many opportunities for me to pursue…
4th Grader Showcases PBL, SEL And Learner Agency With YouTube Channel
When we hear that “learners need to own their learning,” we may get different ideas of what that looks like. We may picture a learner who is taking it upon…
4th Grader Showcases PBL, SEL And Learner Agency With YouTube Channel
When we hear that “learners need to own their learning,” we may get different ideas of what that looks like. We may picture a learner who is taking it upon…
Presentation of Learning: Create a Circuit with a Growth Mindset
Jack Mather, an eight-year-old iLEAD Exploration learner, displays a growth mindset when learning new things. Upon receiving a new LEGO set, he was delighted to discover that it came with…
Learner Spotlight: Rafa’ella Erlinda Ruelas, De La Cruz-Howard
Name: My name is Rafa’ella Erlinda Ruelas, De La Cruz-Howard What languages do you speak? The language that I speak fluently is English. Spanish was my first language but I…
Learner Spotlight: Kassandra Janis Corral
Hello, my name is Kassandra Janis Corral and I am a 17 year old senior. I’m a huge fan of Twilight, Harry Potter, and Marvel. I love to dance and…
Presentation Of Learning: Space Camp – A Project with Purpose and Perseverance
The Kennison brothers, Zach (12) and Cody (9), are learners with purpose who love to learn new things. When they realized they wouldn’t be able to attend Space Camp in…
Learner Spotlights: Presentations Of Learning
This year, we are excited to share an updated version of our Learner Spotlights called Presentations of Learning. We will be spotlighting learners along with some amazing projects that they…
Learner Spotlight: Victoria Mason
For iLEAD Exploration learner Victoria Mason’s family, independent studying is a way of life. Other than a quick stint in a brick-and-mortar school to see what the other side of…
High School Spotlight: Julianna Longhenry
Julianna’s interests in environmental causes, social justice, and music have led her to participate in many activities. She has enjoyed leadership positions in Scouts BSA, where she has led groups…
Learner Spotlight: Lusineh Nasrollahi
iLEAD Exploration learner Lusineh Nasrollahi cares deeply for the Earth and the animals and plants that live here. She is a member of the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club….
Learner Spotlight: Oscar Morales
iLEAD Exploration third grader Oscar Morales has been independent studying since kindergarten and loves it. The thing he likes most is being able to learn through real-life experiences. He and…
Learner Spotlight: Hannah Sterman
iLEAD Exploration learner Hannah Sterman, 13, embodies zest in her enthusiasm for her academics. This year, she set a goal for herself to take learning into her own hands; she…
Meet a DreamUp to Space Team Member: Grace Stumpf, Team Adzuki
DreamUp to Space is a project that challenges young people to understand and explore the impact that microgravity has on matter. Through a partnership with DreamUp, iLEAD learners in grades…